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THE INNER-CITY NEWS - December 13, 2023 - December 19, 2023

Fearing Feds, Immigrants Ask For Protection

by LAURA GLESBY The new haven independent

Three weeks after getting married, Erika found herself wondering whether her family was one of at least 73 couples that a city official had reported to federal immigration authorities.

“I am very afraid,” she said in Spanish.

Erika was one of about 25 people at a protest staged outside City Hall on Monday evening. Local immigrant rights organization Unidad Latina en Acción (ULA) convened the protest after the city placed Registrar of Vital Statistics Trish Clark on paid administrative leave for reporting 73 out of 215 marriages involving a non-citizen immigrant as potentially fraudulent to federal Citizenship and Immigration Services authorities during a three-month period between late August and late November.

The city is investigating whether Clark violated the “Welcoming City” executive order, which prevents New Haven employees from asking about or reporting a constituent’s immigration status “unless required by state or federal law.”

The city is now working on identifying which couples were reported to federal authorities and plans to notify those couples sometime this week, according to spokesperson Lenny Speiller.

In the meantime, Clark’s actions have sown fear among recently-married immigrants, who are now wondering whether they will be investigated, according to those who spoke up at Monday’s protest.

ULA founder and protest organizer John Jairo Lugo noted that newly-married couples are worried not only about the immediate future, but also about how Clark’s reports about their marriages might be used against them years down the line, including “if [ex-President Donald] Trump is coming back again.”

People convicted of “marriage fraud” in the United States can face prison time, fines, and deportation, and would likely find it nearly impossible to obtain a visa or green card in the future.

Erika, who got married shortly before Clark was placed on administrative leave, is so worried about the consequences of possibly having been reported that she almost didn’t come to Monday’s protest.

“She saw my Latino last name,” she said in an interview, referring to Clark.

In the end, she decided to speak out about her experience.

“I’m here to denounce this racist act from this worker,” she said to the crowd in Spanish, as Lugo translated. “Because right now, I am very afraid about what can happen to us.”

In a previous interview with the Independent, Clark said she had done nothing wrong. An email message obtained by the Independent showed that a state

LAURA GLESBY PHOTO Norma Rodriguez-Reyes, who officiated Erika's wedding: "The day of a marriage is one of the happiest days in their lives.”

official informed Clark that she “should” report “suspicious” marriages to federal authorities. (Read more on that here.)

Erika and her husband applied for a marriage license in City Hall. But their actual wedding took place on the third floor of 51 Elm St. where Norma Rodriguez-Reyes conducts marriages, primarily for Spanish speakers. (RodriguezReyes, a justice of the peace, also works as publisher of the Spanish-language newspaper La Voz Hispana; RodriguezReyes serves as well as board chair of the nonprofit that publishes the Independent.) Rodriguez-Reyes sets out a white tablecloth for these wedding ceremonies, often arranging a vase of fresh flowers.

“The day of a marriage is one of the happiest days in their lives,” RodriguezReyes said at the ULA protest outside City Hall on Monday. “Now they have to worry” that “they will not be accepted” by immigration officials.

The protesters also set forth a list of demands for how City Hall should address the fallout of the immigration reports.

Lugo called for the Board of Alders to codify the Welcoming City executive order, which the mayor’s office has power to alter, into a Sanctuary City ordinance that could only be changed only through legislation.

He called for the city to provide legal assistance to the families whom Clark reported.

He called for the city to create a governmental department dedicated to helping immigrants who come to New Haven navigate a complex web of resources and requirements.

Other speakers argued that city employees need more education on what the Welcoming City executive order and federal immigration laws do and don’t require them to do.

Kica Matos, president of the National Immigration Law Center and an organizer of the protest, reiterated that she knows of “no law that exists” that would have required Clark to report couples whose marriages she doubted.

She stressed that Clark not only violated the executive order, but made judgments about the validity of marriages that she was not qualified to make. “She lacks any experience or knowledge of immigration fraud,” Matos said, noting that federal immigration authorities use “complicated” methods including “deep background checks” to investigate the intent behind marriages involving Green Card applicants.

Local immigration attorney Glen Formica argued that Clark’s behavior “shows a lack of education in that building about what immigration is” and how federal immigration laws work.

The Elicker administration has hired a group called New Light to investigate whether or not Clark’s actions violated the “welcoming city” executive order, and to look into just how many marriage licenses to immigration Clark flagged as potentially fraudulent.

Legal Help, Ordinance Protection Demanded Mayor Justin Elicker agreed at the protest to meet with the immigration advocates.

Kica Matos and John Lugo.

Onlookers include Health Director Maritza Bond and Mayor Justin Elicker.

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He told reporters after the protest that he is “open to talking about expanding personnel,” including in the form of a new immigration office in the city.

He said that when the city reaches out to the couples affected by the Vital Statistics immigration reports this week, officials will provide information about pro bono legal services.

Elicker defended his record on protecting immigrant rights, pointing out that his “Welcoming City” executive order passed in 2020, which expanded Sanctuary City protections to apply to all city employees and not just the police, is what made Clark’s actions counter to city policy in the first place. He said that New Haven is a safe place for immigrants “definitely compared to every other city in Connecticut.”

Lugo had asked Elicker to apologize.

“That is the least he can do for a community that is in fear right now,” Lugo said.

“I’m sorry,” Elicker said, “for the incredible anxiety that this situation has caused a lot of people.”

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - December 13, 2023 - December 19, 2023

State Senator To Revive Bill Requiring Minimum Wage

For Restaurant Servers And Bartenders

by Mike Savino

The new haven independent

Restaurant worker Mary Laura Briceño, right, speaks with the help of an interpreter, left, in support of ending the tip-credit wage in Connecticut in favor of paying minimum wage to restaurant servers and bartenders at the Legislative Office Building on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2023. Credit: Mike Savino / CTNewsJunkie

Chicago Alderman Jessie Fuentes advocates on behalf of ending the tip-credit wage in Connecticut in favor of paying minimum wage to restaurant servers and bartenders at the Legislative Office Building on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2023. Credit: Mike Savino / CTNewsJunkie

passed to customers.

Advocates said that’s not always the case, though, as workers in other restaurants and hotels earn less than the minimum wage, even after tips.

State and federal law requires employers to make up the difference, but advocates said many employees are afraid of retribution if they speak up.

A U.S. Department of Labor study of 9,000 restaurants nationwide found that 83.8% violated wage and hour laws.

Mary Laura Briceño, a worker at Los Remolinos in Norwalk, said workers in the industry often face sexual and verbal harassment. She also said she’s seen employers tell coworkers they’re expendable.

“We’re mothers, we’re immigrants, we’re youth, and we’re here today to push for the one fair wage law,” she said through an interpreter.

Last year’s bill cleared the Labor Committee but never came up for a vote in the Senate or House. Kushner and One Fair Wage, a nationwide advocacy group, brought in advocates from Chicago,

where the city council approved a similar proposal in October.

Chicago’s ordinance eliminates the credit over five years, part of a process that won over the city’s restaurants.

“We met in the middle, we landed in agreement and we passed a piece of legislation that was going to work for workers, small businesses, and the hospitality industry,” Chicago Alderman Jessie Fuentes said.

Chicago was the second city to pass a local requirement, joining Washington, D.C. So far seven states have also passed requirements, while One Fair Wage is pushing to get a statewide referendum in Massachusetts next year.

But Ackert said he wants to see the Labor Committee get support from the Connecticut Restaurant Association, just as the Chicago City Council did.

“If it’s good for the workers in the state of Connecticut and the restaurant can be a valuable component to that, support those jobs, then yeah, I’d be on board with it,” he said.

