THE INNER-CITY NEWS

The Five Satins’ Fred Parris Honored with Mural in Hamden

By Kirk Lang, Contributing Writer to The Inner-City News

The late Fred Parris, the Five Satins’ founder, lead singer and writer of the group’s enduring R&B/doo wop classic, “In the Still of the Night,” has been honored with a mural in Hamden.

His legacy will live on, through his music, as well as his visage on the street-facing side of the Miller Memorial Library on Dixwell Avenue.

“My heart was bursting with pride,” said Emma Parris, Fred’s widow, who attended the mural ceremony on Saturday, June 17 along with hundreds of others. “I felt very proud for Fred to have been honored with that mural. And I know, when people asked Fred how he felt about different honors, he always said he was honored and humbled, and I know he was looking down feeling that way.”

The rendering of Parris, painted by Emida Roller, is part of a larger mural effort called MLK39 – Racial Equity Mural Tour. RiseUp For the Arts, a non-profit institution, partnered with the Town of Hamden, local businesses, organizations and community members to create through fundraising and community involvement to create the mural. It is RiseUp’s 16th mural honoring Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s legacy and the goal is to place 39 murals across the state. Each mural is unique in how it celebrates diversity and cultures of the community, according to RiseUp.

Hamden’s mural pays tribute to King but also honors members of the community past and present. The artwork is made to look like books on library shelves. Those that have passed on, such as Parris, have their books front-facing, with their images on the covers, while living honorees have side-facing books with their names on the spines. The mural honors a multitude of Hamden residents, from the late Samuel Augustus Jones, Hamden’s first African American career firefighter, to Zakiyah Harris, a young woman whose 2021 debut novel, The Other Black Girl, will soon become a Hulu series. The farleft side of the mural shows a librarian reading a book to a group of children. One child, looking toward the street, is third-grader Aniya Rivera, who attended Saturday’s event. A top student, she said she was honored to be part of the mural and added, “This mural is important to me because I represent the youth of Hamden.”

“It inspires me to continue to lead by example and let my light shine, so that I might inspire other youth,” said Rivera. “We are the next generation of leaders.”

Members of the local musical community came out for the mural. Among others, attendees included Artie Dixon, a drummer who used to play for Miles Davis; Noel Gibilaro, who has backed Parris and his Satins on guitar going back to 1990; and vocalist Richie Freeman, who has been Parris’ longest serving group member. He first joined The Five Satins in 1958, six months after graduating high school.

Asked about the mural, Freeman responded, “It’s the way it should have been a long time ago, but at least it was done. Whoever thought about it, kudos to them. They finally acknowledged the man who was the nucleus of The Five Satins…and he was basically responsible for the music industry waking up to a lot of the black groups that came out of New Haven.”

Longtime doo wop deejay Jim “The Curator” Santa Barbara, who has a radio show on WESU, and had Parris as a guest on his show a few times, said to this reporter before the event kicked off at noon, “I’m thrilled for Fred.”

He added, “His song, ‘In the Still of the Night,’ was certainly a memorable song that will live on forever. It’s a song that has become part of Americana and it’s a song that we’ll keep in our hearts forever.”

Also in attendance at the mural ceremony was 91-year-old Pat Dillon, who attends St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in New Haven, of which Fred and Emma Parris were also parishioners. The Parrises and Dillon often sat next to one another during Sunday services.

“I didn’t know she was going to be there,” said Emma, ‘And she happened to be sitting right behind me. And she said there were no other seats when she arrived, and that’s where they let her sit. And I just kind of thought, and she felt the same way, like Fred kind of orchestrated that from above.”

Kirk Lang, a graduate of Southern Connecticut State University, has contributed boxing and music-related pieces to this publication over the years. When the pandemic struck, he established EarlyRnB.com to honor and profile the R&B stars of yesteryear.

photos courtesy of Kirk Lang.

Today’s Special: Deari’e’s Surf & Turf

by LISA REISMAN

Talk about a dream summer internship. Deari’e Allick, who’s 14 and a student in culinary arts at Eli Whitney Tech, spent the last two months whipping up dishes that range from lamb chops with smashed potatoes to the Pineapple Bowl to, on a recent afternoon, Surf & Turf.

Her boss is her father De’Ari Allick, owner of Dope N Delicious, a pocketsized joint specializing in southern comfort food, seafood, and soul food at 300 Dixwell Ave. De’Ari learned to cook from his mother Audrey Maysonet. De’Ari passed it on to Deari’e.

“It’s like she gets to see her dream so she can take the torch and move forward with it,” he said, as Deari’e (pronounced deeAh-ree-ay) set a piece of steak on the grill in the brightly lit kitchen.

“The meat is gonna take the longest to cook,” she said, pivoting to the cutting board where she chopped a few stalks of asparagus before setting them on the grill. Deari’e said she’s been cooking for as long as she can remember. “I feel very comfortable in the kitchen, like this is something I know I can do,” she said. She’s been assisting Allick ever since he began selling meals out of the Westville Manor housing projects in 2019.

“That’s how we got established,” he said, as Deari’e slid half ears of corn into a pot of boiling water. “It went from us selling two dinners, Pineapple Bowls and seafood platters, to us getting our first place in Bridgeport and that brought us here.”

For the last dozen years, Allick has been on another quest. In June 2011, his older brother Donell, a Hillhouse basketball star who played for Providence College and Louisiana Tech, was gunned down in an apartment in the Beaver Hills neighborhood.

Around that time, De’Ari, himself a decorated shooting guard at Hillhouse, started the Stop the Violence, Start the Love Basketball Tournament, as part of his nonprofit Fearless Builders, which seeks to steer New Haveners out of trouble.

“We’re losing friends every day,” he said at a panel discussion on stemming the tide of violence he organized at Stetson Library in 2014. He was 25.

“We’re burying friends, we’re burying family members… I’m in the middle era, from all the young kids to all the older people. I feel like my era, my age bracket needs to come out and step out more. So this is me taking a step in bravery, to liberate my peers.”

To that end, Allick, who was selected by Connecticut Magazine as a “40 Under 40” influential figure in 2018, was spearheading comedy shows, youth festivals, and benefit concerts. He also founded the Fearless Youth Academy, a summer camp for kids in his community with a focus

on entrepreneurship and hobby development.

“The good thing about our camp was kids got hot breakfast, bacon and eggs, hot lunch, fresh food that me and my moms always cooked,” he said, a siren sounding from the street. “It made me realize how many kids don’t get a good meal.”

In early 2020, Allick heard about an opportunity to open a restaurant at 1500 Reservoir Ave. in Bridgeport.

“I just decided to take a chance,” he said, as Deari’e set pieces of pre-seasoned shrimp on the grill, then sponged down the counter and replaced a few ingredients in the industrial refrigerator.

“Clean as you go,” she said. “Learned it during my freshman year, and learned it here from my dad.”

At that moment, De’Ari Jr., 7, emerged from the back area and stood at a distance, watching the proceedings.

The Bridgeport business, De’Ari Sr. said, “was struggling during Covid and was trying to keep things going, so they brought us in as a partnership and we started off from there.”

That meant there was already a full kitchen. “Everything was set up for me to succeed,” he said. “I told my partners [James Nelson and Kiwa Bolden] that I’m going for it, this is something that I don’t think will come again.”

It went well. “I liked the peace of mind of having a place,” he said.

While delivering for Slocum & Sons, a wine and liquor distributor, around that time, he noticed a For Rent sign in the window of 300 Dixwell.

one time,” he said. By then Deari’e had sliced the beef and was arranging the strips over a bed of rice and beside the asparagus and shrimp.

“We never had that overflow and rush when we were in Bridgeport. But it just forced us to work a little harder, be a little better, get up a little earlier.”

Since then, “we’re expanding, we’re elevating,” he said, with eater.com recently naming Dope N Delicious one of 13 essential dining destinations in New Haven, as well as a back area he created for outside dining.

“So they wouldn’t have to deal with the street traffic,” Allick said.

There, in the sanctuary-like space, David James was enjoying steak over eggs while reading “The Marathon Don’t Stop: The Life and Times of Nipsy Hustle.” “De’Ari is doing a real good job,” said James, an old friend of Allick’s. “It’s awesome. It’s good for the community. A lot of his friends come and eat and enjoy his food. It’s a nice spot for everyone to hang out.”

The challenge, Allick said, “is they’re gentrifying all over, so it’s a lot of confusion of what direction the community is going.”

With that comes a sense of instability. “We don’t own the building, so the landlord can sell once Yale comes at them,” he said, watching Deari’e add the seafoodbased, umami-rich D n D sauce. “If Yale comes at you with $1.5 million, and you value us at $400,000, you’re going to take that.”

He thanked Alder Troy Streater for his ongoing support. (In a separate interview, Streater praised Allick’s efforts. “Who better to represent this area than De’Ari, who was born and raised here?”)

That’s how Allick views it, it seems. “I see this as an opportunity to reinvest in this community while bringing delicious food,” he said.

That, and, “bringing awareness to violence and being pro-active and having preventative efforts put into place, and that’s our basketball tournament,” he said. “That’s programming, that’s mentorship, that’s being there for our youth.”

If Deari’e’s creation was any indication, Allick is succeeding, from the steak, with its tender juicy interior and crust charred to perfection; to the shrimp, succulent and enlivened by a hint of rosemary. With the corn and asparagus absorbing their flavor, the dish as a whole evoked the rich comfort of grandmother Audrey Maysonet’s kitchen.

“This is about having a business that feeds my neighbors good food and disrupting generational cycles of violence,” he said.

They moved in May 2020, and opened as a take-out spot three months later.

“It did better than I expected, but we weren’t used to 20 orders coming in at

That starts with everyone Allick can reach in his Dixwell neighborhood, but especially with Deari’e. “She’s a natural,” he said.

David James, Deari'e Allick, De'Ari Allick Jr., De'Ari Allick, and James Nelson on a recent afternoon at Dope N Delicious.

Deari'e preparing the corn.

The new haven independent

Classroom Teacher Vacancies Reach 84

by MAYA MCFADDEN

With two weeks to go before the start of the school year, New Haven’s public school district has 84 classroom teacher positions still open — a vacancy number that is down from 106 earlier this week.

On Thursday morning, New Haven Public Schools (NHPS) spokesperson Justin Harmon told the Independent via email that the district has 84 vacancies among classroom teacher spots.

Harmon’s update followed a vacancyfocused presentation that Supt. Madeline Negrón gave on Monday at her third Board of Education meeting, a month into her new role as the district’s leader.

The regular biweekly Board meeting was hosted at Barack Obama School on Farnham Avenue and on Zoom. Attending the meeting in person were Board members Matt Wilcox, John Carlos Serana Musser, Justin Elicker, Yesenia Rivera, Darnell Goldson, and OrLando Yarborough III. Attending on Zoom were members Edward Joyner and Abie Benitez. Similar to other school districts around the nation, Negrón said during the meeting, NHPS continues to deal with staffing shortages. The district’s vacancy numbers change daily as the human resources department has recently begun tracking departures and new arrivals in real time.

As of Monday, the district had 256 va-

cancies.

Of that number, two of the vacancies are for administrators (Hillhouse principal and assistant principal at East Rock School), 106 are for classroom teachers, 37 are for non-classroom teachers, 52 are for assistant teachers and paraprofessionals, and 59 are for non-instructional staffers.

“I do want to celebrate the fact that that number [of classroom teacher vacancies] would have been 166. It is 106 because 60 elementary-level vacancies were filled

by teachers from our ‘grow our own’ approach to recruitment that we do in partnership with Southern Connecticut State University,” Negrón said. As Harmon pointed out on Thursday, that 106 vacancy number is now down to 84.

At Monday’s meeting the Board approved a vote allowing Negrón to make school staff hires without having to wait two weeks for Board approval until the Board’s next meeting scheduled to happen three days before the start of the school year.

Those 60 elementary teachers began as non-certified employees until they were provided with financial support from NHPS ESSER funds to work toward their teaching certification, which began two years ago. They worked during that time under a Durational Shortage Area Permit (DSAP), receiving teacher salaries. The vacancy numbers have increased from a reported 193 vacancies in March. Last September the district reported having 70 – 80 teacher vacancies compared to the 106 vacancies reported Monday as the start of the school year approaches.

Negrón added that the district is taking proactive measures like preparing for the 12 educators who will take an extended leave at the start of the year. Those educators’ classrooms are being filled with degree-holding long term substitute teachers, Negrón said. The district’s priority shortage areas remain in math, science, and special education. These roles have proven to be the hardest to fill areas, as they have represented more than half of the vacancy numbers in recent years.

In grade 7 – 12 math, there are 17 vacancies, in 7 – 12 science, there are 10 vacancies; and in special education, there are 19 vacancies.

The schools with the most vacancies as

4 Police Recruits Sworn In

by THOMAS BREEN

Four police recruits with cops in their families and roots in the Greater New Haven area raised their right hands and swore to live up to the responsibilities of their profession — before heading off for training in Waterbury, and hoped-for careers in New Haven.

On Monday afternoon, Mayor Justin Elicker and Police Chief Karl Jacobson hosted a swearing in ceremony for those four recruits with the New Haven Police Department.

Those four cops to-be will now head to Waterbury’s police academy for 20 weeks of training before returning to New Haven for 12 weeks working the beat with a field training officer. If they complete all of that, they’ll then be full-fledged cops in New Haven.

Jacobson said that these four recruits are heading to Waterbury for training because New Haven’s police department doesn’t currently have a class in session. “We’re hoping to have a huge class” in October, he said.

According to the city’s latest monthly financial report, at the end of June, the police department had 60 vacancies among

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a sergeant in New Haven, Martin Feliciano. “He set a good example,” Rodriguez said about his uncle. “I want to follow in his footsteps,” Lopez said about his father’s work as a Bridgeport cop.

Massey-Simmons was the only one of the four with no police officer in his immediate family. He also was the only one of the four born and raised and living in New Haven. He said he wants to become a New Haven police officer to serve the city he calls home.

“The City of New Haven holds officers to the highest standards,” Elicker said in opening remarks before Monday’s swearing in ceremony. “You’re not only a New Haven police officer when you’re at work, but also when you’re” off the clock.

“This is the greatest profession in the world,” Jacobson said. And a challenging one.

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fully funded sworn positions, from officer to captain. Click here to read about the department’s latest hiring efforts.

The four recruits sworn in on Monday included John Brunetti, 26, of West Haven; Aisaiah Rodriguez, 22, of Milford; William Massey-Simmons, 24, of New Haven’s Westville neighborhood; and

Eric Lopez, 29, of Hamden. Brunetti, Rodriguez, and Lopez each said that they were inspired to become a New Haven police officer because of a family member who has served in law enforcement. Brunetti’s dad was a cop in West Haven. Lopez’s dad was a police officer in Bridgeport. Rodriguez’s uncle is

He said that city police played basketball in a community tournament in the Hill on Saturday, and then responded to a “tragic incident” at a domestic violence homicide in Newhallville on Sunday. That’s the range of experiences city police should expect. Key to succeeding in this work, he said, is “embracing the community.”

The Inner-City Newspaper is published weekly by Penfield Communications, Inc. from offices located at 50 Fitch Street, 2nd Floor, New Haven, CT 06515. 203-387-0354 phone; 203-3872684 fax. Subscriptions:$260 per year (does not include sales tax for the in State subscriptions). Send name, address, zip code with payment. Postmaster, send address changes to 50 Fitch Street, New Haven, CT 06515. Display ad deadline Friday prior to insertion date at 5:00pm Advertisers are responsible for checking ads for error in publication. Penfield Communications, Inc d.b.a., “The Inner-City Newspaper” , shall not be liable for failure to publish an ad or for typographical errors or errors in publication, except to the extent of the cost of the space in which actual error appeared in the first insertion. The Publisher reserves the right to refuse advertising for any reason and to alter advertising copy or graphics deemed unacceptable for publication. The entire contents of The Inner-City Newspaper are copyright 2012, Penfield Communications, Inc. and no portion may be reproduced by any means without the written permission of the publisher.

MAYA MCFADDEN FILE PHOTO Superintendent Madeline Negrón.

THOMAS BREEN PHOTO

Newly sworn in police recruits John Brunetti, Aisaiah Rodriguez, William Massey-Simmons, and Eric Lopez on Monday.

The new haven independent

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Black Wall Street Lifts Up Black Businesses

by ELEANOR POLAK

The New Haven Green swarmed with tents. Music boomed from the loudspeakers, covering everything from “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” by Tears for Fears to “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)” by Shakira. The air hung heavy and sweet with the scent of fried dough and freshly-applied sunscreen. The second annual Black Wall Street Festival had begun.

Two of the founders of the festival, Rashad “Snacks” Johnson and city Director of Arts, Culture & Tourism Adriane Jefferson, started the event last year as a way to promote Black-owned businesses.

“Our goal was to bring everybody together and really circulate the dollar and give Black businesses a chance to vend,” said Johnson.

The first year, the festival featured 30 vendors, who earned a combined $100,000 by selling their wares. For vendors, in addition to the money they earn upfront, the festival offers an opportunity to build their customer base by spreading awareness of their existence. “There was a vendor last year who literally didn’t have a store,” said Johnson. “He built so much clientele at Black Wall Street that now he has his own store.”

This year, the number of participants swelled to a massive 150 vendors and exhibits. “It’s just going to continue to grow,” said Jefferson. “We had to turn people away. But as long as there are more Black businesses, it will continue to grow.”

One such business is The Trachouse, a hair salon that also sells its own line of products. Ruby Douglas, who volunteered at the tent, said that Black Wall Street provided the perfect opportunity for The Trachouse to broaden its market. “We’re Black owned, and it’s a great way to get out there and promote our business,” she said.

Tayema Barton, a client, sat under the tent getting a stitch braid demonstration from Silver Daniels, an employee. Barton said that businesses like The Trachouse build up confidence and keep the community “looking good and feeling good.” Black Wall Street “brings us together for a positive reason, and it gives us a chance to share each other’s ideas,” she said.

Stalls around the Green sold items from clothes, jewelry, and candles to household appliances as big as ovens or as small as water bottles. Sandra Enimil ran the tent for Pretty Afrika Designs, a clothing and jewelry boutique that she owns with her mother. Her mother sews, Enimil beads jewelry, and they curate certain items from Ghana and Kenya. “My business communicates culture in that my mother is an immigrant from Ghana,” said Enimil. “She pulls from her background to pass on an interest in making things that represent Ghana and Africa.” Enimil took advantage of Black Wall Street to promote

Pretty Afrika Designs to a wider audience. “It gets our name out to people who may not find us otherwise,” she said. Other booths offered opportunities rather than wares. Stephanie Mallard helmed the booth for ConnCAT, where she works as career pathways manager. Among its many services, ConnCAT currently offers after-school programs and free training in phlebotomy, medical billing and coding, culinary arts, and bioscience. “When we found out about Black Wall Street, the thought was we need every opportunity to come and share what we have to offer,” said Mallard. “This festival helps the community because it gives us a day when we can all come out and support each other’s businesses, each other’s dreams.”

Along one side of the Green, food stalls perfumed the air with smells that would make your stomach growl. From fried dough to kettle corn to donuts, there was something for every appetite. Anita McLean owns Many Donuts, a business that sells “many donuts and tops them with many flavors.” She said that attending Black Wall Street helped her business by providing an opportunity for “interacting with the public, seeing the people, and giving them something they haven’t tried before.”

A flock of women in red shirts flooded the area in front of the stage. They represented the 40+ Double Dutch Club, an organization for women over 40 focused on “fun female fellowship,” according to one member, Woody H. The 40+ Double Dutch Club provides activities like hopscotch and hula-hooping to get people moving and encourage them to build one another up. Members from chapters all over the country New Haven, Philadelphia, Delaware County, New Jersey, Texas, Boston, Maryland, Virginia, and more coalesced to provide their support and energy to Black Wall Street. Host Slay Washington called four people to the front of the crowd to participate in a dance battle for a mysterious prize. The competition ran to a second round between 40+ Double Dutch members Charisse and Toot, who danced to a series of songs including “Poison” by Bell Biv DeVoe. Eventually, Toot took home the prize of two tickets from Avelo Airlines. The members then showed off their double dutch skills by skipping rope and showcasing a variety of tricks, like the onefoot, the round-the-world, and the walk-it.

Much like the 40+ Double Dutch Club, Black Wall Street is all about community and mutual support. James Nicholas from the Black Business Alliance took the stage to share a few words with the stilldancing crowd. “The energy is just ecstatic, it’s electric!” he declared. Black Wall Street was full of that energy, whether through dancing, music, skipping rope, or vending. “This year you can see the festival has grown, and that is exactly what we do,” Nicholas said. “We help you grow.”

Rashad "Snacks" Johnson and Adriane Jefferson

Silver Daniels does Tayema Barton's hair.

Anita McLean.

Charisse and Toot compete in a dance battle.

Woody H. with fellow members of the 40+ Double Dutch Club.

The new haven independent

Opinion: Literacy Is The Link To Our Students’ Future

by NHPS SUPT.

DR. MADELINE NEGRÓN |

When a child learns to read, they unlock an entire new world of possibilities in both learning and in life. Conversely, if a child does not learn to read or remains a struggling reader, difficulty and challenge are likely to follow.

A high school diploma. A college degree. A good-paying, high-skilled job. A life of opportunity. So much of this is tied to whether or not a student has strong literacy skills. The impact is that profound.

A child’s elementary schooling is where the foundation of language and literacy are built. Unless students learn to read by the end of third grade, they are highly likely to remain struggling readers and suffer academic difficulties across all subjects. Studies have also shown a direct correlation between third grade reading proficiency and high school graduation. Therefore, the transition for students from learning to read to reading to learn is critical for their lifelong success.

As a 28-year educator I have worked with children all along the reading development continuum and have seen firsthand the impact high quality language and literacy instruction can have on the most struggling readers. As a child, I moved from Puerto Rico to Connecticut at the age of ten, I couldn’t speak, read or write English. I did not get the support I needed in school to become literate in English, and for years I struggled.

I know what it’s like to feel lost in the classroom, to feel unsuccessful in school, to fear that your academic and future success is in jeopardy.

In New Haven and across the country, too many of our students are struggling just like I did – and the pandemic and learning loss that resulted from it has fur-

ther exacerbated this challenge.

On the most recent state assessment, 16 percent of our third graders and 24 percent of our third to eighth graders met or exceeded grade level expectations in English Language Arts. Nationally, reading proficiency scores have remained stubbornly low and recently declined to their lowest level in decades.

While assessment scores are only one measure of student success, they are deeply concerning and not what any of us want for our students. However, what I also know from my experience as an educator and as a student is that these

numbers do not reflect the abilities, capacities and efforts of our children and educators. They reflect students in need of more effective instruction, families in need of stronger guidance, educators in need of additional support and a system in need of change.

For all these reasons, a deep, continual and concerted focus on language and literacy will be a top priority for New Haven Public Schools (NHPS) moving forward.

The good news is we’re headed in the right direction. Here’s why.

First, New Haven Public Schools is

implementing a new early literacy curriculum that is now evidenced-based and anchored in the Science of Reading. It was piloted in multiple schools last year and the initial results and feedback from teachers has been very promising. Our teachers and literacy coaches have received initial training (with much more to come) and this newly adopted structured literacy approach will be launched in all our elementary schools at the start of this school year.

Second, we’re providing our students with additional instruction and more time on task to support their learning

and literacy skills. Through New Haven Public School’s Summer of Fun learning program, hundreds of students have received an additional four weeks of academic support – and, prior to that, our Saturday Success Academy did the same throughout the school year. We will continue these initiatives moving forward.

Third, we’re working in collaboration with our nonprofit and community partners to support our most struggling elementary students. The New Haven Tutoring Initiative, a joint multi-year effort by the City of New Haven, a consortium of local nonprofits and NHPS, is leveraging trained staff and volunteers to provide high-dosage weekly tutoring to hundreds of elementary school students through existing summer and afterschool programs as well as hosting Family Literacy Nights to provide parents with information, materials and training to help support their child’s reading at home.

The New Haven Free Public Library also organized a summer reading challenge encouraging families to read at least 20 minutes per day and also provided additional tutoring to help stop the summer learning slide when our students are not in schools.

This is indeed an all-hands-on-deck effort and the challenge before us is a significant one. It will take time, resources and a sustained commitment from students, caregivers, educators and the community.

However, our students and teachers deserve nothing less.

Together, through language and literacy, we will write New Haven Public School’s next chapter of excellence and help unlock the promise of our young people and our city for generations to come. Let’s get to work.

Dr. Madeline Negrón is the superintendent of the New Haven Public Schools (NHPS) district.

Peggy Moore Named Interim Hillhouse Principal

by LAURA GLESBY

For the second time in the last two years, Peggy Moore will serve as Hillhouse High School’s temporary principal while administrators look for a permanent replacement.

The Board of Education convened for a regular meeting at Barack Obama Magnet University School on Farnham Avenue Monday, one month after Mark Sweeting who served as Hillhouse’s principal for the last year, with a rocky beginning announced his resignation. On Monday, the board unanimously voted to approve Moore’s appointment as Hillhouse’s interim principal.

Though she retired from the school district in 2013, Moore has continued to fill gaps in school leadership positions since. She previously served as interim principal of Hillhouse for a handful of months in the spring of 2022. Before that, in 2019, she served as the interim leader of Barnard Environmental Studies Inter-District Magnet School.

Moore will return to the Hillhouse interim role on Tuesday.

“She has the trust of the people there and I want to make sure they have the very best as we continue to search,” said New Haven Public Schools (NHPS) Supt.

Madeline Negrón.

Mayor Justin Elicker observed “how lucky we are to have Peggy Moore, who is always willing to step up through her retirement to help us with transitions.”

Moore spent over three decades working in New Haven Public Schools before retiring. Her last several years were spent serving as the principal of Wilbur Cross High School from 2010 to 2013. In that role, she expanded AP courses and credit retrieval opportunities for students. She garnered ire for dissolving a student political club in the wake of a protest critical of the school’s administration, nullifying the results of a student election, and disbanding the student council.

The board also learned that the district’s newly-appointed transportation director, Lashell Rountree, is resigning and will leave her position on Sept. 8. Rountree started in the role this past June.

“I’m a little disappointed,” said Board of Education member Darnell Goldson. He turned to Negrón. “What’s your expectation for filling that position?”

Negrón replied that the district has already posted the job listing and is aware of a handful of candidates interested in the position. “We don’t anticipate any issues starting [the school year] on Thursday” as a result of Rountree’s resignation, she added.

MELISSA BAILEY FILE PHOTO Newly tapped Interim Hillhouse Principal Peggy Moore.

MAYA MCFADDEN FILE PHOTO Supt. Madeline Negrón, at Troup School in July.

New Teaching Artists "Emerge" From The Woodwork

Lucy Gellman

The first time artist Anika Stewart stepped into a classroom to teach, she realized there was a whole social and emotional toolkit she had never learned—and that she desperately needed to get through a summer with middle schoolers. Then she got the chance to work with poet and teaching artist Shanna Melton. Six months later, she feels more prepared to design a curriculum and respond to students' needs in real time than she ever has before.

That's the idea behind "Emerge," a new training program from Arts for Learning Connecticut (AFLCT) and The Teaching Artist Hub that pairs aspiring teaching artists with mentors already in the field. Tuesday evening, the two organizations graduated their first cohort of mentees over rice, plantains, roasted veggies and empanadas at Madeline's Empanaderia, in a laughter-studded celebration that felt like it could have gone all night.

Pairs include Bennie Pharr IV and mentor Rob Santos, Anika Stewart and mentor Shanna Melton, Katiana Jarbath Smith and mentor Aisha Nailah, Maeve Cunningham and mentor Anthony DePoto, and Nomblé Tanner and mentor Kim Van Aelst. After graduating, all five mentees are now part of AFLCT's roster, from which it pulls and commissions teaching artists for projects during the year. In its first year, the program was funded by a New Haven Cultural Vitality Grant, AFLCT and Oddfellows Playhouse in Middletown. It will open applications for a second year in September.

"There were no open doors that we could find, so if we didn't have that, we wanted to create it," said Lanea Collins, creative director of the Teaching Artist Hub. "It's so often who you know and the experience that you have. This came out of the desire to create a path."

The program has been over a year in the making. Last year, AFLCT Education Manager Alex Novak Foster was in the midst of interviewing teaching artist candidates when she started seeing a trend: lots of artists wanted to teach, but didn't specifically have the skills to step confidently into the classroom. There also wasn't a dedicated place for them to learn it—particularly if they came from a background outside of education.

That meant that hundreds of would-be teaching artists had no way to learn their craft. Something clicked in Novak Foster's mind. AFLCT already had access to teaching artists. The Hub, meanwhile, could connect the organization with the people who so badly wanted to learn. She and Collins realized that if they worked together, the program could take flight. Novak Foster also noted that the two wanted to make the state's boundaries, which often leave artists in municipal silos, seem more porous.

"We were mentoring each other in our

mentorship," Collins said with a gentle smile, waiting to bite into a sweet potato empanada until she had finished her thought.

Tuesday, both mentors and mentees praised the program, offering feedback between bites of sweet, fried plantain, cheeseburger and curried potato empanadas, grilled veggies and fresh-squeezed lemonade. Stewart, who worked closely with Melton, recalled entering the program unsure of what to expect, and coming out feeling like she was ready to take on a classroom as a teaching artist still growing into herself.

person professional development, time observing an artist-mentor in the field, the creation and implementation of lesson plans and multiple "debrief meetings" with multiple program facilitators. Stewart was in.