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One of the leaders of the legislature’s Labor and Public Employees Committee plans to bring back legislation requiring restaurant staff and other tipped workers be paid minimum wage, regardless of tips.

Sen. Julie Kushner, backed by advocates from Connecticut and Chicago, said the bill would treat tipped workers the same as all other employees, especially with the minimum wage set to automatically increase each year.

“When we raised the minimum successfully over the last five years, we found that we left some people behind,” said Kushner, a Democrat from Danbury who co-chairs the General Assembly’s Labor Committee.

Kushner said she hasn’t drafted a bill yet for the upcoming session, which starts in February, but she would once again try to remove the state’s “tip credit provision.”

That law allows restaurants and hotels to pay tipped workers less than the state’s minimum wage – $8.23 per hour for bartendenders and $6.38 per hour for other employees.

Employers are required to cover the difference when wages and tips combined still fall short of the minimum wage, which will rise from $15 to $15.69 on Jan. 1.

Labor advocates said the proposal would treat hospitality workers fairly.

“It’s well past time we give tipped workers in the state of Connecticut a raise,” Connecticut AFL-CIO President Ed Hawthorne said, adding it’s been 2,529 days since the “sub-minimum wage” was increased.

The Connecticut Restaurant Association, which opposed the bill last year, said eliminating the tip credit would increase costs significantly for restaurants.

“If passed, this legislation would completely change how servers in Connecticut are paid, putting at risk a system that currently benefits thousands of servers, small business restaurant owners, and Connecticut’s local economy,” association President and CEO Scott Dolch said in a statement. “It would both increase costs to local small business owners while also disincentivizing tipping by customers, which hurts servers.”

He also pointed to testimony from Keith Beaulieu, owner of the Main Pub in Manchester, who told the legislature last year that the change would raise his payroll cost by $135,821 a year.

He also said the bill isn’t needed because his wait staff make an average of $29 per hour after tips, while bartenders earn an average of $31.

Rep. Tim Ackert, R-Coventry, also raised concerns that eliminating the tip credit would result in higher costs for restaurants, which would ultimately get

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS - December 13, 2023 - December 19, 2023

Sisters’ Journey December Survivor of the Month – Valerie Simmons (left) with daughter Lisa Reeves, our November Survivor

Hi, my name is Valerie L. Simmons. I live in Westchester County, Yonkers, New York. I am a retiree from the Westchester County Department of Social Service for the State of New York.

As we all know, years ago women of color did not go for annual gynecological, mammogram, or colonoscopy exams, so I was not aware of any history of cancer in my family. However, later in life, I heard of unsubstantiated ovarian, colon and pancreatic cancers that may have taken precious family lives.

However, and unfortunately, I did become aware that I lost my younger sister to pancreatic cancer eight years ago, and also that I had an aunt who succumbed to ovarian cancer approximately 50 years ago. I am not sure if there is a relationship to my diagnosis or not. Prior to this experience, I was in good health. I had no health issues.

As I grew older, these exams became more available to us. At the age of 64, I felt a lump under my left breast. As it was time for my annual mammogram, I brought it to the attention of my gynecologist. My gynecologist felt it was a benign cyst.

However, I insisted that I get an ultrasound as well as a mammogram. As a result, the tumor was located, and it was malignant. Within three weeks I had surgery, a lumpectomy, on February 10, 2014.

My treatment consisted of five months of chemotherapy and two months of radiation for the lumpectomy and removal of 10-12 lymph nodes. My best friend

went to radiation with me every day. I was not sure if the lymph nodes were malignant or not. The doctor stated I had triple negative breast cancer which tends to be aggressive. The effect of the treatments caused me to lose my hair.

In July 2022, I noticed my left arm was larger than my right. I went to my oncologist who sent me for a CT scan, therapy once a week for lymphedema, which developed because of the surgery for breast cancer.

In addition to my medical team, my six children and seven grandchildren have been by my side the whole time – faithfully attending my appointments with me. They have given me the support and courage that I needed to sustain this journey I have traveled these past years. With God’s grace and seeing my surgeons and medical doctors every six months, I am now a survivor going on 10 years.

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Valerie Simmons (left) with daughter Lisa Reeves, our November Survivor

New Haven Virtual Support Group Meeting: Every 3rd Tuesday of the month 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Bridgeport Virtual Support Group Meeting: Every 3rd Thursday of the Month 6:30pm – 7:30pm Contact Us: sistersjourney@sbcglobal. net Or Call: 203-288-3556 We’re on the web @ Sisters Journey Inc. or

DeLauro Doubles Down On Ukraine Support After Zelenskyy Meeting

by STAFF

The new haven independent

New Haven U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro, the top Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee, issued a pitch to un-stall renewed U.S. military aid to Ukraine after participating in a Capitol Hill meeting Tuesday with visiting Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskyy. She released the following statement: I thank President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for making this trip to the United States to meet with us. Because of Vladimir Putin’s pointless and bloody war, Ukrainian children have been stolen from their families; homes, schools, and hospitals have been leveled; and thousands of innocent people have been slaughtered. Ukraine’s unwavering strength, resilience, and determination to defend its nation in the face of Russian aggression and oppression is inspiring.

It is past time for Congress to stop

assuaging the extreme Republicans who favor strongmen and autocrats and reaffirm our support for our allies and for the survival of global democracy. You do not have to look very far back to see that if Putin is given an inch, he will take a mile. Putin’s war crimes and unyielding pursuit of geopolitical dominance will not stop in Ukraine. Failure to support Ukraine as they stand up against him now threatens our own national security and the peace and prosperity of democracies around the globe.

Russian state media is already praising Republicans for holding up this critical support. Each day that we allow extreme Republicans to hold up aid to Ukraine is a victory for Putin.

We must join together — and rise to meet this challenge — as we have done in the past. Failure to quickly pass aid for Ukraine weakens our position as a global leader and reaffirms Putin’s goal of crushing democracy. Democ-

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS - December 13, 2023 - December 19, 2023

Child Care Panel Recommends Boosting Funding and Subsidized Day Care Slots

by Hugh McQuaid

A panel developing a plan to shore up Connecticut’s child care system issued its report last week, which included recommendations to create 28,000 new subsidized child care spaces and boost rates for providers working under state-funded programs.

The Blue Ribbon Panel on Child Care was created back in March by an executive order from Gov. Ned Lamont, who tasked the group with creating a five-year strategic plan to improve access and affordability of child care in the state.

On Friday, the panel released that plan, which called for $603 million in incremental investments over a five-year period, including an increase of $148 million beginning in fiscal year 2025.

The group expects those investments to help create nearly 30,000 new affordable child care spaces and fund rate increases for some 55,000 child care slots funded by the state under the Care 4 Kids program.

In an introduction to the report, state Early Childhood Commissioner Beth Bye said the group’s members had engaged in social justice work aimed at righting inequities.

“I believe every baby born in Connecticut and every young child who moves here with their families deserves a

federal, local, and other investments will be necessary to address inequities and ensure the state’s competitiveness in the region.”

Meanwhile, a survey of Connecticut child care providers conducted by the CT Early Childhood Alliance between October and November found around a quarter of providers not generating enough revenue to sustain their businesses and widespread staffing vacancies, which most providers attributed to low compensation rates.

On Tuesday, Merrill Gay, the group’s executive director, called the Blue Ribbon Panel’s recommendations a great start that correctly diagnosed staffing difficulties as the primary challenge facing child care providers.