"I learned all mentorship through Shanna," she said Tuesday, as a bowl of steaming tostones appeared magically on each table. Over six months, Stewart had the chance to watch Melton teach at Housatonic Community College and facilitate her long-running poetry and writing workshops. As she watched and listened, Stewart said, she learned how to build a curriculum that was socially and emotionally responsive and culturally competent. Now, she thinks of herself as a teaching artist. When the Justice Education Center tapped her for a second year of teaching, she felt ready—and even excited—to get back into the classroom. This month, she finished her second year with the camp feeling self-confident.

The program, it seems, has been just as rewarding for mentors. Melton, who worked for years in Bridgeport as a classroom educator before she was a teaching artist, said she was grateful for the chance to teach a fellow artist about the art of teaching. After working for both the Bridgeport Board of Education and Housatonic, it gave her a different opportunity to stretch her skill set. "I loved it," she said.

“She wasn't hard to nurture," she added of Stewart with a gentle smile. "She came in with a gift, and I was glad to nurture it."

Pharr, who is a creative writer and recording artist, also praised Emerge for giving him the skills to confidently step into the classroom. For years, he's wanted to teach youth, but been unsure how to get a foot in the door, design a lesson plan, or run a workshop with a predetermined structure in mind. Then he applied for Emerge.

"The interest was always there, I just didn't know what that would look like," he said. His day job is in homelessness outreach, meaning that the art of his craft can sometimes feel far away, even for him. "How do you teach something that hasn't been taught to you?"

points throughout the night, said that one of his proudest moments was watching Pharr insist that he wasn't ready to teach, and then step forward and completely captivate a classroom with what he'd learned. He was able to hone those skills, Pharr said, while teaching a workshop with Sharmont "Influence" Little.

That's good news for the program, which will be returning with a second cohort after applications open this fall.

Tuesday, AFLCT Executive Director John-Michael Parker announced to cheers and applause that it has received funding for at least one more cycle.

Novak Foster said that support comes from AFLCT, Young Audiences Arts for Learning Affiliate Development Fund, the City of New Haven Creative Arts Advancement Program and the International Association of New Haven.

Before the end of the night, Collins and Novak Foster both rose with framed certificates for each of the mentees. Trying not to get emotional, Collins recalled an early meeting where "everyone"—mentors and mentees alike—communicated that they had some fear of failure. "Are you still feeling that way now?" she asked.

"For me, I have a better understanding of what I'm walking into," Pharr answered.

"I feel like when I move around youth now, I'm more comfortable in my skin," added Smith, who moments before had noted how Nailiah had taught her to work with a lesson plan and get out of her head when teaching visual art. "We're allowed to pivot and adjust and adapt."

Stewart nodded and chimed in from across the room. "For me, the fear is never going to go away—but the tools are also never going to go away." Her paintings, which are currently on view at Madeline's, peeked out from above her head as she spoke.

For her, it came as a joy and a relief. The year before, she had joined the Justice Education Center to teach at a summer arts camp at James Hillhouse High School. Students, who hailed from around greater New Haven, were in middle and high school. While she enjoyed teaching, she sometimes felt like she didn't know what she was doing.

"Morally, I did not have the toolbox to teach those kids," she said. "I felt like I had done them a disservice."

Then she learned about Emerge, which was still in its nascent stages. In its first year, the program offered remote and in-

When he was paired with Santos, he was initially confused. Santos, he explained, is "outgoing," bubbly and expressive (Tuesday, it seemed that every sentence he spoke came with choreography, as if the night were an epic slam poem). He wasn't. Then he realized that facilitators knew exactly what they were doing: Santos helped "bring my personality out and bring it into the classroom."

Over the summer, Pharr worked with Santos at Horizons, a six-week summer program for eighth graders at Sacred Heart University. For weeks, he watched Santos teach 18 students, carefully studying his approach until he felt ready to take over a class.

Santos, who got verklempt at multiple

The program is still very much a work in progress, she said: AFLCT and the Teaching Artist Hub are both taking feedback, from more in-person mentorship to a chance for both mentors and mentees to meet in groups during the program. Just before she handed them out, Collins beamed, the frames glinting in her hand. "This has just been a joy to see the growth of every one of you," she said. "This is why we did this.”

As she began to tidy up at the bar, Madeline’s owner Hazel Lebron said that gatherings like Tuesday’s are exactly why she founded the space, a restaurant that has since become a collective, coffee shop, art gallery and small business incubator.

“It’s really nice to grow into the arts community,” she said. “It just feels right, because that’s what this space is meant for—to be a part of this.”

Stewart at Tuesday's dinner. She had high praise for the program, which will begin its second cycle in October. Lucy Gellman Photos.

Katiana Jarbath Smith, Shanna Melton and Lanea Collins.

Members of the cohort who were there Tuesday included Pharr and Santos (in the back) as well as Melton, Smith, Stewart, and Nailah.

From a 4-year-old orphan to an international

Having Fun Is Her Official Business

by Juliette Lao, The Arts Paper newhavenarts.org

On a regular weekday during the school year, you'll find Tracie Ormond in the main office at New Haven Academy, where she is often the first face students see. But by night, Ormond has begun to grow her interest in giving back, one meticulously planned party and event at a time.

Ormond is the founder of "How Much Fun Would You Like To Have?" a new event planning company that grew out of her love for organizing in the community. This year, she has formally gone into business, with a mission to officially bring more fun to New Haven and its surrounding towns.

"I really enjoy serving people,” she said. “You know, not all people believe servitude has its place, but it does. In order to even desire a thing right and understand what it takes to acquire that desire is the point of view you don’t really analyze. If a person is able to see someone else’s point of view and be able to have some sympathy and some empathy looking at it from another point of view will be able to serve well."

Born in Ayden, North Carolina and raised between North Carolina and Hamden, Ormond has always taken a community-oriented approach to her work. After arriving in Hamden as a third grader, she became involved in the Girl Scouts of Connecticut. It was there that she enrolled in their double dutch program, learned to focus, and became a “team player,” she said. She also

practiced it at home, with a twin sister, Stacy Ormond Samuel, who taught her to listen to the specific needs of every person.

When she turned 19, Ormond started her first job as a double dutch coordinator with the Girl Scouts of Connecticut (the program, called “ Double Dutch Double Fun,” appears to have since been discontinued). It fostered her love for engaging with youth. Outside of work, she also nurtured that passion for giving back within her church, where she joined volunteer efforts to give out food and work with the elderly.

When she started looking for permanent work with young people, the New Haven Public Schools seemed like a perfect fit. And it was: this fall will mark her 28th year working in the district.

Meanwhile, she also became a doting mom to two sons, Jacarie and Jaylyn. When they were young, Ormond knew she would have to figure out their different personalities in order to keep them entertained, she said. As she created events for her two kids, her friends and neighbors took note. It led to casual event planning for her family, neighbors and for her church community.

At some point, Ormond realized that if she could plan events for friends and family, “I could most definitely offer those services for any one who seeks it.” She decided to go into business by herself, creating an LLC and working alongside the Connecticut Women’s Business Development Council. She has now officially been in business for a

year and a half.

The name was inspired by her two children, whom she described as “walking on the beat of their own drum.” Last May, Jacarie graduated from Johnson and Wales University with a business administration degree. With an interest in graphic design, which he is now pursuing in graduate school, he created her logo, and is now in the process of creating her business website. Meanwhile, Jaylyn is pursuing a business degree at Plymouth State University in New Hampshire. Ormond said she feels blessed and happy to have her sons working alongside her as she creates this family-run business.

She also sees the business as a new "branch" or extension of her day job as

by Ben Ebuka, Face2FaceAfrica.com

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.

an administrative assistant at New Haven Academy, a position she has held for nine years. As a veteran of the New Haven public schools—Ormond has been at NHA for nine years but with the district for over 27—she assists with communication, answering calls, filing records, and finding “who needs what and who has done what."

“I really enjoy serving people,” she said. “I’m thankful I’m able to do my job at ease, it’s like second nature.”

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.

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.

Asked about the business, New Haven Academy principals Greg Baldwin and Meredith Gavrin said that she embodies the spirit of the school in everything she does, and are excited for her new venture. Gavrin said that her energy makes a difference in the space, particularly because she is the first face students see each day. She pointed to the number of students who seek her out for support, because they feel safe with her.

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.

and the venue unresponsive. Gist remembered watching Ormond snap into action, and reshape the event on the fly.

“Some things happen for a reason,” Gist remembered Ormond telling her. “It's not the end of the world although it feels like a disaster right now.” Gist moved the party to her home, and it went off without a hitch. She has since booked Ormond for other events.

As she builds the business, Ormond said she would like to see it become a self-sufficient operation with faithful clientele. In an ideal world, she said, the business would help support her as she moves into retirement. Her greatest aspiration, however, is to provide more opportunities for young people as a way to give back to a younger generation. She added that she loves seeing New Haven Academy alumni come back to the school, to see how they’ve succeeded since moving on.

“I would employ aid to any and all youngsters in my immediate environment and would like for them to grow and mature and develop in their wings so they can fly high in the sky for me,” she said.

Career

“[She is an] incredible spokesperson for New Haven Academy,” Baldwin said in a recent interview with the Arts Paper. “She is the first face and voice people see and hear, making everyone feel welcomed and comfortable. And [she is] an incredible mentor and support person for so many different students and staff across the school.”

That love for Ormond extends among members of her growing client base.

Certified nursing assistant Izane Gist remembered working with Ormond earlier this year, when she was having a party to celebrate her first child. When she and Ormond got to the venue they’d booked, they found the doors locked,

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

“I think everyone at some point all along their journey should be celebrated,” she added. “I find enjoyment in doing that I think that is the key component that connects all my events of celebration is happening ”

Thuso Mbedu. Photo -IOL ‘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.’

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.

This article comes from the 2023 Cohort of the Youth Arts Journalism Initiative. Juliette Lao is a recent graduate of New Haven Academy and a rising freshman at the University of Connecticut.

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 Ran-

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’

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

“…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…”

Performance by an Actress’ for her role

‘Winnie Bhengu’ in the television drama series ‘IS’THUNZI.’

Academy Preps 110 New-To-New Haven Teachers

by MAYA MCFADDEN

Four tips for new New Haven Public Schools (NHPS) teachers:

1. Consistently communicate with parents about their students’ positive and negative behaviors throughout the year.

2. Restorative practice can save lives.

3. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

4. Prioritize creating classroom procedures before a “cute classroom.”

That was some of the advice shared with 110 New Haven Public Schools (NHPS) new educators who gathered this week at the district’s three-day new teacher academy hosted at the the Floyd Little Athletic Center next to Hillhouse High School on Sherman Parkway.

This year’s orientation for getting the new educators in NHPS prepared for the 2023 – 24 school year, which starts on Aug. 31, ran on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday this week. In the past, the orientation was hosted for two days only.

NHPS Director of Professional Learning and Leadership Development Edith Johnson took over organizing the academy last year. She worked closely with several teacher leaders in the district this year to plan out the key info necessary to provide new educators with the goal of helping them towards a successful first year.

As of Friday, the schools spokesperson

said NHPS has hired 140 new educators.

Last year, the academy prepped 141 new NHPS educators. This year it will prepare 110 new educators with a threeday series touching on topics like mandated reporter training, building classroom community, and opportunities for educator development in NHPS.

For the first day of workshops on Wednesday, district leaders helped the new educators understand and connect to their purpose in the district. They reviewed the district’s strategic plan, learned about the teachers union, human resources, and the district’s technology for the first three hours. Then they went on to learn about NHPS’ restorative practice work and the Code of Conduct.

Throughout Wednesday’s orientation, the new staffers also practiced logging into their teacher networks.

On Thursday, the orientation schedule aimed to connect the educators to their curriculums with workshops for their department curriculum supervisors. On Friday, educators would spend the final day connecting to their school communities through conversations about key populations like multilingual learners and special education students.

Johnson explained that the orientation serves as a chance to not only get critical information to the staffers about working in New Haven, but also gives them the

chance to meet and connect with their colleagues and district staff. Key information points were incorporated into the three-day agenda with the help of current veteran lead teachers in the district.

“Tech prep is much more robust this year,” said Elm City Montessori magnet resource teacher Dave Weinreb, who worked alongside Johnson to plan this years academy.

The four teacher leaders that helped to plan the orientation with Johnson included Weinreb, Hillhouse PE teacher Robert Voelker, Davis math coach Elizabeth Black, Troup instructional math coach Keisha Hogan, and Troup sixth grade teacher Da’Jhon Jett.

Prepping for the first weeks of the year is vital, Johnson said, to having an impactful and engaging school year.

One addition to the this year’s orientation for new educators is a planned Friday session that will teach educators new to New Haven about its neighborhoods through an asset mapping session and bus tour through Fair Haven, Newhallville, and the Hill, led by neighborhood leaders.

Weinreb said this will help educators new to the city to better understand their students and learn about the strengths of the neighborhoods.

At the end of each orientation day, which ran from 8:30 a.m to 3 p.m, new staff were given the opportunity to stick

around to have time to plan out their first weeks with support from district leaders and veteran teachers.

An estimated 30 percent of the new educators are veteran teachers with at least five years of experience in another school district.

Throughout the school year Johnson plans to continue organizing virtual professional development and information sessions for the new staff to continue to learn.

At Wednesday’s orientation was incoming seventh and eighth grade social studies teacher at Benjamin Jepson, Trevor Knight, who said he most looks forward to meeting his co-workers and students this school year.

Knight, who is from Bridgeport, was previously a substitute teacher in New Canaan and Wilton.

He was joined at a table during the orientation by new educators who are uprooting from California, Colorado, and New York to join NHPS.

He said he enjoyed the “burst of information” Wednesday and looks forward to being around a team similarly excited to teach.

So far Knight said he’s spent about ten hours setting up his classroom and just enjoying being in the new professional space.

Over the past week his days have in-

cluded making and placing labels on all items in his classroom and making prerecorded videos of himself that will demonstrate to his students his classroom protocols.

“It feels good to know that as a new teacher there’s all these people excited about our success. That’s greatly valued,” he said. “They’re planting seeds for our success.”

He said he looks forward to future sessions to learn about strategies to teach multilingual students.

Knight said he’s spent a lot of time over the years in New Haven and looks forward to using that to his advantage to connect better with his students.

He added that the bus tour session is an important one for the staff who are not familiar with New Haven.

"Restorative Practice Saved My Life"

During a Wednesday presentation called “Re-centering the Whole Child through Restorative Practices,” restorative practice coach Nakisha Cadore gave new teachers tips for supporting their students this school year.

Cadore trained alongside Cameo Thorne, who retired from the district after

Orientation organizers Da'Jhon Jett, Keisha Hogan, Elizabeth Black, Edith Johnson, and Robert Voelker.