The plan’s rate increases for state-funded providers would provide needed support for those programs, which Gay said make up roughly 15% of Connecticut’s child care workforce. However, other providers require assistance as well, he said.

“For the other 85% of the workforce, the only way that they’re going to get a raise is if tuition goes up,” Gay said.

Meanwhile, the plan calls for expanding eligibility for subsidized spots from 60% of the state’s median income to 100%, an expansion it expects will enable 24,000 additional slots.

Early Childhood Commissioner Beth Bye Credit: Hugh McQuaid / CTNewsJunkie high-quality early childhood education,” in federal COVID funding, which the Bye said. “The inequities for child care Lamont administration dedicated to shoreducators and for parents are grounded ing up the state’s child care system in the in gender and racial inequities. When we years since the pandemic. improve the early childhood system, we “COVID relief funds have expired, and help to address these inequities.”

Connecticut’s early childhood education The funding recommendations follow system is in acute need of further supthe expiration of around $300 million port,” the report read. “Additional state,

Gay expected much of that broadened eligibility to be utilized by parents who are currently priced out of the child care market altogether and rely on selective shifts and help from family members in order to be able to work and ensure their children are cared for. It was unlikely to make child care more affordable for parents who are already struggling to pay for the services, he said.

“If we want to make sure that we have enough kids coming up the pike to support the economy going forward, we need to make it easier for families to raise children here,” he said. “Right now we expect parents at the time of their lowest net worth and really when they’re just starting their careers, to be paying this enormous cost.”

In the report, Bye said the plan was an imperfect roadmap that would evolve over the next five years. It’s unclear how much of the panel’s recommendations will be funded by state policymakers.

On Monday, Bye said the administration was working with Connecticut’s congressional delegation to support a bill that would bring about $106 million a year to the state in additional federal child care funding.

“It’s going to be a combination [of state and federal investments],” Bye said.

“We’re also asking businesses to step forward and be part of the solution as well.”

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS - December 13, 2023 - December 19, 2023

Arts Champions Boost Buying Local For The Holidays Lucy Gellman, Editor The Arts Paper newhavenarts.org

Buy tickets to an upcoming play, or copies of the new Zadie Smith novel at a favorite local bookstore. Carve out an afternoon to cheer on pint-sized toy soldiers and sugar plum fairies in New Haven Ballet's The Nutcracker. Take a cocktail-making class on College Street, or learn to paint at a sun-splattered studio on State, or make a date to dance among the dinosaurs when they arrive downtown in the new year.

Those were just some of the suggestions from arts leaders, artists, and city and state officials Thursday afternoon at the Shubert Theater, as they encouraged New Haveners to buy local—and championed the economic power of arts and culture— during the holiday season. Posed against evergreen boughs, twinkling white lights and handrails wrapped in red and white decor, speakers outlined a holiday season filled with art, from performances of Chicago at the Shubert to painting classes they can sign up for in East Rock.

The gathering, held just hours before the first night of Hanukkah, doubled as a chance to celebrate the results of a $4.99 million state grant to the Shubert Theatre and of AEP6, the most recent Arts and Economic Prosperity study from Americans for the Arts. When it was released earlier this year, the study showed that arts and culture made up a nearly $1 billion industry in Connecticut, with over 20 percent of that stimulus coming from the Greater New Haven region.

"We talk about the arts being a social driver. We talk about the arts being a connector of community and uniting people.

All of these things are very, very true,” said Cultural Affairs Director Adriane Jefferson. “We don't often, however, talk about the massive economic contribution of arts and culture in our country, in our state, in our region and in our city. And so it's exciting that we have data that supports the thing that we are always screaming from the rooftops."

While the arts are life-giving, they are also helping to bring New Haven’s economy back after the Covid-19 pandemic (read more about AEP6 results in a prior Arts Paper article here). In 2022, the arts and culture sector generated a total of $954.1 million in the state, including $143.4 million in the city of New Haven alone.

That includes $118.3 million in spending by arts and culture organizations, and another $25.2 million in “event-related expenditures”—things like hotel rooms, restaurant meals, post-show drinks, popcorn or candy to accompany a movie screening, and the cost of childcare for a night on the town. Last year in New Haven, there was a $9 return on investment for every $1 spent directly on the arts.

What that means in numbers is 2,042 jobs

and $34.2 million in tax revenue, Jefferson said. In other words, “We are trending up and we are going in the right direction.”

“If you buy an experience in New Haven, that dollar is going towards the staff that are from New Haven,” added Mayor Justin Elicker, who said he's especially excited for an upcoming performance of Annie at the Shubert at the end of February. “And they take that dollar and spend it on restaurants that are in New Haven. They spend it at the grocery store in New Haven. And those people earn a dollar because of their work there, and then spend that somewhere else in New Haven. So buying local is so key to our vibrant economy.”

As they took their place at a podium, speaker after speaker echoed that message, some with holiday-adjacent suggestions in tow. Jacob Padrón, the artistic director of Long Wharf Theatre, encouraged New Haveners to support “the artistry that is happening right here locally,” from Long Wharf’s sold-out performances of The Year of Magical Thinking to Arthur Miller’s A View From The Bridge, scheduled for February 10 through March 10 of next year at the Canal Dock Boathouse. He pointed to the theater’s new itinerant model as opening up a season of new possibility in the region.

“We are telling stories and creating experiences in different parts of the city,” Padrón said, thanking collaborators that include the City of New Haven. “We believe that the city and the region have many stages. So we are bringing theater to the people, to this community, and we are grateful that you are on that journey with us.”

He was the first of many to do so. Carla Jackson, assistant dean and general manager at the David Geffen School of Drama and Yale Repertory Theatre, suggested that attendees make time for the world premiere of The Salvagers, running at the Yale Rep through December 16. Dr. Keith Churchwell, board president for the New Haven Symphony Orchestra, recommended the symphony’s upcoming “Holiday Extravaganza” and performance of Handel’s Messiah.

Public artist and painter Kwadwo Adae, who runs an art school on State Street, piped up on behalf of small, arts-focused businesses and for-profit institutions, which are often operating on much thinner margins than their patrons realize. He stressed the importance of backing businesses in every corner of the city, from Newhallville to Fair Haven to West Hills.

“Without ears and eyes and mouths, our musicians can’t play,” he said. “Our culinary artists that are so talented in this town, they don’t have anyone to eat and to enjoy what is being created. And without eyeballs, my art is meaningless to everyone here. So I really encourage everyone to go and make sure that your Possible Futures, and your BLOOMs, and your

Artist Kwadwo Adae: “There is gold in each neighborhood. This city is full of kindness.

So whatever your favorite thing is, whatever type of organization speaks to you, please patronize those businesses.” Lucy Gellman Photos.

"It's exciting that we have data that supports the thing that we are always screaming from the rooftops.”

State Sen. Martin Looney.

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NXTHVNs, your Westvilles, your [West] Hills [are supported].”

“There is gold in each neighborhood,” he added. “This city is full of kindness. So whatever your favorite thing is, whatever type of organization speaks to you, please patronize those businesses.”

Calling New Haven “a beacon for the arts of all kinds,” State Sen. Martin Looney noted the importance of investing in institutions like the Shubert, which earlier this year was awarded $4,993,489 from Connecticut’s Community Investment Fund 2030 (CIF) for a number of “sustainability projects."

Those include new HVAC, lighting, and sound equipment and much-needed renovations on the College Street building. He pointed to the theater’s survival within a rich arts landscape that also includes Long Wharf Theatre, now in its first season of itinerancy, and the Yale Repertory Theatre among others.