After Double Amputation, B*Wak Bounces Back

by Lucy Gellman, Editor, The Arts Paper newhavenarts.org

Illness tried to take one of New Haven's most beloved artists well before his time. Now, the community is rallying around him as he starts a new chapter on the road to recovery.

That artist is 55-year-old Edmund “B*Wak” Comfort, who for decades has graced the Elm City with his murals, vibrant tapestries, art business B*Wak Productions and dozens of youth programs. Since March of this year, he has been fighting for his life—and his work as an artist—after a bout with the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae left him with multiple amputations and a small mountain of hospital bills.

To offset the cost, he has launched a GoFundMe, and is joining A Broken Umbrella Theatre for a comedy and improv fundraiser on Saturday, Aug. 26 at 446A Blake St.

"I'm looking at, like, where is my career going to lead to? What is God using me for?" he said in a recent interview at his studio at 300 Whalley Ave. "I thought he used me to tell my story through art. I think I'm wrong! He might want me to tell my story through another form. I'm amazed. I'm amazed and eager to see where the next chapter leads me."

His recovery, which is still ongoing, has followed months of uncertainty and a brush with death that haunted the artist for weeks. At the end of March, Comfort was "unstoppable, at the top of my artistic game," he remembered. On a given day, he would work on painting and remodeling his uncle's kitchen, laying down the new floorboards in a friend's basement, and airbrushing t-shirts in his studio at night. He felt like he could take on anything.

Then he went to a party with a friend. A few days later, he felt like he'd come down with a bad case of the flu. He was tired, with a stomach ache. At first, he didn’t think anything of it.

"I started treating it like a common cold," he said. But nothing got better. His ankles and feet started to swell, until they were brick-hard, cold to the touch and heavy when he moved. When Comfort walked across the wood floors of his home, they made a solid knocking sound that his wife could hear from another room. By the time he decided "I can't take another day of this," they were turning pitch black.

His wife, Shannqueta Sanders Comfort, rushed him to the emergency room at St. Raphael's at 3 a.m. on the very last day of March. When he woke up, he thought he'd been out for a few days. In reality, two weeks had passed. He was intubated, with tubes coming out of his mouth that made it impossible to speak (he later had a tracheostomy tube, the scar

from which is still healing on his neck). Around him, a steady stream of friends, family and longtime collaborators came to visit. Sanders Comfort, who was also caring for their five-year-old daughter, barely left his side.

"The good lord got me through," he remembered. "When I woke up, I could only move my eyes. I couldn't move my body. At that point, I did realize that I did have a connection with God. That's the only way I made it."

As he spoke to doctors, he learned that the bacterial infection had nearly killed him. Streptococcus pneumoniae had led to septic shock and something called disseminated intravascular coagulation, in which the body starts developing blood clots across the bloodstream. Illness attacked his feet and hands, resulting in a double amputation beneath the knee, and the partial removal of four fingers on his

right hand.

Overnight, it felt as if his world had been turned upside down. He tried not to despair, he said. Instead he started thinking about how and on what timeline he was going to return to art.

After his amputations, doctors transferred Comfort from Saint Raphael’s Hospital to the nearby Grimes Center, where he learned to walk on prosthetic legs in four weeks of inpatient physical therapy. He credits his faith, as well as the constant care of Sanders Comfort, as two larger-than-life forces that helped pull him through.

Along the way, he managed to endear himself to every staff member who came through the space, as well as several of his fellow patients. Sanders Comfort remembered a roommate who refused to get out of bed until Comfort arrived. When he began walking, the roommate

spent his weekends at the Harlem School of Art, then commuted back to New Haven to teach during the week.

It was on a field trip to Long Wharf Theatre with his students that he realized he could be building professional sets without ever having to go into Manhattan. Long Wharf led him to the Yale Repertory Theatre, which led him to Lyric Hall. It was there that he met A Broken Umbrella Theatre (ABUT) company members Ryan Gardiner and Ian Alderman, and reconnected with longtime member Matt Gaffney.

While his set design still occasionally took him on the road—he fondly remembered a fellowship out in California—the Westville-based ensemble soon had his heart.

"I've probably worked with them on every single show," he said with a faint smile. After doing load-in on VaudeVillian at Lyric Hall, he lent his skill in design, carpentry and visual arts to ABUT dramas that criss-crossed the city, from Edgewood Park to Erector Square. Over the years, he worked as a carpenter on Play With Matches, airbrushed the windows for Gilbert the Great, assisted on building sets for the Library Project, among many other productions.

He was always ready to help, said Gardiner. Last year, he partnered with ABUT The Shack, and the artist Isaac Bloodworth to design and paint an installation on Blake Street that is still standing, hanging on the side of the road like a bright welcome to the neighborhood. He said it was probably the last public project that he worked on.

"At this point, I'm really trying to see what I'm actually capable of doing," Comfort said. "I'm healing right now. But I suspect I'll be able to airbrush again. I would like to be more patient [with healing] but life has me going here, going there ... so I'm just taking it in stride."

got up too, she said. By the time Comfort left, the roommate was walking on his own.

Now, he's trying to figure out what his limitations may be as an artist. As he's recovered, Comfort has thought a lot about his love for education, and the ways to teach young artist-entrepreneurs as he gives his body time to heal. He's gotten back enough use of his right hand to hold an airbrush and paint can, but is taking it one day at a time, he said. As he returns to it slowly, he plans to type, do digital graphics, silk screen and heat press.

Teaching already feels intuitive for him, he added. Comfort's origins as a community-focused artist go back to the early 2000s, when he started teaching set design and theater at Roberto Clemente Elementary School in New Haven's Hill neighborhood. During those years, he

"There are times I get depressed," he added. "But I snap out of it. Reality is, they're not gonna grow back. I'm not a lizard. I'm hopeful to get stronger. I'm hopeful that I'll continue to walk how I did. I always think, it could have been worse. So I'm grateful. Always grateful. And I just love life."

Meanwhile, community members are working together to make his recovery a little easier. Since going into the hospital, Comfort has lost months of income after years supporting himself and his family. He said that his application for disability was denied, meaning he needs to appeal his claim. That process can take months, with the cost of a studio and a home hanging in the balance.

While he’s getting stronger each day, he also still contends with phantom limb

Con’t on page 17

photo credits: Lucy Gellman

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Bassett Street Speeding Bumps Into Alder Race

by LAURA GLESBY

“I want a stop sign right there by that school,” said Lossie Gorham. “And a speed bump.” She pointed at LincolnBassett Community School, which stands across the street from where she’s lived for two decades.

Addie Kimbrough, the alder candidate who had knocked on Gorham’s door, nodded and repeated a refrain she’s often voiced on the campaign trail: “Newhallville is being neglected.”

A longtime Shepard Street resident who’s founded a local block watch and community garden, Kimbrough is running to represent Newhallville’s Ward 20 on the Board of Alders against partyendorsed candidate Brittiany MaberyNiblack. Both are competing in the Sept. 12 Democratic primary election to replace first-term Alder Devin Avshalom-Smith, who is not running for reelection.

On Wednesday evening, Kimbrough knocked on several Bassett Street doors to spread the word about her campaign. Most of her knocks went unanswered. But Lossie Gorham was home, in the house where she’s lived for about 20 years.

Gorham said she’s planning to vote for Kimbrough because “I believe she needs a shot at it.” Referring to Mabery-Niblack, she said, “I don’t really know her.”

Gorham hopes the neighborhood’s future alder will address the cars that often speed around the area. On her block, “a guy almost got hit the other day,” she said.

“Most of the schools, they have speed bumps and stop signs,” said Kimbrough. Though there are speed bumps along Shelton Avenue, there aren’t any outside Lincoln-Bassett’s entrance.

Kimbrough pointed up the hill in the direction of East Rock, a neighborhood with more white, wealthy, and Yale-affiliated residents. “We don’t have the same things they have,” she said.

Kimbrough first ran for the seat two years ago against Avshalom-Smith. Though she lost that election, Kimbrough decided to advocate for changes on her street from City Hall anyway. Within the last two years, she successfully petitioned for a speed bump and sidewalk fix on Shepard Street. She got to know more business owners and referred them to city resources. She said she’s been in more regular touch with the Public Works department about trash receptacles and tree trimmings, she said. “I complain about everything, mostly,” she joked.

She also serves on board of directors for the Livable City Initiative (LCI), as well as for the Community Action Agency of New Haven and the Greater New Haven OIC.

She’s also amassed more of a campaign team than in 2021, when she primarily knocked on doors by herself. Her supporters include Newhallville resident Brother Born, a self-identified “conservative independent” voter who knows Kimbrough as both a neighbor and a community garden steward.

Brother Born said he trusts Kimbrough as the person who keeps him informed about happenings in City Hall and has “an understanding of the policies.” He added that he distrusts politicians who are employed by Yale, alluding to MaberyNiblack, arguing that a Yale affiliation is a “conflict of interest.”

“Addie has already been doing this work. It’s a good time for her to get that recognition,” said Fair Havener Jayuan Carter, who like many supporters has gotten to known Kimbrough simply from “being involved in the community.”

Wandering down Bassett Street on Wednesday, Kimbrough reflected on how Newhallville has changed in the last two years.

“The people aren’t home as much,” Kimbrough said. “Different people live around here. Something changed. People move in and out.”

In previous remarks this year, Kimbrough has noted that most residents in Newhallville are now tenants, despite the neighborhood’s history as a hub of Black homeownership. She’s also decried gentrification associated with the luxury apartments and biotech companies developing in Science Park.

On Wednesday, she observed that the neighborhood has changed in positive ways, too.

“It’s getting quieter over here and that’s a good thing,” she said. “There are more children out here. They are playing more outside and I like that.”

Those kids, Kimbrough said, are exactly why a Bassett Street speed bump is important.

Kimbrough's supporters include her grandson Warren Kimbrough, local business owner Jesse Crespo (of ADT Auto-Body), her niece Sonya Scott-Campbell, Hamdenite Sonia Powell, and Newhallville resident Brother Born.

The new haven independent

Contracting Standards Board To Get New Chair

by Christine Stuart

Gov. Ned Lamont announced that Michael P. Walsh, the current mayor of the Town of East Hartford, will be appointed as the chair of the State Contracting Standards Board. This decision comes following the anticipated resignation of Lawrence Fox, who has chaired the board since 2018 and plans to step down in September.

Walsh, who recently declared that he would not run for re-election as mayor this fall, is scheduled to begin serving on the board in November after the end of his term and the inauguration of a new mayor. In the interim weeks between Fox’s resignation and Walsh’s appointment, the board members will vote on an acting chair to serve in a temporary leadership capacity.

Fox expressed gratitude for the opportunity to have led the board for the past five years, praising the efforts of the volunteer board and the support received from the legislature and the governor. He said, “I am confident the board is well positioned to fulfill its mission of ensuring fair and transparent procurement in our state.”

Walsh brings a wealth of experience to the position, having served as mayor since November 8, 2021, and previously as undersecretary of strategic initiatives and

accountability for the Connecticut Office of Policy and Management. His 40-year career also includes roles as finance director for the Town of East Hartford and assistant director of financial reporting at Cigna, as well as an accountant for a local public accounting firm.

In his statement, Walsh thanked Lamont and expressed his commitment to transparent government. “In every position I’ve served, my priority is to bring good government […] instilling confidence along the way. Delivering good government in this manner had served me and the agencies I’ve worked for well over the 40 years I’ve been involved, so everyone should expect the same from me in this role on the board.”

Lamont lauded Fox for his commendable service and expressed confidence in Walsh’s ability to lead the board. He emphasized the critical role of the State Contracting Standards Board in government procurement, saying, “I trust that he [Walsh] will do well as the board’s chair.”

The State Contracting Standards Board, consisting of 14 members appointed by the governor and leaders of the General Assembly, is responsible for overseeing all matters associated with state procurement. The positions on the board are volunteer roles, emphasizing the civic commitment of those who serve.

Access Health CT CEO James Michel and East Hartford Mayor Michael Walsh at the East Hartford Library enrollment center.

Credit: Courtesy of Access Health CT

After being forced into sports, Tausaga-Collins wins U.S.’ first-ever world championship gold in women’s discus

Mildred Europa Taylor, Face2FaceAfrica.com

American Laulauga Tausaga-Collins took gold in the women’s discus at the 2023 World Athletic Championships in Budapest, Hungary, on Tuesday, giving the U.S. its first-ever world championship gold in women’s discus.

The Hawaii-born, who finished last in the previous two world finals, won this year’s event with a massive throw of 69.49 meters, improving her personal best by over four meters.

“I can’t tell you what it means right now because I still can’t believe it. I have all the feels and no words. It’s amazing!” Tausaga-Collins told USA Network. Another American, Valarie Allman, took home silver with a fourth round 69.23m throw and Feng

Bin from China won the bronze. 25-year-old Tausaga-Collins, who thanked her fans on social media for their support, said she dedicates the title to her mother. While in high school, Tausaga-Collins said she wanted to stay home and be a bookworm but her mother forced her into sports.

“You are growing into a big girl. You’re getting very strong for no reason. We might as well put you somewhere,” her mom Aveaomalo told her, according to NBC Sports.

She tried volleyball and basketball, and while trying track she was told that she could instead throw a steel ball. Not attracted to track, TausagaCollins took that advice and ended up at the University of Iowa, where she started discus and has since not looked back.

In Tuesday’s event, CNN reported

that she had a first round foul before throwing a disappointing 52.28m in round two. But she came back stronger, leading to her win.

“I don’t know if I have a fairy godmother or my ancestors had some say in it, but I was able to do something tonight that I didn’t think was possible,” Tausaga-Collins said, according to Reuters.

“I was confident if I was on my Agame I could sneak through into a medal place and not be 12th like I was in the last two world championships.

“It’s unbelievable to go from 12th to first. I just said to myself, ‘You need to let it out and if it fouls, then so be it’. But it sailed out to that big throw and here I am.”

Michael Jordan’s net worth hits $3.5 billion, making him the richest NBA player ever

Abu Mubarik, Face2FaceAfrica.com

Michael Jordan‘s sale of his stake in the Charlotte Hornets has seen his net worth hit around $3.5 billion, making him the richest basketball player of all time, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, which is calculating his fortune for the first time.

The massive fortune of the NBA legend comes after he sold his majority stake in the Hornets for $3 billion to a consortium led by Gabe Plotkin and Rick Schnall. However, Jordan is transitioning to become a minority owner. Bloomberg now estimates his stake to be 5%.

In a letter to the Hornets faithful, Jordan thanked them for their unwaver-

ing support during the tenure.

“As Gabe Plotkin and Rick Schnall, and their ownership group, now take a controlling stake in the team, and I transition to becoming a minority owner, I want to say Thank You to Hornets fans for all the love and dedication you’ve shown the franchise and to me over the years,” the letter noted.

“We’ve had some unforgettable moments together, as well as a few challenging ones, but through it all, you’ve remained committed to us.”

In 2021, Sportico reported Jordan as one of the highest-paid athletes, earning at least $2 billion. Per the data published, Jordan tops the rankings with $2.62 billion, with at least $1 billion coming from Nike as royalties Michael

Simone Biles makes history as first to win eight all-around titles at U.S. Championships

Mildred Europa Taylor

Simone Biles won a record eighth all-around title at the U.S. Gymnastics Championships on Sunday, breaking a 90-year record. Biles’ win comes weeks after she came back to the competition following her break to prioritize her mental health.

The four-time Olympic champion’s floor routine earned a score of 15.400, with an all-around total of 118.450, four points clear of runner-up Shilese Jones. 2021 World all-around silver medallist Leanne Wong came third, scoring 111.100 for the bronze medal.

“It’s really amazing. Everybody in here believes in me, and my team-

mates believe in me, my coaches, my family, everyone,” Biles told NBC. “So, I just need to start believing in myself a little bit more. But it feels amazing. And I love the fans, I love the crowd. It’s really special.”

Biles is now ahead of Alfred Jochim, who claimed his seventh U.S. title in 1933. The 26-year-old matched Jochim’s record in 2021 after she first became U.S. all-around champion in 2013.

Biles broke into the scene at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro where she won four gold medals as well as a bronze medal. She has since gone ahead to make a name for herself and won several accolades along the

way, making her a role model for aspiring gymnasts. The African-American athlete, who is currently the most decorated gymnast in history, represented the United States at the Tokyo Olympics.

After struggling with the “twisties,” a gymnastics term for an athlete experiencing a mental block in mid-air that makes it difficult to complete a move, Biles took a two-year break, withdrawing from the women’s team final and four subsequent individual finals. She is likely to take part in the World Championships in Antwerp from September 30 to October 8, and it is unclear whether she will compete at next year’s Olympics in Paris.

since he retired from the NBA. Jordan, since retiring from the NBA, took to entrepreneurship and also became one of the few Black billionaires in the world. A large chunk of his wealth comes from his paycheck from Nike, which has been his biggest financial and marketing backer. He became the first athlete to become a billionaire – his massive net worth was largely influenced by his deal with Nike, which would later give birth to Air Jordan.

According to Forbes, Nike first offered Jordan a five-year deal with a base pay of $500,000 per year, triple any other NBA sneaker deal. The first Air Jordan sneaker was an instant hit, racking up $126 million in sales in the first 12 months.

As the Jordan brand got bigger, so did his paycheck. In 2020, Jordan reportedly made $130 million from Nike, which Forbes estimates was four times bigger than what LeBron James earned.

In the fiscal year ending May 2019, Forbes reported that the Jordan brand had amassed $3.1 billion as revenue. Forbes also reported that the brand is easily “worth north of $10 billion, in addition to the billions of dollars in profits it has generated over 35 years, and its halo impact on sales of other Nike-branded products.”

The over 36-year partnership with Nike earned Jordan $1.3 billion, and in 2022, Forbes estimated his net worth to be $1.7 billion.

Laulauga Tausaga-Collins. Photo: Instagram/Laulauga Tausaga-Collins

Jordan. Photo: wikimedia commons/Bryan Horowitz

Simone Biles

Con’t from page 12

Bounces Back

pain and the limitations of needing to slow down. The GoFundMe and upcoming ABUT fundraiser are there to help fill a gap.

His peers, meanwhile, are excited to help. In a phone call Friday, ABUT Artistic Director Ruben Ortiz remembered meeting the artist roughly 12 years ago, and learning that he could count on his skill, wit, and humor every time A Broken Umbrella had a show. When ensemble members heard that Comfort was fighting for his life, a fundraiser seemed like a no-brainer.

"It was just an opportunity to help one of our own," Ortiz said in an interview Friday. "He has such amazing spirits. You think of everything that's happened to him, and he can be so positive."

"He's such a vibrant artist, and he's going through such a major physical issue that he's going to be navigating ... it's really challenging," Gardiner added. "So we're just trying to give a little bit of support in terms of what he's experienced over the last three months."

On Tuesday, Comfort sat in his studio, looking around at a space he hadn't visited since March. It was, at times, as if the room had been suspended in amber: a trio of screen printing presses still sat with color inked onto their surfaces. A quartet of respirator masks hung from a shelf, collecting dust.

At the far end of the room, a drop cloth sat completely dry, beneath a tapestry the artist had been working on months before. Bottles of thick acrylic paint, some half-used, sat at the ready on one side of the room. Sun streamed in through a window. At his desk, Comfort looked through piles of papers. An unfinished mask sat to his left, making the shape of a lion's head.

William Moore, a multimedia artist who has a studio next door to Comfort's, gave a little knock on the door before he came in, beaming when he saw Comfort. "Hey chief!" he said. "I saw your light on!"

"That's what's up!" Comfort said. He lifted himself carefully from the chair where he sat, and walked methodically over to Moore. Steadying himself on the desk for a moment, he embraced him. "This is my first time being here since ... since I left. It's a good feeling."

Moore, whose mom attended high school with Comfort, said he's glad to have his friend and role model back. In addition to working down the hall, he teaches martial arts and karate downstairs, at 302 Whalley Ave. The building felt lonelier knowing that Comfort wasn't there.

"I need him alive! I need him around," Moore said when asked how it felt to have his friend back in the building. "He's one of my favorite people. He got more talent that I need to catch up on."

A time to evolve: experts discuss AI’s power to disrupt industry work

By Megan Sayles, AFRO Business Writer, The Afro.com

Businesses across the globe in a variety of industries are trying to find their place in a world with artificial intelligence.

In 2016, The White House cited a statistic from Oxford University researchers that estimated that 9 to 47 percent of jobs could be threatened by AI. However, a 2022 report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) found this stat to be an overestimate.

“There are a number of jobs that are being either replaced or transformed by AI. AI has the ability to make people more effective, similar to the way other technologies that have been introduced have made society more effective. There are going to be new jobs created from that,” said Robert Joseph, cofounder of Team MindShift.

Joseph, who holds a Ph.D. in computer science with a minor in artificial intelligence from Carnegie Mellon University, provides educational and workforce training opportunities in AI and other technology sectors via his company.

“Do I think that some jobs are going to be obsolete or replaced by AI? Yes,” Joseph told the AFRO. “Do I think that AI is the only thing that’s going to be replacing jobs? No, I think that technology in general has shown its ability to replace jobs.”

Britannica defines artificial intelligence, or AI, as the ability of a digital computer or computer-controlled robot to perform tasks commonly associated with intelligent humans.

AI’s primary use is to automate and perform tasks better than humans. This unique ability has raised questions about how AI will disrupt industries and the labor market for years to come.

BLS predicted that AI will not cause rapid job loss in the near future and explained that, while automation could re-

duce the number of jobs in certain occupations, it can also create new ones. In a case where AI is used to automate tasks in an occupation, according to BLS, workers could also focus on new tasks.

That’s not to say that no jobs will be lost as a result of artificial intelligence.

According to Challenger, Gray and Christmas, a global outplacement firm,

3,967 jobs have been cut thus far in 2023 as companies pivot to AI. Still, Challenger ascribed that 46 percent of the jobs eliminated this year are due to economic or market conditions.

“AI is neither good nor bad. It’s how you use it,” said Joseph. “AI can affect a lot of people without a lot of effort. It’s the power of AI that people are worried about, not so much the technology itself.”

Joseph listed retail, banking, customer

service, automobile and health care as industries most at risk for AI disruption. Some of the examples of disruption he cited included self-driving cars for trucking and taxi services, AI-enhanced radiology and robots replacing humans on assembly lines.

Joseph thinks privacy concerns, distrust of AI-enabled technology and algorithm bias serve as primary obstacles to the widespread adoption of AI. AI is fueled

by data, according to Joseph. Therefore, if consumers don’t allow their data to be accessed, AI-systems cannot be adequately powered.

In terms of algorithm bias, AI’s reliance on human data to make decisions can impact the technology’s application since humans have inherent biases.

“When people talk about AI’s propensity to promote racism or other types of biases, they’re pushing off the real issue. The real issue is that society is biased,” said Joseph. “AI is using the data it receives to make decisions, and it’s putting a magnifying glass on some of the societal issues that we have.”

One company that’s using AI to advance diversity, equity and inclusion is Minwo. The economic development technology company was created by Melanie Akwule in 2020 to leverage AI technology for the benefit of Black-owned businesses. Minwo’s product, Rialto, offers a digital platform that leverages AI to help venture capitalists, incubators and consultants find, partner and invest in Black founders. The platform provides entrepreneurs access to subject-matter-experts, resources to grow and scale their business, video conferencing and a chatbot with smart recommendations.

“The way we’re thinking about AI is that it offers new ways to tap into information and networks that have previously been inaccessible and undiscoverable by Black founders. Beyond that, sifting through the information that is available to find what’s reliable and actually beneficial is difficult without the proper support,” said Akwule. “Our approach with Rialto leans into leveraging trusted networks as the foundation and using AI to simplify information finding.”

Megan Sayles is a Report for America Corps member.

National Coalition of Justice Practitioners (NCJP) Unite Against the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) Proposed Ban on Menthol Cigarettes

By Black Press of America

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Aug. 22, 2023

– The National Coalition of Justice Practitioners (NCJP), a group of Black and Hispanic law enforcement executives and experts, hosted the “When Good People Write Bad Policy” National Press Club panel event to educate people about the racial and criminal implications of a menthol ban. The panel met before the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) announcement anticipated to come this month.

“There are many groups who still do not understand the unintended consequences of this proposed ban,” said Dr. Benjamin Chavis, President and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association and panel moderator. “For leaders in Washington to consider this ban without consulting Black and Brown officers is disastrous. Let’s sit down with the proponents and first conduct a Racial Impact Study. Targeting in the past doesn’t justify targeting now. We

are against racial targeting and profiling. All of it.”

Panelists Commissioner Jiles Ship, Major Neill Franklin (Ret.), NYS Trooper EAP Director Elliot Boyce (Ret.), Deputy Inspector Corey Pegues (Ret.), Captain Sonia Pruitt (Ret.), Lt. David Daniels III (Ret.), Chief John I. Dixon (Ret.) and Ron Hampton, DC Metro Police (Ret.) asked that President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris pull back on this menthol ban until further studies, like a Racial Impact Study, be done and more experts are heard.

The August 10 “When Good People Write Bad Policy” panel event urged lawmakers to study the effects of a menthol ban by launching a Racial Impact Study that gathers input from law enforcement, health experts, and Black and Latino communities. The law enforcement experts listed these unintended consequences: Anything you ban becomes illegal, and it is a policing issue.

Enforcement of the menthol ban will be in more urban and Latino communities and used as a tool in racial profiling, stop-andfrisk, and arrests.

The police do not need another reason for

a stop-and-frisk that leads to life-threatening casualties in the Black community.

Former Law Enforcement Action Partnership executive director, Retired Major Neill Franklin, stated, “Illicit markets breed

violence. This menthol ban will flood the streets, especially Black & Latino communities, with unregulated products, and if you think the products are unhealthy now, wait until the unregulated products are pushed into our communities. You don’t want substances like fentanyl added to a street cigarette.”

Overall, adult and youth smoking rates in the U.S. are the lowest they have ever been in public health history. Since over 80% of African Americans and 48% of Latinos who smoke prefer menthol cigarettes, a proposed FDA ban is racially discriminatory since cigarettes preferred by White smokers will not be banned. There is no scientific basis to regulate menthol and non-menthol cigarettes differently. Health concerns are more effectively managed through education, treatment, and counseling, not by police.

The proposed U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) ban on menthol cigarettes could be announced this month.

This 56-year-old engineer has run 112 marathons in 77 Countries and has a Guinness World Record

by Ben Ebuka, Face2FaceAfrica.com

At age 50, Adedayo Akinbode quit her lu crative engineering job at Shell Nigeria to pursue her passion – marathon racing and globe-trotting. Six years later, she has run 112 marathons in 77 countries and 7 continents; including 8 balcony and 11 virtual marathons since participating in her first race at Ghana’s Accra International Marathon held on September 11, 2013 – where she completed 21,000 meters.

In an interview with Nigeria’s Vanguard Newspaper, Adedayo shared how she began her marathon racing adventures; “One day in 2012, when I went for my annual routine medical checkup, the doctor told me that I was obese with a high cholesterol level and needed to change my lifestyle if I did not want to die young,” she said.

“He also told me, ‘Don’t eat this, don’t eat that,’ and all the things he told me not to eat were what I loved most. I just put the report aside and did nothing about it, although I didn’t want to die.”

However, with Shell’s company-wide initiative to encourage employees to achieve 10,000 steps daily, she found the perfect opportunity to kick-start her marathon race adventures and a journey toward a healthier lifestyle.

“We were tasked to form groups of 7 each and take ten thousand steps every day for one to be normal. Luckily for me, that was the last day for enlistment for the program. I was one of the last people to join a group,” the engineer recalled. “My source of motivation was that each member of the group received a bag and a pair of socks. We were also issued speedometers to monitor how many steps we took daily.”

Aside from marathons, she is a recordbreaker who participates in other sporting adventures. In 2014, Adedayo and a group of friends climbed Mount Kilimanjaro – an experience that sparked her desire to seek more challenges.

In 2015, she joined another group of adventurers on the Triple 7 Quest – 7 marathons in 7 Continents within 7 days. Unfortunately, the group completed the

challenge in 11 days instead of 7 because of unfavorable weather conditions, and had to camp in Punta Arenas in Chile for an additional 5 days to get clearance to fly to the 7th Continent – Antarctica. She also participated in the 2019 Khunjerab Pass Marathon, the highest road marathon in the world—all participants who completed the marathon earned Guinness World titles.

Her regular signature is to fly the Nigerian flag whenever she crosses a Finish Line. According to her, it excites her to hear commentators, spectators, and other athletes mention the name of her country as she approaches a Finish Line. She drapes herself in the Nigerian flag to represent Nigeria and lends support in changing the Nigerian narrative across the globe, The Guardian Nigeria

reported.

While crossing Finish Lines across the globe, the Guinness World Record holder discovered her love for photography, a passion that has helped her to express the beauty of the world and her beloved country, Nigeria, beyond words. With no formal training in photography, the marathoner and cyclist held her first solo exhibition in Lagos, Nigeria, dubbed “Colors and Flavors,” back in 2021.

In an interview with This Day Live, Adedayo said, “There is beauty in the whole world, but then in other places, I see beauty and the way it’s embraced. But this beauty isn’t as good as the one back in my country. So I decided to start capturing and documenting the beauty in Lagos. When people talk about Lagos, what comes to mind is traffic, a heap of rubbish, and fraudsters, and that’s what few of them would tell you. However, every city has the good, the bad, and the ugly.”

She added, “So I said to myself, I’m a proud Nigerian. Let the CNN’s and the BBC’s talk about the bad and the ugly if they want to, I am going to showcase the good of my city. That’s why I started documenting this and sharing.”