“While people cite the dollar figures, the ancillary value, that arts and cultural programs bring in, I think we have to primarily cite the value of art in itself, whether it’s performance or representational art,” he said. “Art is something that ennobles the human spirit, and it should be talked about independently of financial aspects that it brings.”

Arts workers like Kelly Wuzzardo, director of education and engagement at the Shubert and a new member of the city’s Cultural Affairs Commission, often see that impact in real time. This week, a touring production of Chicago at the theater has provided work for 60 local stagehands, all members of International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 74. Meanwhile, it has also boosted downtown hotel and restaurant revenue as Chicago cast and crew members arrive in New Haven.

Then there’s ticket revenue, Wuzzardo said. This weekend, the Shubert is expecting 1600 patrons to pass through its doors. Many of them will have eaten and shopped downtown beforehand, or might stay for a cocktail or dessert after the show. That continues all month and into January, with performances of The Nutcracker, A Christmas Carol, and then Dinosaur World Live in January.

She mentioned a photograph that Shubert staff often refers to, of a struggling College Street lined with boarded-up buildings in the 1970s. When Covid-19 hit in March 2020, “that was very hard” for the arts, she said. Theaters, with other arts venues, became some of the first to shutter and the last to reopen. Now, they are part of the vibrant and evolving arts ecosystem that is bringing the city's economy back.

“Everything we do, we consider ourselves kind of a lynchpin in this neighborhood for economic development," she said. "And we are so grateful for the support that will allow us to continue to do that."

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - December 13, 2023 - December 19, 2023

New Alders Prepare To Dial Downtown

by PAUL BASS

The new haven independent

Attention LCI: Expect to hear from Brittiany Mabery-Niblack and Theresa Morant starting next month.

That’s when Mabery-Niblack and Morant begin serving as newly elected alders in Newhallville’s Ward 20 and Quinnipiac Meadows’ Ward 12, respectively.

Knocking on doors to win their seats, they came face to face with what they characterize as failures of “megalandlords” to keep up low-income rental properties in their neighborhoods.

“I’ve seen ceilings caving in, windows rusted out” while visiting voters, Mabery-Niblack said during a joint appearance with Morant Tuesday on WNHH FM’s “Dateline New Haven” program.

“People are not living comfortably.

Landlords are going up in the rent” without maintaining adequate living conditions.

Morant spoke as well about finding “doors with no door handles” and broken locks as she campaigned door

Alders-Elect Brittiany Mabery-Niblack and Theresa Morant at WNHH FM.

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to door.

Both alders-elect said they plan to keep inspectors at the government’s Livable City Initiative (LCI) aware of problems they encounter. That intention fits with their larger goals as alders: holding people in power accountable and connecting constituents to opportunities to advance their lives.

Mabery-Niblack, for instance, spoke of how New Haven Works helped her land good jobs with Yale and then the state government and of Yale’s Homebuyer program as an example of opportunities she’d like to see more people learn about.

“I enjoy being a voice for the people,” Morant said. She heard a lot about neighbors’ concerns about a new homeless facility the city is opening at the former Days Inn on Foxon Boulevard. She called the project a “beautiful” way to help people in need — and she has worked to allay neighbors’ concerns and connect them to officials who can lay out the rules and staffing in place to ensure it runs well.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - December 13, 2023 - December 19, 2023

With “Heart,” New Haven Academy Rings In A Season Of Miracles Lucy Gellman, Editor, The Arts Paper newhavenarts.org

Willie is doubled over her computer, her voice weaving in and out of the clicking keys, the hum of traffic somewhere in the distance. She's nearly spitting into the receiver. "Hello? Do you know who I am?" Her voice is sharp and cold. It's only when her secretary enters with a gentle reminder of the date—Christmas Eve—that she stops what she's doing for a moment, and starts to take stock of where the year has gone.

Somewhere above, the angels are waiting, listening, for the prayer that will inevitably come. Is it enough to salvage Christmas and help her start to heal? Will it ever be?

That question sits at the tinsel-tinged and wildly beating heart of Heart: The Holiday Play, a new play from drama instructor Ty Scurry and New Haven Academy's Legacy Studios drama club.

Written, directed, and produced by Scurry and assistant directed by Yale senior Josie Ingall, the play brings together narrative storytelling, hard-fought forgiveness, family ties and some time-hopping holiday magic to balance the bitter and the sweet.

While it is inspired by two of Scurry's all-time favorites, A Christmas Carol and It's A Wonderful Life, the show belongs entirely to New Haven, and particularly to the resilient, funny, and empathic young people at its core. Its world premiere is set to open this Thursday, Dec. 14 in New Haven Academy's gymturned-auditorium. Performances run Thursday through Saturday; "This show has been through so many changes, and I don't think it'll be the same next year," said Scurry at a recent tech rehearsal, checking his watch to clock the 15 minutes before run time. "It's constantly evolving. The kids are making it their own. This is really becoming their show, where they're embracing these characters and putting their own spin on things that I didn't even see. It's like clay, where it's constantly being molded."

In part, that’s because so much of Heart is his own story. When Scurry was just 15—he's now 23, and directs the drama programs at both New Haven Academy and James Hillhouse High School—he started writing the show as a freshman at Wilbur Cross High School, as a way to tackle mental health in his own life. At the time, he said, he was depressed but didn't recognize it as depression, and thought he was just in a rut he couldn’t get out of.

English teacher Salvatore DeLucia, who now helms the Lights Up Drama Club, saw that Scurry was struggling and encouraged him to get it out on paper. It was a first push in what would become eight years of editing the same show.

In its first drafts, Heart was a musical about trauma and redemption, depression and recovery. After graduating from high

school, Scurry put it aside and poured himself into other work, ultimately directing the fledgling drama club at Hillhouse and later trying to save a family music store in Hamden. At some point in late 2019, shortly before Covid-19 hit New Haven, he picked it back up after struggling to get into the holiday spirit.

This time, it came out as a mashup of his two favorite holiday texts—and it stuck.

“When you’re doing an original work, there’s no rulebook or no inspiration to really go off of,” he said. “So it’s just interesting to be in this space, where it’s kind of like, we’re just creating.”

As it opens this week at New Haven Academy, Heart tells the story of Willie Mae Superior (Ale Cruz), the owner of a cell phone company who cannot escape the grief of losing her mother (Mikaila "Sora" Mae Matta as Seraphim) to gun violence during the holiday season. Now an adult, Superior is estranged from her father (Azaad Mamoon) and struggles with depression, close with only her secretary Alisha (Solimar Quintanilla) and left largely to brave Christmas alone.

When she contemplates taking her own life on Christmas Eve, it's an intervention from the angel-ghost of her grandmother (Jaylah Jones) that saves her—and puts family and forgiveness back in perspective.

In the background, subplots multiply over time (it would not be a play by Scurry if they didn't): Alisha is caring for a child with leukemia (Lauren Sellers as Eric), Willie's father is dying of heart failure and desperate to rekindle his relationship with his daughter, Willie struggles with decades of mental illness and suicidality, and a New Haven pastor (Jeremiah McCullough) pleads for support during the holiday season, amplifying the city's real-life homelessness crisis. Beyond the veil in heaven, Seraphim and Mama Mabel struggle to reconcile as mother and daughter.

"Directing it and allowing it to grow into what it's becoming is something new that I haven't done before," Scurry said, adding that many of the characters are inspired by people in his own life. "It's been a pretty interesting journey to not build a piece of work that's already been built."

On stage, that story has come to life in vibrant color. As lights come up on Willie, hunched over her laptop in true Grinch-like fashion, the audience can feel a heavy, sharp grief radiating from the stage, and it's enough to pull them in and keep them there for the next 90 minutes.