The globetrotter studied Materials and Metallurgical Engineering at the University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria. She is also a proud member of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS) and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN).

Adedayo is the Founder of the Ile Ife Heritage Marathon, a project that aims to bridge the gap between marathons organized in developing and developed countries with “marathons that meet global standards.”

Marla Frederick becomes first woman to lead Harvard Divinity School in its 207-year history

Mildred Europa Taylor, Face2FaceAfrica.com

Marla F. Frederick, a professor of religion and culture at Emory University, has been named the next dean of the Harvard Divinity School beginning January 1. She becomes the first woman and the first Black woman to lead the school in its 207-year history, University President Claudine Gay announced Thursday.

Frederick will succeed David Hempton, who has served as dean of the divinity school since 2012. Frederick previously spent 16 years as a professor in Harvard’s African and African American Studies Department before leaving for Emory.

“I am thrilled to welcome Marla back to Harvard,” Gay said in an email to the Harvard Divinity School students and alumni. “I am confident that Marla’s leadership qualities, her academic stature, her wide-ranging curiosity, her collaborative

mindset, and her thoughtful and caring approach to all she does will combine to make her an excellent new dean.”

Frederick, who is a native of Sumter, South Carolina, holds a bachelor’s degree from Spelman College and a Ph.D. in cultural anthropology from Duke University. She first joined Harvard’s faculty in 2003 and received tenure in 2010. Nine years later, she left Harvard to join the faculty of Emory University’s School of Theology.

While at Harvard, Frederick was interim chair of Harvard’s Committee on the Study of Religion and served as director of graduate studies and chair of the admissions committee for the Department of African American Studies. When she moved to Emory, she served on the university’s tenure and promotion advisory committee and the Emory School of Theology’s committees on strategic planning and personnel and academic policy, ac-

cording to The Harvard Gazette, a University-run news publication.

Frederick, who has also served as president of the American Academy of Religion and the Association of Black Anthropologists, is an author. She is behind four books, including “Colored Television: American Religion Gone Global” and “Between Sundays: Black Women and Everyday Struggles of Faith”, the Harvard Gazette said.

University Provost Alan M. Garber believes that Frederick is “the right person to lead HDS in the years to come.”

“Marla deeply understands the unique role and influence of the Harvard Divinity School, and why it is a cherished institution,” Garber said. “She recognizes the challenges and opportunities facing the school and will bring a fresh perspective informed by her service both within and outside of Harvard.”

Marla Frederick. Photo Courtesy of Emory University

Left photo via Adedayo Akinbode on LinkedIn, right photo via Adedayo Akinbode on Facebook

The Town of East Haven

NOTICE

VALENTINA MACRI RENTAL HOUSING PRE- APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE

is currently accepting applications to participate in the exam for Public Safety Dispatcher. The yearly salary for this position is $58,323.20. Candidate must possess High School diploma or GED, successfully pass background investigation and fingerprinting, pass a psychological exam and physical exam including a drug screening test as well as have the ability to distinguish and identify different colors and pass a hearing test. Must possess good computer skills, have the ability to learn new computer updates and systems as they are implemented and obtain and maintain State of Connecticut Telecommunication Certification. Must become trained in Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD). Additional Preferred Qualifications: Ability to speak and understand Spanish, demonstrated knowledge of local geography, Emergency Medical Technician, previous dispatch/police/fire experience, previous NCIC/Collect/911 experience and certified in ProQA. Please apply at www. PoliceApp.com/EastHavenCT. The deadline to apply is September 22, 2023.

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.

The Town of East Haven is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Minorities, Females, Veterans and Handicapped are encouraged to apply.

NOTICIA

Town of Bloomfield

Patrol Police Officer

$37.93 hourly ($78,885 annually) – full time, benefited Pre-employment drug testing. For more details, visit our website – www.bloomfieldct.org

Deadline: Applications will be accepted until position is filled

Town of Bloomfield

Continuum of Care, New Haven, Connecticut –LEGAL NOTICE INVITATION TO BID

LEGAL NOTICE INVITATION TO BID: CONTINUUM OF CARE, NEW HAVEN

Finance Director

VALENTINA MACRI VIVIENDAS DE ALQUILER PRE-SOLICITUDES

DISPONIBLES

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

SUBCONTRACTOR OPPORTUNITY – 85 Tremont St., Meriden, CT SOLICITATION OF SBE/MBE CONTRACTORS: Enterprise Builders, Inc., acting as General Contractor, seeks certified SBE/MBE Subcontractors and/or suppliers and local business enterprises to bid applicable sections of work/equipment/supplies for the following construction project: Residences at Aeolian Mill, 85 Tremont St. This project consists of the rehabilitation of a 122,506 sf historic mill into 82 apartment units. Bid Date and Time: 9/19/2023 @ 3:00PM. Electronic Plans and specifications can be obtained at no charge after 8/28/2023 by contacting the Estimating Department at Enterprise Builders at (860) 466-5188 or bids@enterbuilders.com. Project is anticipated to start early December 2023. Residential Prevailing Wage Rates apply. This project is subject to State Set-Aside and contract compliance requirements. EBI encourages the participation of certified SBE/MBE and Section 3 contractors. EBI is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

Grants Coordinator

NEW HAVEN

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

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

Portland

Police Officer full-time

Go to www.portlandct.org for details

is requesting licensed and insured contractors to provide bids for their property located at 310 Winthrop Avenue, New Haven. The owner is seeking proposals for the Interior Painting of 310 Winthrop, a three-family property. Scope includes clean, scrape, and paint all identified paintable surfaces of property. Cleaning, prep and paint of all interior doors, walls, and targeted trim. House colors to be selected by owner and Sherwin Williams is preferred. The project is CDBG funded by the City of New Haven. Project is tax-exempt and Davis/Bacon/Prevailing Wage rate. The selected company and any subcontractors must comply with EEOC workforce requirements. City of New Haven Chapter 12 ¼ of the New Haven code of Ordinances (MBE subcontracting ) applies- Minority/women’s business enterprises are encouraged to apply. A bidding site meeting will be held at 310 Winthrop avenue, New Haven on Monday, 8/28/2023 at 2:30pm. All bids are due by 9/8/2023 by 3pm. All bids and questions should be submitted in writing to Monica O’Connor via email moconnor@continuumct.org or delivered to 109 Legion Avenue, New Haven.

Request for Proposals (RFP)

Plumbing Maintenance Services

The Housing Authority of the City of Bristol

The Housing Authority of the City of Bristol is seeking a qualified contractor to provide Plumbing Maintenance Services throughout the Agency. Proposals due by September 21, 2023 at 4:00 p.m.

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 Town of Wallingford is seeking a responsible individual to assist in the administration of the Town’s grants program. The position requires a H.S. diploma plus 5 years’ responsible office experience of which 1 year must have been working in a grant’s office. Wages: $27.28 to $32.73 per hour (wages currently in negotiations), plus an excellent fringe benefits package that includes pension plan, medical insurance, life insurance, 13 paid holidays, paid sick and vacation time. A complete job announcement and application 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 September 1, 2023. Phone: (203) 294-2080; Fax: (203) 294-2084. EOE

TOWN CLERK ASSISTANT TOWN CLERK –

SEYMOUR HOUSING AUTHORITY

QSR STEEL CORPORATION

Invitation to Bid: 2nd Notice

SAYEBROOKE VILLAGE

APPLY NOW!

A copy of the RFP documents can be obtained at the Bristol Housing Authority, 164 Jerome Ave., Bristol, CT 06010 during normal business hours or by contacting Yvonne Tirado, Director of Accounting & Special Projects, at ytirado@bristolhousing.org, phone 860-585-2039 or Carl Johnson, Director of Capital Funds, at cjohnson@bristolhousing.org, phone 860-585-2028. Scope and proposal requirements will be available starting August 21, 2023.

Old Saybrook, CT (4 Buildings, 17 Units)

The Housing Authority of the City of Bristol is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. SBE, MBE, W/DBE, and Section 3 businesses are encouraged to respond.

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

Transportation Planner – Project Manager

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.

LEGAL NOTICE Request for Proposals (RFP) for Services

The South Central Regional Council of Governments (SCRCOG) is seeking to fill the Transportation Planner – Project Manager position. Visit www.scrcog.org for the full position description, qualifications, and application requirements. Applications are to be submitted by noon on Monday, September 11, 2023, or until the position is filled. Questions may be emailed to jobs@scrcog.org. SCRCOG is an Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer.

Bid Extended, Due Date: August 5, 2016

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

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

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

The Wallingford Town Clerk’s Office is seeking a qualified individual to assist in the administration and supervision of the Town Clerk’s office. High school graduate or GED with six (6) years’ experience in responsible office work of which one year must involve supervision. College level training in business or public administration or related field may be substituted for work experience on the basis of one year of college for one year of work experience up to four years. One years’ experience working in at least one of the following fields is preferred: mortgage lending, real estate closings, and/or law office work dealing in real estate and/or banking transactions. Wages $25.65 - $31.06 per hour plus an excellent benefit package. Apply: Department of Human Resources, Town of Wallingford, 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492. Forms will be mailed upon request from the Department of Human Resources or may be downloaded from the Department of Human Resources Web Page and emailed to wlfdhr@wallingfordct. gov. The closing date will be the date the 50th application or resume is received or September 1, 2023 whichever occurs first. 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 informalities

The State of Connecticut, Office of Policy and Management, is seeking proposals to provide certain services related to performing a review of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) System.

Anticipated Start: August 15, 2016

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

Payroll

The intent of the request is to identify individuals or firms with the necessary expertise to provide higher education consulting services within a stated timeframe.

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

HCC encourages the participation of all Veteran, S/W/MBE & Section 3 Certified Businesses Haynes Construction Company, 32 Progress Ave, Seymour, CT 06483 AA/EEO EMPLOYER

The RFP is available online at: https:// portal.ct.gov/DAS/CTSource/BidBoard and https://portal.ct.gov/OPM/Root/ RFP/Request-For-Proposals. Deadline for response submission is 9/29/23 at 5:00 P.M. (EST).

Payroll Clerk- Performs responsible office work in the processing of all general government payrolls and maintain all payroll records. The position requires a H.S. diploma or G.E.D, plus 5 years of experience in responsible office work involving typing, accounting, bookkeeping, data entry and payroll processing. $27.22 to $32.68 hourly plus an excellent fringe benefit package. Apply: Department of Human Resources, Town of Wallingford, 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492. Forms will be mailed upon request from the Department of Human Resources or maybe downloaded from the Department of Human Resources Web Page and emailed to wlfdhr@wallingfordct. gov. The closing date will be the date that the 50th application form/resume is received, or September 11, 2023, whichever occurs first. EOE

Garrity Asphalt Reclaiming, Inc seeks:

Construction

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

NOTICE

We offer excellent hourly rate & excellent benefits

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.

ELECTRIC UTILITY DISTRIBUTION SUPERINTENDENT

Email: tom.dunay@garrityasphalt.com

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

Garrity Asphalt Reclaiming, Inc seeks:

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

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

Contact: Rick Tousignant Phone: 860- 243-2300

NOTICIA

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.

AA/EOE-MF

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

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

Request for Proposals (RFP)

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

Underground Storage Tank Removal at Cambridge Park

The Town of Wallingford is offering an excellent career opportunity for a strong manager and leader in the electric utility industry to oversee the construction, operation, and maintenance of the electric transmission and distribution systems and related facilities of the Town’s Electric Division. This highly reliable municipally-owned electric utility, located 10 miles from New Haven, CT, serves 25,000 customers in a 50+ square mile distribution area with a peak demand of 130 MW with an excellent rate structure. Applicants should possess 8 years of progressively responsible experience in electric utility distribution construction, maintenance, and operations which includes at least 4 years of experience as a supervisor, plus a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering (power), or an equivalent combination of education and qualifying experience substituting on a year-for-year basis. Must possess, or obtain within 12 months of hire and maintain Connecticut Valley Electric Exchange (CONVEX) Switching and Tagging certification. Must possess and maintain a valid State of Connecticut Driver’s License. Salary: $102,810 to $131,545 annually plus on-call stipend when required. The Town offers an excellent fringe benefits package that includes pension plan, paid sick and vacation time, medical insurance, life insurance, 13 paid holidays, and deferred compensation plan. Applications may be downloaded from the Department of Human Resources Web Page and can be 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 September 29, 2023. Phone: (203) 294-2080; Fax: (203) 294-2084. EOE

Meter Reader

Invitation to Bid: 2nd Notice

Reads electric and water/sewer meters on assigned routes and records finding utilizing automated or manual systems and equipment, Requires graduation from a high/trade school with one year of full-time post high school employment experience. Must have a valid State of CT driver’s license. $24.44 to $30.95 per hour plus an excellent fringe benefit package. Apply to: Department of Human Resources, Town of Wallingford, 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492. Forms will be mailed upon request from the Department of Human Resources or may be downloaded from the Department of Human Resources Web Page. Fax #: (203) 294-2084. Closing date will be September 6, 2023 or the date the 50th application is received, whichever occurs first. EOE.

State of Connecticut Office of Policy and Management

SAYEBROOKE VILLAGE

The Housing Authority of the City of Bristol

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

Old Saybrook, CT (4 Buildings, 17 Units)

The Housing Authority of the City of Bristol is seeking a qualified contractor for underground storage tank removal project at Davis Dr., Bristol, CT. Proposals due by Aug. 24, 2023 at 3:00 p.m.

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

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

A copy of the RFP documents can be obtained at the Bristol Housing Authority, 164 Jerome Ave., Bristol, CT 06010 during normal business hours or by contacting Carl Johnson, Dir. of Capital Funds, at cjohnson@bristolhousing.org, 860-585-2028. Scope and proposal requirements will be available starting August 2nd, 2023. This is a HUD funded project.

The Housing Authority of the City of Bristol is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. SBE, MBE, W/DBE, and Section 3 businesses are encouraged to respond.

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.

Construction

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.

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.

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

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

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

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) FOR ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL CONSULTING SERVICES

Tax Exempt & Not Prevailing Wage Rate Project

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.

The State of Connecticut, Office of Policy and Management is recruiting for a Planning Analyst. Further information regarding the duties, eligibility requirements and application instructions are available at: https://www.jobapscloud.com/ CT/sup/bulpreview.asp?b=&R1= 230815&R2=6297AR&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.

The Housing Authority of the City of Bristol (BHA) invites proposals from qualified firms to provide Accounting and Financial Consulting Services. For copy of RFP please contact Carl Johnson, Dir. of Capital Funds at 860-585-2028 or cjohnson@bristolhousing.org beginning Mon., Sept. 4, 2023. Sealed proposals must be received no later than 4:00 p.m. on Thurs., Oct. 12, 2023 clearly marked “RFP –Accounting and Financial Consulting Services” with one (1) original and three (3) copies mailed or delivered to: Housing Authority of the City of Bristol, Attn: Mitzy Rowe, CEO, 164 Jerome Ave., Bristol, CT 06010

Bid Extended, Due Date: August 5, 2016

Anticipated Start: August 15, 2016

The Housing Authority of the City of Bristol is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. SBE, MBE, W/DBE, and Section 3 businesses are encouraged to respond.