Around her, Heart's cosmology of characters springs to life, first with Alisha and Pastor Branford, and then with an entire cast that pops out of the dramatic woodwork.

There's plenty to see here, thanks to a kind of world-building at which Scurry is particularly talented. When Willie steps back in time, reliving her mother's death and father's departure, she's horrified to find that there was a whole backstory

Warren Leftridge and Mikaila "Sora" Mae Matta in Heart. Both are students at James Hillhouse High School who joined the cast. she never learned, because she was too spired by Scurry's late grandfather. young to understand it (a nod to freshMcCullough, who has grown tremenman Michelle Cochran as young Willie). dously since his debut in Songs for a New When Alisha lets herself be vulnerable, it World earlier this year, finds the fire and gives her a softness and warmth that the also the depth to play a pastor, then deaudience didn't know the character had. lights at the end of the show in a cameo When Seraphim and Mama Mabel recon- from Santa Claus (just go with it). As they nect in heaven, it feels genuinely divine, play off of each other, Matta, Leftridge a reminder of the kindness and grace of and Jones are especially dynamic, like a which humans are capable. beatific Charlie's Angels that the audience And in this dark season, so often her- didn't even know it needed. Even Elliott alded as a time of miracles, the show's Peaper, in his debut role as Alisha's son message—that goodness can prevail, if it Maximus, gets a chance to shine as he works hand-in-hand with abundance and drifts in and out of scenes as a backup compassion—feels right on time. Scurry dancer, ensemble member, and supportive may bend time and space, but he never older brother. loses track of the story, weaving into it all For a play that takes on mental illness, the complexity and heart of which a per- generational trauma, gun violence, povson is capable of in this complex drama erty, and the medical industrial complex called life. with both swiftness and clarity, Heart also Meanwhile, the show is also a joy to manages to channel the sweetness of the watch; no actor comes up short. As Wil- season, which this year has sometimes lie, Cruz is in their element, with a range felt hard to find and hold onto. of emotion that is palpable even in the To his original script, Scurry has folded audience. Alongside and sometimes op- in popular music, including a perforposite them, Quintanilla brings a sweet- mance of Mariah Carey’s earwormy ness and strength to the stage, and nails "All I Want For Christmas Is You" from the role of big-hearted caretaker with a Quintanilla that is hard not to dance along wisdom (and energy reserve) far beyond to from one's seat. When Cruz sings "I her high school years.

Am Changing," popularized in the muAs Willie's father, Mamoon balances a sical movie Dreamgirls, they put their kind of trauma and warmth, ending every whole heart into it. By the time the cast voicemail to his daughter with an off-key, sings Once On This Island's "The Human very dad-like cover of Stevie Wonder's "I Heart," Scurry's own love letter to muJust Called to Say I Love You" that is in- sical theater, it’s hard not to feel a little

8

verklempt.

In the quiet before a recent rehearsal, several cast members said they are grateful to be part of Heart's first-ever cast and crew, and excited to bring a beloved teacher's words and vision to life.

Leftridge, a senior at Hillhouse who came onboard for the show, said he’s learned so much through theater, and is happy to give back through performance.

"Portraying these characters, bringing them to life and doing them justice is no easy task at all," he said. "Which I give Ty credit for, cause he puts us to the challenge." Before the show, he added, he didn't always think about the mental headspace his peers might be in.

Now, "I feel like I understand where that person is coming from—what they went through to shape them that way," he said. "I think it's so much better to understand people when they're going through stuff like that, as opposed to judging them, or calling them a grinch, or dissing them and pushing them to the side because they don't want to be bothered."

Several of the actors added that they are grateful for a space to speak honestly about depression, anxiety, family conflict, and suicidality. Cruz, who is a senior this year, noted that mental health is often stigmatized or dismissed, particularly in families of color—which makes the chance to discuss it feel all the more sacred.

"There are some people who are supportive and will hear you out, and there are some people who, you know, they just believe in that myth that mental health issues just don't really exist," they said.

"They're kind of like, 'You're fine! Suck it up.’"

McCullough added that stepping on stage brings him—and many of his peers—a kind of calm, particularly at this time of year. Often, he has trouble getting into the holiday spirit. When he read Heart, he realized how not alone he was in that sentiment.

"It's relieving," he said. "Being able to become someone else for a brief moment, to step away from all your problems and focus on what you really enjoy doing, it's an amazing feeling."

That feeling, it seems, is also paying off. At the end of a tech rehearsal last Wednesday, Scurry approached the stage beaming. For the previous 90 minutes, actors had shape-shifted into entirely other people, probing that thin and porous barrier between light and dark, past and future.

Now, they sat on the lip of the stage, transformed suddenly back into high school students. Scurry, arms lifted from conducting the finale, took a deep breath.

“Guys? We have a show!” he began, and actors whooped and applauded as they burst into smiles. “I don’t know what y’all did yesterday. I don’t know what y’all ate today. But we have a show.”

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - December 13, 2023 - December 19, 2023

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS - December 13, 2023 - December 19, 2023

HSC English Assignment: Use TikTok!

by MAYA MCFADDEN

A TikTok-focused English project for High School in the Community (HSC) sophomore Diana Robles brought her to the realization that “when I read a news article, I sort of just believe what it says.”

Now she thinks twice — about where the story was published, and about its credibility and potential bias.

Robles and fellow HSC students gathered in a first-floor classroom on Wednesday to debrief about a recent project they worked on in their English 2 class taught

by Amy Brazauski.

The project was focused on news literacy, lateral reading, and identifying credibility and bias in local news articles.

The students were each tasked with selecting a written news article of interest, researching the author and news outlet, and deciding whether or not the piece included bias. Then they took their work to TikTok to make a video about the articles.

One discussion group included sophomores Sarina, Jonaily Colon, Nene Murphy, Jonah Rosenberg, Diana Robles, Justin Welch, and Japhet Gonzalez.

Students like Welch said the project was interesting because it wasn’t your typical English class assignment on Google Classroom and instead it was more creative, allowing him to learn how to make a TikTok video for the first time and learn about editing.

“Once we leave high school, we’re going to have to look into credibility on our own instead of it being given to us,” said Sarina, who declined to share her last name.

Rosenberg added that looking into credibility and bias is common in his HSC classes, though being allowed to use TikTok in class is not.

Students projects included looking into articles published by such news outlets as The Arts Paper, The New Haven Independent, The New Haven Register, and The CT Mirror. They selected the pieces to dive deep into based on their personal interests and experiences.

Colon focused her project on youth homelessness in New Haven by looking closely at a November Independent article that discussed the rejection of a homeless youth shelter on Hazel Street.

“Homeless rates in New Haven are getting worse,” she said. “It was empowering because this is a real thing.”

Rosenberg did his project on a WTNH article about a car crash that happened in front of a Hamden restaurant. He pointed out that the article mentions being a developing story, “Check back for updates,” but it was never updated despite him waiting weeks for more information.

Rosenberg picked the story because it reminded him of an experience he had at 11 years old when he witnessed a large crash in the Spring Glen neighborhood of Hamden, involving several teenagers

MAYA MCFADDEN PHOTO HSC students with English teacher Amy Brazauski.

as drivers and passengers of the vehicles.

He later learned that as a result of a similar incident in 2008, a teen driving law was passed by the state limiting the number of people who can be in the car with young drivers.

Robles used a New Haven Register article about a visiting nurse in Connecticut killed in a halfway house while visiting a patient. Robles picked the article because her mom was a visiting nurse who quit her job because of the unsafe environment she had to be in for work.