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

DRIVER CDL CLASS A

Payroll

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

Full Time – All Shifts Top Pay-Full Benefits

EOE Please apply in person: 1425 Honeyspot Rd. Ext. Stratford, CT 06615

Payroll Clerk- Performs responsible office work in the processing of all general government payrolls and maintain all payroll records. The position requires a H.S. diploma or G.E.D, plus 5 years of experience in responsible office work involving typing, accounting, bookkeeping, data entry and payroll processing. $27.22 to $32.68 hourly plus an excellent fringe benefit package. Apply: Department of Human Resources, Town of Wallingford, 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492. Forms will be mailed upon request from the Department of Human Resources or maybe downloaded from the Department of Human Resources Web Page and emailed to wlfdhr@wallingfordct.gov. The closing date will be the date that the 50th application form/ resume is received, or September 11, 2023, whichever occurs first. EOE

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) FOR LEGAL SERVICES RELATED TO LABOR, EMPLOYMENT AND BENEFITS

NOTICE

Town of Bloomfield

POLICE OFFICER

VALENTINA MACRI RENTAL HOUSING PRE- APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE

The Housing Authority of the City of Bristol (BHA) invites proposals from qualified attorneys, legal teams or law firms to provide Legal services in labor laws, employment & benefits. For copy of RFP please contact Carl Johnson, Dir. of Capital Funds at 860585-2028 or cjohnson@bristolhousing.org beginning Mon., Sept. 4, 2023. Sealed proposals must be received no later than 4:00 p.m. on Thurs., Oct. 12, 2023 clearly marked “RFP – Legal Services. Labor, Employment & Benefits” with one (1) original and three (3) copies mailed or delivered to: Housing Authority of the City of Bristol, Attn: Mitzy Rowe, CEO, 164 Jerome Ave., Bristol, CT 06010

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

Deputy Finance Director/Controller

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

The Wallingford Police Department is seeking qualified applicants for Police Officer. $1,320.80 weekly plus an excellent fringe benefit package to include a defined benefit pension plan. The written exam and oral exam process will be administered by the South Central Criminal Justice Administration. To apply, candidates must register through the South Central Criminal Justice Administration webpage found under the “Associations” menu at www.policeapp.com by the registration/application deadline of Friday August 18, 2023. The required online registration fee of $85.00 must be paid online directly to policeapp.com. EOE

Environmental Senior Planner

The Housing Authority of the City of Bristol is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. SBE, MBE, W/DBE, and Section 3 businesses are encouraged to respond.

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.

Community Engagement Senior Project Manager

NOTICIA

Town of Bloomfield Finance Director

VALENTINA MACRI VIVIENDAS DE ALQUILER PRE-SOLICITUDES DISPONIBLES

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 .

FHI Studio is seeking a Community Engagement Senior Project Manager. Candidates should demonstrate their ability to lead project teams, supervise and develop staff, provide excellent client service with innovative and strategic solutions, manage multiple projects concurrently, and conduct business development. Responsibilities will include developing and implementing strategic outreach plans to meaningfully include and facilitate communication with stakeholders and the general public on transportation and community planning projects, utilizing a wide variety of tools and techniques including public meetings, printed materials, social media, website, press releases, and PowerPoint presentations. The candidate must also possess excellent oral and written communication skills. Experience with major transportation infrastructure projects is preferred.

EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN

(EMT)

NEW HAVEN

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

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

Portland

Police Officer full-time

Go to www.portlandct.org for details

FHI Studio is seeking an Environmental Senior Planner. Candidates should demonstrate their ability to develop proposals and attend interviews, develop project scopes and fees, and conduct environmental reviews utilizing best practices. Responsibilities include preparing NEPA and state documentation, guiding permitting efforts, conducting technical analysis, writing reports, and participating in public meetings. The candidate must also possess excellent oral and written communication skills. Experience with major transportation infrastructure projects is preferred.

Minimum degree: Bachelor's degree in urban planning, environmental planning, environmental science, or related field with a minimum of 4 years of experience in environmental consulting or related field. Candidates with a valid driver's license preferred. Salary commensurate with level of experience. Submit your cover letter and resume at https://fhistudio.isolvedhire.com/jobs/. Fitzgerald & Halliday, Inc. is an EEO/AA / VEV/Disabled employer.

Community Engagement Senior Project Manager

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 Town of Wallingford is accepting applications for EMT. Must possess a H.S. diploma or G.E.D., plus one (1) year of recent experience as an EMT. Must be 18 years old and be a Connecticut or National Registry Certified EMT with CPR Certification and a valid State of Connecticut motor vehicle operator’s license. Starting wage $796.53 (weekly), plus an excellent fringe benefits package. Apply: Department of Human Resources, Town of Wallingford, 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492. Forms will be mailed upon request from the Department of Human Resources or may be downloaded from the Department of Human Resources Web Page. Phone (203) 294-2080, Fax (203) 294-2084. The closing date will be the date of the 50th application or resume is received or August 28, 2023, whichever occurs first.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Bike Share System – Development and Implementation

QSR STEEL CORPORATION

Invitation to Bid: 2nd Notice

SAYEBROOKE VILLAGE

APPLY NOW!

Old Saybrook, CT (4 Buildings, 17 Units)

Steel Fabricators, Erectors & Welders

FHI Studio is seeking a Community Engagement Senior Project Manager. Candidates should demonstrate their ability to lead project teams, supervise and develop staff, provide excellent client service with innovative and strategic solutions, manage multiple projects concurrently, and conduct business development. Responsibilities will include developing and implementing strategic outreach plans to meaningfully include and facilitate communication with stakeholders and the general public on transportation and community planning projects, utilizing a wide variety of tools and techniques including public meetings, printed materials, social media, website, press releases, and PowerPoint presentations. The candidate must also possess excellent oral and written communication skills. Experience with major transportation infrastructure projects is preferred.

Tax Exempt & Not Prevailing Wage Rate Project

Top pay for top performers. Health Benefits, 401K, Vacation Pay. Email Resume: Rose@qsrsteel.com Hartford, CT

LEGAL NOTICE

Minimum degree: Bachelor's degree in urban planning/design, communications, facilitation or related field with a minimum of 10 years of experience in consulting, public relations/communications, urban planning, or related field. Candidates with a valid driver's license preferred. Salary commensurate with level of experience. Submit your cover letter and resume at https://fhistudio.isolvedhire.com/jobs/. FHI Studio is an EEO/AA /VEV/Disabled employer.

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

Request for Proposals (RFP) for Services

New Haven Parking Authority

SEYMOUR HOUSING AUTHORITY

New Haven, CT

The State of Connecticut, Office of Policy and Management, is seeking proposals to provide certain services related to Connecticut Fair Share Housing Study.

Environmental Senior Planner

Bid Extended, Due Date: August 5, 2016

Anticipated Start: August 15, 2016

NHPA Project #23-065

Proposals due August 29, 2023 at 3:00 P.M.

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.

The intent of the request is to identify individuals or firms with the necessary expertise to provide planning services within a stated timeframe.

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

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

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.

Requesting proposals to develop and implement a Bike Share System in New Haven, CT. Proposal Documents will be available beginning August 8, 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 Main Office at 232 George Street, New Haven, CT to obtain a copy.

NHPA is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

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

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

The RFP is available online at: https:// portal.ct.gov/DAS/CTSource/BidBoard and https://portal.ct.gov/OPM/Root/ RFP/Request-For-Proposals or from Debra McCarthy, Office of Policy and Management, IGPP Division, 450 Capitol Ave., MS#54ORG, Hartford, Connecticut 06106-1379. E-mail: Debra.McCarthy@ ct.gov. Telephone (860) 418-6297. Deadline for response submission is 4:00 p.m. EDT, Oct. 2, 2023.

FHI Studio is seeking an Environmental Senior Planner. Candidates should demonstrate their ability to develop proposals and attend interviews, develop project scopes and fees, and conduct environmental reviews utilizing best practices. Responsibilities include preparing NEPA and state documentation, guiding permitting efforts, conducting technical analysis, writing reports, and participating in public meetings. The candidate must also possess excellent oral and written communication skills. Experience with major transportation infrastructure projects is preferred.

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

Minimum degree: Bachelor's degree in urban planning, environmental planning, environmental science, or related field with a minimum of 4 years of experience in environmental consulting or related field. Candidates with a valid driver's license preferred. Salary commensurate with level of experience. Submit your cover letter and resume at https://fhistudio.isolvedhire.com/jobs/. Fitzgerald & Halliday, Inc. is an EEO/AA / VEV/Disabled employer.

Unified Deacon’s Association is pleased to offer a Deacon’s Certificate Program. This is a 10 month program designed to assist in the

Continuum of Care, New Haven, Connecticut – LEGAL NOTICE INVITATION TO BID

NOTICE

Environmental Senior Planner

VALENTINA MACRI RENTAL HOUSING PRE- APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE

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.

LEGAL NOTICE INVITATION TO BID: CONTINUUM OF CARE, NEW HAVEN is requesting licensed and insured contractors to provide bids for their property located at 310 Winthrop Avenue, New Haven. The owner is seeking proposals for the Hardwood Floor Refinishing Scope of 310 Winthrop, a three-family property. Finish plan will be provided at open bid visit which details the refinishing of key locations of property such as main stairwell, 1st fl office, and second floor unit. Owner to select stain color. The project is CDBG funded by the City of New Haven. Project is tax-exempt and Davis/ Bacon/Prevailing Wage rate. The selected company and any subcontractors must comply with EEOC workforce requirements. City of New Haven Chapter 12 ¼ of the New Haven code of Ordinances (MBE subcontracting ) applies- Minority/women’s business enterprises are encouraged to apply. A bidding site meeting will be held at 310 Winthrop avenue, New Haven on Thursday, 9/7/2023 at 12:30pm. All bids are due by 9/15/2023 by 3pm. All bids and questions should be submitted in writing to Monica O’Connor via email moconnor@continuumct.org or delivered to 109 Legion Avenue, New Haven.

State of Connecticut Office of Policy and Management

FHI Studio is seeking an Environmental Senior Planner. Candidates should demonstrate their ability to develop proposals and attend interviews, develop project scopes and fees, and conduct environmental reviews utilizing best practices. Responsibilities include preparing NEPA and state documentation, guiding permitting efforts, conducting technical analysis, writing reports, and participating in public meetings. The candidate must also possess excellent oral and written communication skills. Experience with major transportation infrastructure projects is preferred.

Minimum degree: Bachelor's degree in urban planning, environmental planning, environmental science, or related field with a minimum of 4 years of experience in environmental consulting or related field. Candidates with a valid driver's license preferred. Salary commensurate with level of experience. Submit your cover letter and resume at https://fhistudio. isolvedhire.com/jobs/. Fitzgerald & Halliday, Inc. is an EEO/AA /VEV/Disabled employer.

NOTICIA

VALENTINA MACRI VIVIENDAS DE ALQUILER PRE-SOLICITUDES

DISPONIBLES

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

The Town of East Haven is currently conducting examination for the position of Index Clerk in the Town Clerks Office. The salary for this position is $45,050/year. Qualified candidates must possess a high school diploma or GED and 2 years of experience in office work of a responsible nature requiring accuracy and attention to detail. Any equivalent combination of education and experience. Must be computer literate and have some knowledge of deeds, mortgages, liens, releases attachments and other legal instruments. Applications and job descriptions are available at https://www.easthaven-ct. gov/home/news/click-below-job-notices and must be returned to the Civil Service Commission, 250 Main Street, East Haven CT 06512 no later than September 22, 2023.

The Town of East Haven is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Minorities, Females, Veterans and Handicapped are encouraged to apply.

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.

Continuum of Care, New Haven, Connecticut –LEGAL NOTICE INVITATION TO BID

LEGAL NOTICE INVITATION TO BID: CONTINUUM OF CARE, NEW HAVEN is requesting licensed and insured contractors to provide bids for their property located at 310 Winthrop Avenue, New Haven. The owner is seeking proposals for the Hardwood Floor Refinishing Scope of 310 Winthrop, a three-family property. Finish plan will be provided at open bid visit which details the refinishing of key locations of property such as main stairwell, 1st fl office, and second floor unit. Owner to select stain color. The project is CDBG funded by the City of New Haven. Project is tax-exempt and Davis/ Bacon/Prevailing Wage rate. The selected company and any subcontractors must comply with EEOC workforce requirements. City of New Haven Chapter 12 ¼ of the New Haven code of Ordinances (MBE subcontracting ) applies- Minority/women’s business enterprises are encouraged to apply. A bidding site meeting will be held at 310 Winthrop avenue, New Haven on Thursday, 9/7/2023 at 12:30pm. All bids are due by 9/15/2023 by 3pm. All bids and questions should be submitted in writing to Monica O’Connor via email moconnor@continuumct.org or delivered to 109 Legion Avenue, New Haven.

Listing: Inventory/Stock Specialist

NEW HAVEN 242-258 Fairmont Ave

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

Invitation to Bid: 2nd Notice

SAYEBROOKE VILLAGE

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) FOR ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL CONSULTING SERVICES

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

Immediate opening for a full time Inventory/Stock Specialist in a HVAC department. Position requires flexible work schedule. Some heavy lifting required. Computer knowledge a plus. HVAC/transportation parts knowledge preferred. Send resume to HR Department, hrdept@eastriverenergy.com, 401 Soundview Road, Guilford, CT 06437.

**An Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer**

Vacant Unit Restoration Services

The Housing Authority of the City of Bristol

SEYMOUR HOUSING AUTHORITY

The Housing Authority of the City of Bristol is seeking a qualified contractor to provide Vacant Unit Restoration Services throughout the Agency. Proposals due by Sept. 21, 2023 at 4:00 p.m.

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.

Old Saybrook, CT (4 Buildings, 17 Units)

Tax Exempt & Not Prevailing Wage Rate Project

Please send resume to attielordan@gmail.com

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.

The Housing Authority of the City of Bristol (BHA) invites proposals from qualified firms to provide Accounting and Financial Consulting Services. For copy of RFP please contact Carl Johnson, Dir. of Capital Funds at 860-585-2028 or cjohnson@bristolhousing.org beginning Mon., Sept. 4, 2023. Sealed proposals must be received no later than 4:00 p.m. on Thurs., Oct. 12, 2023 clearly marked “RFP –Accounting and Financial Consulting Services” with one (1) original and three (3) copies mailed or delivered to: Housing Authority of the City of Bristol, Attn: Mitzy Rowe, CEO, 164 Jerome Ave., Bristol, CT 06010

The Housing Authority of the City of Bristol is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. SBE, MBE, W/DBE, and Section 3 businesses are encouraged to respond.