Sarina used an Arts Paper story about an Afghan refugee woman named Roya who reported domestic violence from a family member to the West Haven police before she died. Advocates accused police of not following up on those reports during a protest in November.

Other projects focused on coverage of Black business celebrations like Black Wall Street, local mural projects raising mental health awareness, and gun violence in New Haven.

Putting TikTok In A Positive Light Students learned several lessons from the project.

Robles said before the project she would typically believe anything she’d read in a news article without questioning who was telling the story and how. “I wasn’t thinking about it constantly until now,” she said.

Colon said she learned to not just look at one source when it comes to learning as much news as possible.

The students added that the TikTok project brought a refreshingly new perspec-

tive of the app to the classroom, which typically isn’t the case.

Welch said the “experience of high school is about distancing from social media.” However, for the first time, Brazauski’s class encouraged use of TikTok to support creating.

The project was nice to work on, he said, because the learning experience was relevant to growing mediums like TikTok, it helped him learn how to make videos, and it allowed for creativity.

“Usually a teacher talks about [TikTok] in a bad sense,” Robles said. “Amy brought it in a positive sense.”

Robles described TikTok as a way to express their opinions and gain knowledge in an interesting way. She said the project made class work a lot more interesting.

“A lot of teachers don’t like to talk about it,” she continued. But “the reality of it is we’re going to be using it a lot.”

Sarina noted that when teens are strongly told “no” they’re prone to rebel, and so shedding a positive light on a “tool that is very much prominent in our lives” is necessary to avoid this.

Rosenberg added that he appreciated that, despite Brazauski not having much experience with TikTok, she “connected with us.”

“Work is usually just reading and writing and repetitive, but this was a really unique project,” Robles added.

The students agreed the project allowed them to talk about their opinions when they’re typically told “you can’t put yourself into your work.”

In some of the students’ TikToks, they

10

not only reported on the details of the article but also included their opinions on the larger topics of youth homelessness and refugee advocacy. Many included their own ideas for solutions to such issues.

The project also raised questions for the students and Brazauski around whether news stories should be coupled with trends or whether that would take away from an outlet’s credibility or professionalism.

Brazauski came up with the TikTok project this year while working with a colleague who is a history teacher. The two have focused their class lessons for 10th graders on research skills and credibility. This includes teaching students to develop lateral reading skills.

The project also connects to the school’s Social Justice Symposium project, which Brazauski spearheads and tasks students with focusing in on a social issue, researching that issue, and then making an impact on that issue.

Should News Outlets Use TikTok? When asked if more news outlets should use TikTok as a way of relaying news, students said it could help to broaden an outlet’s audience and allows for more creativity.

Brazauski agreed with the addition that TikTok should introduce a validation system for news reports and a way to provide additional links with videos to prove the information presented is factual.

In Robles’ TikTok, she used a Minecraft background with her video as a voiceover

reported the news about the visiting nurse and she pulled photos from the news article.

Students like Gonzalez said this made the video more interesting while avoiding taking away from the news. Sarina agreed, and Brazauski compared it to growing up doing homework in front of the TV. Robles said the incorporation of TikTok trends came about because of her own interest in watching TikToks that do this.

These trends where “TikTokers” share true crime stories while applying their makeup or baking cookies often provide the audience with a calming backdrop when discussing heavy issues, some students mentioned.

Brazauski emphasized the importance of English classes being balanced with novels and literature and projects like this because “we’re in a media rich world.”

“We need youth to engage in rich literature, but what’s to say other media can’t be rich or richer?” HSC Magnet Resource Teacher Dianna Carter said.

Brazauski has taught at HSC for the past four years and spent the previous four years teaching in New Milford.

The creativity with instruction allowed to teachers has helped HSC have a lack in staff turnover, Carter, who has been teaching for 16 years, said.

HSC is a school that educates its students to be social justice advocates through instruction that is scientifically backed and reflective of what our world currently is, she added.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - December 13, 2023 - December 19, 2023

Wangari Maathai’s daughter Wanjira, others make BBC 100 Women List 2023

By Abu Mubarik, Face2FaceAfrica.com The BBC has released a list of influential and inspiring women for the year 2023. The women were selected from across the world and they cut across various fields and professions/trade.

Prominent among them include attorney and former U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama, Ballon d’Or-winning footballer Aitana Bonmatí, and AI expert Timnit Gebru. Others include feminist icon Gloria Steinem, Hollywood star America Ferrera, and beauty mogul Huda Kattan.

Of the 100 women on the list, 13 of them come from Africa. Below are the women from Africa who made the list.

Foundation, which exposes young people and local communities to the ocean.

She hopes the foundation will help new groups to use these spaces recreationally, professionally, and in sports, BBC wrote.

4. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka, Uganda Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka is a Uganda veterinarian and conservationist. She works to save the country’s endangered mountain gorillas, whose habitat is being eroded by climate change, according to the BBC. What is more, she owns Conservation Through Public Health, an NGO that promotes biodiversity conservation.

Through her NGO, she helps people, gorillas and other wildlife to co-exist, while improving their health and habitat.

1.Jennifer Uchendu, Nigeria

5. Esi Buobasa, Ghana

Jennifer Unchendu is a Nigerian mental health advocate. Her recent work has focused on exploring the impacts of the climate crisis on the mental health of young Africans. She is the founder of The EcoAnxiety Africa project (TEAP), which focuses on validating and safeguarding climate emotions in Africans through research, advocacy, and climate-aware psychotherapy.

Esi is a fishmonger by profession. She is from Fuveme, a Ghanaian village washed away by the sea. Having experienced first-hand the impact of climate change, she set up an association aimed at helping fisherwomen in the region, as their source of income is threatened by coastal erosion. The group has about 100 women.

3. Zandile Ndhlovu, South Africa Ndhlovu is South Africa’s first black female freediving instructor. Her mission is to make access to the ocean more diverse.

This led her to start The Black Mermaid

6. Neema Namadamu, Democratic Republic of Congo Neema Namadamu is a disability rights activist. Her NGO, The network Hero Women Rising, uses education and technology to amplify women’s voices and teach them to advocate for their rights.

She became disabled at the age of two

She challenged the community status quo to become not only a degree holder but a post-graduate degree holder.

8. Vee Kativhu, Zimbabwe/UK Vee Kativhu is a content creator and YouTuber from Zimbabwe. With degrees from Oxford and Harvard universities, she is behind Empowered by Vee, a platform through which she seeks to make higher education more accessible for unsupported or under-represented students around the world.

9. Shamsa Araweelo, Somalia/UK

and also became the first graduate from her family to graduate from university.

She went on to become a member of parliament.

7. Ulanda Mtamba, Malawi Ulanda campaigns against child marriage. According to the BBC, she “grew up in a community in Lilongwe, Malawi, which gave very little support towards women’s education, with many girls pressured into dropping out of school to marry before the age of 18.”

Shamsa is an anti-Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) campaigner. She is determined to end FGM through education and raising awareness through her powerful and direct online videos. With more than 70 million views on TikTok, she wants to ensure that no one remains uninformed, according to the BBC. 10. Paulina Chiziane, Mozambique Paulina Chiziane became the first woman to publish a novel in Mozambique. Her work has been translated into various languages, including English, German and Spanish.

11. Susan Chomba, Kenya Chomba is a scientist who concerns

herself with protecting forests, restoring landscapes, and transforming Africa’s food systems. She is currently a director at the World Resources Institute (WRI).

12. Wanjira Mathai, Kenya Wanjira Mathai is an Environmental adviser. She took after her mother, Wangari Maathai, the winner of the 2004 Nobel Peace Prize. She is credited with leading the Green Belt Movement, an indigenous grassroots organization in Kenya that empowered women through the planting of trees.

She is currently the managing director for Africa and Global Partnerships at the World Resources Institute and the chair of the Wangari Maathai Foundation. Also, she serves as Africa adviser to the Bezos Earth Fund, as well as to the Clean Cooking Alliance and the European Climate Foundation.

13. Najla Mohamed-Lamin, Western Sahara Born and raised in Saharawi refugee camps in south-west Algeria, MohamedLamin’s parents are from Western Sahara.

She studied abroad after she crowdfunded her tuition fees and graduated in sustainable development and women’s studies before coming back to the camps to help more than 200,000 Saharawi refugees deal with water and food insecurity, BBC said.

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS - December 13, 2023 - December 19, 2023

How Do Health Numbers Connect to Weight and Overall Health?

By T'Keyah Bazin, Black HealthMatters.com

We all say we want to be healthy, but what do we mean when we say that? The World Health Organization defines it as a complete state of physical, mental, and social wellbeing and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. But understanding where and how we can improve those factors is essential if we want to move in that direction for ourselves and our families. One of the critical factors is knowing our health numbers, how our weight factors in, and the combined impact it may have on us now and in the future. So, when we consider weight loss, it is ultimately in pursuit of a healthier life.

The Impact of Food Deserts As a community, chronic diseases hit us the hardest. Research shows that several chronic conditions, including obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure, disproportionately impact African Americans. We already know structural racism and racial bias are reasons why these health disparities exist. In addition, socio-economic factors that affect many Black Americans, such as lack of quality insurance and safe spaces to exercise, cannot be overlooked.

But we must remember how living in food deserts impacts our health. According to a report by McKinsey, one out of 5 Black households is in a food desert, with fewer grocery stores, farmer’s markets, and restaurants offering healthy options. For some of us, convenience stores and fast-food restaurants are the closest options.

Yet, we are still expected to spend nearly $340 billion on food by 2030.

Black consumers want offerings that are culturally relevant and convenient, facilitate healthy habits, demonstrate good value for the price, and allow them to experience new foods.

Despite these challenges, it is possible to live a healthy lifestyle and break free from these race-related stigmas. An excellent place to start is knowing about the healthy numbers we need to work towards, whether we are striving to prevent a chronic disease or manage one.

High Blood Sugar (Hyperglycemia) High blood sugar occurs when too much glucose, or sugar, is in the blood. If left untreated, high blood sugar can lead to type 2 diabetes over time. It can also lead to severe complications, including eye, kidney, and

nerve damage. African Americans are at higher risk for developing high blood sugar.

Symptoms may not always be present when blood sugar is high. Some signs of high blood sugar include frequent urination and increased thirst.

You may experience tiredness, confusion, nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain in severe cases. If you have concerns about your blood sugar, your provider can check your levels by conducting a simple blood test.

There is a common misconception that eating too much sugar causes diabetes.

While consuming sugary foods and drinks is unhealthy and can play a role, there are other contributing fac-

tors. The biggest problem with a poor diet is that it contributes to weight gain. Excess weight contributes to high blood sugar. Losing weight helps the body maintain healthy blood sugar levels and lowers the risk of complications.

However, our blood sugar goals may vary based on specific factors. The American Diabetes Association recommends that patients with diabetes aim for an A1c goal of < 7%. Blood sugars should stay between 80 and 130 mg/dL before meals and less than 180 mg/dL 1 to 2 hours after eating.

If you do not have diabetes, you should aim for an A1c of < 5.7%, and fasting blood sugars should be around 100 mg/dL.

12

High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) High blood pressure occurs when the force of blood in your blood vessels is too high. This often results in your heart working much harder to do its job. If left untreated, high blood pressure can cause damage to your arteries. It can also lead to other conditions such as heart disease, stroke, heart failure, kidney disease, and sexual dysfunction.

High blood pressure is commonly referred to as a ‘silent killer’ because you may feel perfectly fine and not have any symptoms. When symptoms are present, they may include headache, chest pain, shortness of breath, and vision changes.

The best way to prevent long-term damage is to know your numbers.

If you don’t have a blood pressure monitor, consider investing in one.

Or ask a friend or family member to use theirs. Most pharmacies offer free blood pressure checks, and you can usually stop by your provider’s office to have your blood pressure checked without an appointment, but be sure to call ahead to confirm.

A blood pressure of 120/80 or lower is considered normal. If you have been diagnosed with hypertension, aim for a blood pressure goal of less than 130/80.

How Weight Factors In There is a connection between being overweight and being diagnosed with hyperglycemia and hypertension.

However, embarking on lifestyle changes that result in 5-10% weight loss may set us on the path to being healthier.

Dr. Holly Lofton, Clinical Associate Professor of Surgery and Medicine at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine, states that losing weight can also improve conditions such as prediabetes, high cholesterol, acid reflux, specific liver disease, and osteoarthritis.

“Even a 5% weight loss can be significant,” states Dr. Lofton, “However, there are specific weight loss goals depending on the condition.”

• 5-10% weight loss is recommended to prevent prediabetes from becoming diabetes • 5-15% weight loss is recommended to reduce the severity of diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure • At least a 10% weight loss is associated with reduced acid reflux symptoms • 5-10% weight loss is recommended to improve physical function with osteoarthritis • 7-10% weight loss is recommended to improve the fatty tissue present in liver cells of patients with liver disease, which is a risk factor for heart disease and many types of cancer “I encourage anyone who feels that losing weight is intimidating to talk to your doctor,” says Dr. Lofton. She emphasizes that having percentage goals such as the ones listed above and aiming for smaller weight loss goals is attainable by making small changes that can lead to improved health.

A grant from Novo Nordisk sponsors this article.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - December 13, 2023 - December 19, 2023

We ask because we care.

Everyone is unique and deserves access to the best health care.

What is your race? What is your ethnicity? What is your ethnic background? What is your preferred language? By asking these questions, we are better able to deliver equitable health care to all. Scan to learn more.

13

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - December 13, 2023 - December 19, 2023

Harvard President Claudine Gay Retains Position Amidst Controversy

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent@StacyBrownMedia Harvard President Claudine Gay will continue in her position despite increasing criticism and demands for her removal, considering her recent testimony on antisemitism; the university’s highest governing board unanimously endorsed her on Tuesday.

Harvard University’s Board of Overseers released a statement expressing their support for President Gay amidst the current challenging situation. “We fully support President Gay, standing together in unity and agreement.”

The controversy ensued after the hearing before a House subcommittee on December 5. During the session, Gay and two other university presidents were criticized for not clarifying if supporting

the genocide of Jews would go against their universities’ code of conduct. As the situation escalated, opponents intensified their demands for Gay to be fired.

However, support for Harvard’s independence and opposition to political meddling came together in the form of letters signed by faculty members and alumni in her honor. Concurrently, a petition was disseminated in support of her removal, which reflected the divergent viewpoints present in the Harvard community.

Liz Magill, the President of the University of Pennsylvania, resigned this week because of criticism about her testimony.

Magill, like Gay, abstained from specifically determining whether endorsing the genocide of Jews contravened campus speech regulations, instead stating that the matter was “context-dependent.”

Because of the controversy, Gay subsequently issued a statement of remorse

Harvard University’s Board of Overseers released a statement expressing their support for President Gay amidst the current challenging situation. “We fully support President Gay, standing together in unity and agreement,” the Board wrote.