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

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) FOR LEGAL SERVICES RELATED TO LABOR, EMPLOYMENT AND BENEFITS

A copy of the RFP documents can be obtained at the Bristol Housing Authority, 164 Jerome Ave., Bristol, CT 06010 during normal business hours or by contacting Yvonne Tirado, Dir. of Accounting & Special Projects at ytirado@ bristolhousing.org, phone 860-585-2039 or Carl Johnson, Dir. of Capital Funds, at cjohnson@bristolhousing.org, phone 860-585-2028. Scope and proposal requirements will be available starting Aug. 21, 2023.

Email

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.

The Housing Authority of the City of Bristol is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. SBE, MBE, W/DBE, and Section 3 businesses are encouraged to respond.

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

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

The Housing Authority of the City of Bristol (BHA) invites proposals from qualified attorneys, legal teams or law firms to provide Legal services in labor laws, employment & benefits. For copy of RFP please contact Carl Johnson, Dir. of Capital Funds at 860-5852028 or cjohnson@bristolhousing.org beginning Mon., Sept. 4, 2023. Sealed proposals must be received no later than 4:00 p.m. on Thurs., Oct. 12, 2023 clearly marked “RFP –Legal Services. Labor, Employment & Benefits” with one (1) original and three (3) copies mailed or delivered to: Housing Authority of the City of Bristol, Attn: Mitzy Rowe, CEO, 164 Jerome Ave., Bristol, CT 06010

dawnlang@haynesconstruction.com

The Housing Authority of the City of Bristol is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. SBE, MBE, W/DBE, and Section 3 businesses are encouraged to respond.

4 Tips To Help Your Child’s Back-To-School Anxiety

by Jason Hughes, BlackDoctor.org

Back-to-School season is upon us – if you couldn’t tell by the uniforms and school supplies strewn all over every department store. And, as the yearly routine goes, there are a few tykes somewhere in the world begging their parents not to leave them at school.

There may be an actual reason behind your child’s unwillingness to go to school besides what some parents perceive as cute stubbornness. Ever heard of school refusal? According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, your child’s refusal to go to school or stay in school may be the first sign of a mental disorder.

This anxiety-based illness usually affects two to five percent of all school-age children. Experts say the refusal occurs during those transitional –sometimesscary – school years, such as entering kindergarten, middle and high school.

The main symptom is complaining of physical illness shortly before its time to head to school: our child was feeling fine last night. But all of a sudden, around six a.m., as you all prepare for the school day, your little one is complaining of a headache or stomachache. Then, if you let your child stay home, the symptoms

disappear without any treatment only to return the next morning.

Here are four ways to help your child: Talk to your child about their feelings and fears.

Sometimes, especially at early ages, children may have developed a fear that something will happen to their parents while they are at school. It’s best to have an open discussion with your little one to find out what’s bothering them and how that may be triggering their fear of going to school.

It’s important to create an environment where your child feels comfortable expressing their concerns and worries. You can start by initiating open conversations about school, addressing their fears and acknowledging their feelings. Let them know that their emotions are valid and that you’re there to support them.

Help your child establish a support system.

It’s great if your child comes to you for advice on any and every topic. But some children may feel like they can’t have deep discussions with their parents. Help

your child create a list of family members and teachers that can step in and give trustworthy advice when needed. You can also reach out to friends from their previous school year or arrange playdates with classmates they’ll see again. Reconnecting with familiar faces can help ease the fear of the unknown.

Expose your child to school in small doses.

Dropping off your little one at kindergarten can be frightening if they haven’t had any exposure to school before. If your child didn’t attend preschool, find some extracurricular activities that could get your child acclimated to the social elements of a classroom setting. It may also help to arrange a visit to the school before the academic year starts. Walking through the hallways, locating classrooms, and meeting teachers can help alleviate some of the unknowns and

reduce anxiety associated with the new environment.

A consistent daily routine provides a sense of predictability that can ease anxiety, but remember to start small so you don’t overwhelm your child. For example, you can gradually adjust their sleep schedule and meal times to align with the school routine. Having a structured plan can help reduce uncertainty.

If your child’s stress is particularly intense, consider creating a transition plan. Start with shorter visits to school, gradually increasing the duration until they feel more comfortable.

Involve your child in back-to-school preparations. Let them choose their school supplies, backpack, and even their first-day outfit. This sense of ownership and control can boost their confidence and excitement.

Speak with a therapist.

If your child’s school refusal continues for more than a couple of weeks, it may be best to speak with a therapist. There could be some other event that triggered your child’s anxiety about school that only a professional can detect and help treat.

Arkansas Ed. Dept withdraws credit for AP African American Studies

By Stacy M. Brown, Contributing Writer,Black Press USA

The Arkansas Education Department has opted to strip course credit from the Advanced Placement (AP) African American Studies course, just a few months after Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders inked legislative measures curbing the scope of public school educators’ pedagogical offerings.

The AP African American Studies course, a beacon of educational diversity and cultural enlightenment, will not be eligible for early college credit during the upcoming school year.

“The department encourages the teaching of all American history and supports rigorous courses not based on opinions or indoctrination,” Kimberly Mundell, the Education Department’s communications director, said in a statement.

“Arkansas law contains provisions regarding prohibited topics,” Mundell told local station KHBS, referring to state education restrictions.

“Without clarity, we cannot approve a pilot that may unintentionally put a teacher at risk of violating Arkansas law.”

As several states undertake concerted efforts to circumscribe the boundaries of what educators can impart concerning race, gender, and sexuality, Arkansas has emerged as a new focal point in this ongoing dialogue.

NBC News reported that Sanders had earlier championed limits on education in the state.

The outlet noted that she signed the LEARNS Act into law in March, restricting classroom lessons about gender identity and sexual orientation.

In January, the Republican governor signed an executive order banning “indoctrination and critical race theory” in schools.

The assault on critical race theory, which isn’t taught in grade schools, has been among the most controversial GOP initiatives across the country.

In Florida, Gov. Ron DeSantis spearheaded initiatives to exert an overarching influence over academic viewpoints and curricula.

His HB 999 has caused consternation throughout the academic community, epitomizing an audacious stride toward

dictating the contours of education.

HB 999 says that all colleges and universities must not spend money on education programs or other things that support diversity, equity, and inclusion.

“This bill is a road map for wrecking one of our great state systems of higher education,” University of Michigan Law Professor Julian Davis Mortenson tweeted.

The bill eliminates Women’s and Gender Studies as a major or minor at state

colleges and universities.

It dictates that there can’t be a major or minor “based on the Critical Race Theory belief system.”

According to the bill’s text, the university president or board would do all faculty hiring. It asserts that they “may not delegate” any aspect of any hiring decision or hiring authority to any group or faculty, however constituted.

Further, the bill asserts that they are “not required to consider the recommendations or opinions of faculty.”

Jeremy C. Young, Pen America’s senior manager of Free Expression and Education, called the bill “terrifying.”

Pen America is a non-profit group that protects and promotes free speech worldwide by promoting literature and human rights.

“Florida HB 999 would enact the most Draconian and censorious restrictions on higher education in the history of this country,” Young stated.

“The bill would make tenure and faculty hiring committees meaningless, ban diversity statements, and centralize control of core curricula and mission statements in the hands of political appointees,” Young said.

“Unexpectedly, it would also ban gender studies majors.”

This article was originally published in the August 21, 2023 print edition of The Louisiana Weekly newspaper.

Big business: self-checkout on the rise for major retailers

By Megan Sayles, AFRO Business Writer, afro.com

A letter to big-box retailers like Target, Walmart and Giant Food, is currently circulating through social media, criticizing the stores for the rising use of self-checkout. It speaks on a common experience that shoppers encounter when leaving a store.

Some retailers have associates positioned at store exits to check receipts and verify that customers have paid for all the items in their cart. In the aforementioned letter, individuals expressed their disdain for this practice, particularly after they’ve been forced to ring up and bag groceries by themselves at self-checkout.

“You can either trust me to do selfcheckout, or you can put your cashiers back in place like it used to be. I’m not interested in proving that I did your job for you,” the letter, from Roshell Washington’s Facebook post, reads. “If you want me to be a cashier with no training then that’s your problem, not mine. Keep employing young people and giving them job opportunities. You don’t pay me to scan my own shopping. You don’t give me a staff discount for working for you.”

Augusta, Ga. native Michael Meyers thinks retailers should give customers a discount when they use self-checkout or self-serving kiosks. He noted that he often sees store associates standing around selfcheckout areas without being attentive to customers.

“What bothers me the most is [stores] will only have self-checkout available, and then people are standing around doing nothing,” Meyers said. “It’s different when staffing issues cause it to happen, but we are seeing people standing around talking on their cell phones or playing a

game.”

Although he said that self-checkout is helpful, particularly for people who only want to purchase a few items, it has led to a decline in customer service.

“If we’re going to self-checkout only, how are stores going to give back to customers? If I am checking out myself, that’s man hours that they didn’t have to use,” said Meyers. “Because they don’t use the man hours, I want to see a discount.”

In spite of the criticism, Walmart, Kroger and Dollar General have already begun to pilot self-checkout only stores. The retailers claim they reduce long lines and serve more customers in a shorter period of time.

“We hear far more from customers who like the flexibility of self-checkout. We consistently work to provide our customers with the best possible experience,” said Amanda Foster, director of global communications for Walmart. “Should

someone have a concern, we ask them to immediately speak to a member of management who will be happy to help.”

A common concern regarding the use of self-checkout is whether it causes cashiers to lose their jobs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, cashier employment is expected to decrease by 10 percent, or 335,700 positions from 2021 to 2031.

However, it’s possible these cashiers will transition into new roles at retailers.

At Walmart’s self-checkout-only store in Fayetteville, Ark., the cashiers have become “hosts,” according to a news release from Walmart. They guide customers to open registers, and if a customer does not want to check themselves out, they step in to ring up and bag items.

According to Foster, Walmart does not intend to reduce staffing or individuals’ work hours because of self-checkout use.

“Self-checkout frees up our associates to better serve customers, no matter how they shop with us,” said Foster. “From helping on the floor with questions to working with our online, delivery or pickup teams, our intent is this expanded flexibility will create a better overall experience.”

As Walmart expands self-checkout use, some stores have decided to cut down on it due to an increase in theft. According to the National Retail Federation, stores suffered $94.5 billion in losses in 2021. The primary cause for these losses was theft. In addition to increased security and the closures of secondary entrances, Giant Food has decided to limit its self-checkout lanes to 20 items in response to rising theft.

“We are implementing some new processes to mitigate theft in our stores and prioritize the safety of our customers and associates. We have implemented these changes in many of our stores and will continue to test other theft prevention tactics in other stores,” said Jon Arons, community relations manager for Giant Food. “We know that these changes are disruptive for everyone, and we would prefer not to have to put these measures in place. Unfortunately, at this time we are in a position where these steps are necessary.”

Megan Sayles is a Report for America Corps member.

Tupac’s Iconic Ring and Love Letter Make History at Sotheby’s Auction

By BlackNews.com

Nationwide — Sotheby’s recent hip-hop artifacts auction achieved groundbreaking milestones with the sale of two deeply significant items from the legendary rapper Tupac Shakur. The iconic gold, ruby, and diamond crown ring, designed and worn by Tupac himself, shattered records as the most expensive hip-hop artifact ever to be auctioned, fetching an astonishing $1 million dollars. In a heartwarming juxtaposition, several love letters penned by Tupac during his high school years were also up for auction. Famed hip-hop artist Drake emerged victorious in the bid for the ring, while Detroitbased Dr. Khalid El-Hakim, founder of the Black History 101 Mobile Museum, secured one of the precious love letters for just over $5,000, the least expensive Tupac item in the auction.

Tupac’s ring, a symbol of his unique

style and artistic vision, garnered immense interest from bidders worldwide.

Valued not only for its material worth but for its profound connection to the rap

icon’s legacy designed after his release from prison and worn during his final public appearance at the MTV Video Music Awards in 1996, the ring represents

a piece of hip hop history that will forever be cherished. Drake’s successful bid marks a significant moment in the preservation of hip-hop culture, as he demonstrates his commitment to honoring the genre’s trailblazers.

The auction also featured several tender and intimate artifacts – handwritten love letters by Tupac during his formative years as a high school student. Although the monetary value may not be as substantial as the ring, the letter’s emotional worth and historical significance are immeasurable. Dr. Khalid El-Hakim’s successful acquisition of one of the letters showcases his dedication to preserving the most personal and heartfelt elements of hip-hop culture, further solidifying the Black History 101 Mobile Museum’s role as a treasure trove of African American history.

Dr. Khalid El-Hakim, an esteemed curator, historian, and educator, continues to

be a respected voice in educating the public on the Black experience in America through his national traveling exhibits. As a testament to his commitment, he will be teaching a class on preserving hip-hop culture at Western Michigan University. This course seeks to empower students with a comprehensive understanding of the genre’s profound impact on society, ensuring that hip-hop’s legacy remains relevant and respected.

The auction at Sotheby’s has highlighted the enduring influence of Tupac Shakur and the cultural significance of hip-hop. Drake and Dr. Khalid El-Hakim’s significant acquisitions affirm their shared commitment to preserving and celebrating the genre’s unique heritage.

For press inquiries, contact Kris Bell, PR at 313-645-4197 or Bhistory101@ yahoo.com

The Glendower Group, Inc. is currently seeking bids for a On Call Material Testing Services. A complete copy of the requirement may be obtained from Glendower’s Vendor Collaboration Portal https://newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/gateway beginning on Monday, August 7, 2023, at 3:00PM.

Do you still qualify for HUSKY Health? Complete your renewal to find out.

At Access Health CT, we’re here to help you renew your HUSKY Health insurance. To get started, visit AccessHealthCT.com or call 1-855-805-4325 to update your address, phone number, email, and other information. You will be notified when your HUSKY renewal is due. When it’s your time for renewal, we will use your information to see if you still qualify for

If you do not qualify, you can choose new coverage through Access Health CT. You will have up to 120 days from the date your HUSKY ends to enroll in new coverage.

But don’t wait until your HUSKY ends. Shop during your renewal period to be sure you have coverage when you need it. We’re here to help and can even see if you qualify for financial help. Start at AccessHealthCT.com

Take action today to stay covered tomorrow.

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Even if you think you’re no longer eligible, complete the renewal, so you can be re-evaluated.

To confirm your information, please go to or scan the QR code: ct.gov/UpdateUsDSS

Everyone deserves to live comfortably no matter what. MyPlaceCT is helping older adults and people with disabilities to do just that! MyPlaceCT is a free, online resource that provides information about the options for services and support needed to live your best life.

Learn

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

HeadStartNewHaven.com 475-220-1462 / 475-220-1463

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

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

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