Angel Reese Poised to Make Return to LSU Basketball Amidst Speculation

and provided further clarification regarding her stance, emphasizing that threats of violence “are abhorrent, they have no place at Harvard, and those who threaten our Jewish students will be held accountable.”

In spite of Gay’s apology, which called for her resignation, the House Committee on Education and the Workforce launched an investigation into the Harvard learning environment.

Gay expressed her commitment to the university community in an interview with the Harvard Crimson by stating that Harvard will never tolerate threats towards Jewish students. Gay, who graduated from Harvard in 2006, was the dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences before becoming president in July. She is the first Black person to hold this position.

LSU’s Jayden Daniels wins 2023 Heisman Trophy,

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

making him the best college football player

The basketball world is abuzz as LSU’s standout forward, Angel Reese, a local luminary from the District area, prepares for a highly anticipated return to the court in the faceoff against ninth-ranked Virginia Tech on Thursday night. Reese’s reemergence comes after a puzzling absence from four crucial games, fueling speculation and intensifying the spotlight on her comeback. The enigmatic circumstances surrounding Reese’s hiatus, vaguely attributed to “locker-room issues” by LSU coach Kim Mulkey, have left fans eagerly awaiting answers. A cryptic social media post featuring Reese inside the iconic Pete Maravich Assembly Center added an extra layer of mystery to her return.

Despite Reese’s absence, the LSU Tigers showcased their mettle with triumphant victories in the Cayman Islands Classic against formidable opponents like Niagara and Virginia.

Yet, the undeniable anticipation for Reese’s return underscores the impact of the player who led the SEC in both scoring and rebounding. “It’s a boost having her back, period, not just because we’re playing Virginia Tech, it’s just for our team. She’s a tremendous player,” Mulkey said. “One of the best players in the country. She gives us a good matchup with [senior forward Elizabeth] Kitley. I expect Angel to just be Angel. She’s been really good in practice.”

Reese’s on-court exploits throughout the season have been extraordinary,

LSU senior quarterback Jayden Daniels took home the Heisman Trophy as college football’s most outstanding player, closing off a phenomenal season in which he led the nation’s greatest offense.

Daniels is the third Heisman winner at LSU, joining quarterback Joe Burrow in 2019 and halfback Billy Cannon in 1959.

His victory makes him the 20th quarterback to win the award this century.

With 2,029 total points and 503 first-place votes, Daniels became the first quarterback to win the Heisman Trophy since 2016 and the sixth quarterback in the last seven seasons to do it after transferring schools.

In addition, the standout quarterback won four of the six voting zones and was listed on 90.46% of the ballots cast.

His most recent accomplishment joins the list of honors he has received this season.

He was named the Walter Camp Player of the Year and the Associated Press college football player of the year, according to USA Today. He also received the Davey O’Brien Award, which is presented to the nation’s best quarterback.

Daniels, who is almost 23 years old, has already tied Bo Nix for the lead in touchdown passes (40), and he leads the country in overall offense, passing efficiency, points responsible for, and rushing yards per carry.

Daniels said in his acceptance speech, “So what did I learn from all this? I learned how to block out the noise, that you can overcome any obstacle, and just be humble, be legendary and most importantly, you know be joyful about what you do. And when you get knocked down, get back up, keep smiling and never give up on your dreams.”

By Dollita Okine, Face2FaceAfrica

Angel Reese

with records shattered and milestones achieved. From a historic debut to multiple 30-point games and a jawdropping 28-rebound performance, her absence left a void that only intensified the speculation surrounding her return. As the LSU Tigers prepare to face Virginia Tech, Reese’s comeback injects a palpable sense of drama into the narrative. The undisclosed “locker-room issues” loom as

a subplot, heightening the intrigue surrounding this pivotal moment in the season. Moments like the “Shoe Block” against Arkansas and the viral “Tik Tok Dance” have solidified Reese’s status as a captivating force on the court. Fans and basketball enthusiasts are looking forward to the upcoming matchup against Virginia Tech because it is more than just a game.

14

Daniels graduated from Cajon High School in San Bernardino, California, as a distinguished four-star prospect after tossing 170 touchdowns and 41 rushing scores. In 2019, he began his college career at Arizona State. The star athlete arrived in Tempe after enrolling early at Herman Edwards’ school.

Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing only 175 pounds, his stature aroused concerns about his physical ability to play college football. However, he defied the odds by becoming Arizona State’s first freshman quarterback to start a season opener.

In a bid to encourage others, Daniels said, “Being a college athlete and winning this award has been a dream come true. I want to dedicate this award to every boy and girl who has a dream or faith, with hard work you never know what’s possible.

They said I was too skinny, so I had to wait. Then they said I relied on my legs a little bit too much, so I went to work, completed all those passes, had the season I had. They said I was too quiet, so I became more vocal. I stepped out of my comfort zone and now I’m here today.”

The San Bernadino native, who is in his second year at LSU, led the Tigers to a 10-4 record after transferring from Arizona State in 2022, according to the NFL. He threw for 2,913 yards and 29 touchdowns in total.

“This is a dream come true,” Daniels said. “I want to first give thanks to God for all the glory. He’s my rock. He’s my savior. He blessed me with the talents and ability to get here. All the special people here develop these skills. To Bo, Mike and Marvin, you guys are amazing. I enjoy watching y’all, but the competition is never over. I look forward to seeing you guys on Sundays.”

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - Dece mber 2023 - Dece02, mber 19, 2023 INNER-CITY NEWS July 27,13, 2016 - August 2016

Construction

Garrity Asphalt Reclaiming, Inc seeks:

Construction Equipment Mechanic preferably experienced in Seeking to employ experienced individuals in the labor, Reclaiming and Road Milling Equipment. We offer factory foreman, operator and teamster trades for a heavy outside training on equipment we operate. Location: Bloomfield work statewide. Reliable personal transportation and a valCT We offer excellent hourly rate & excellent benefits id drivers license required. To apply please call (860) 621Contact: Tom Dunay VALENTINA MACRI RENTAL HOUSING PRE- APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE 1720 or send resume to: Personnel Department, P.O. Box 368, Cheshire, CT06410.

Phone: 860- 243-2300 HOME INC, on behalf of Columbus House and the New Haven Housing Authority, Email: tom.dunay@garrityasphalt.com is accepting pre-applications for studio and one-bedroom this develAffiatrmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/V Women & Minority Applicants are encouraged to applyapartments Drug Free Workforce opment located at 108 Frank Street, New Haven.

Maximum income limitations apAffirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer ply. Pre-applications will be available from 9AM TO 5PM beginning Monday Ju;y 25, 2016 and ending when sufficient pre-applications (approximately 100) have Garrity Asphalt Reclaiming, Inc seeks:will be mailied upon rebeen received at the offices of HOME INC. Applications Reclaimer and Milling with current quest byOperators calling HOME INC atOperators 203-562-4663 duringlicensing those hours. Completed preand clean driving record, be willing to travel throughout the NorthLargeStreet, CT Fence applications must be returned to HOME INC’s offices at 171 Orange Third Company looking for an individual for our east & NY. We offer excellent hourly rate & excellent benefits PVC Fence Production Shop. Experience preferred but will Floor, New Haven, CT 06510. train the right person. Must be familiar with carpentry hand Contact: Rick Tousignant Phone: 860- 243-2300 & power tools and be able to read a CAD drawing and tape Email: rick.tousignant@garrityasphalt.com measure. Use of CNC Router machine a plus but not required, will train the right person. This is an in-shop production poWomen & Minority Applicants are encouraged to apply Duties include building fence panels, posts, gates and AffirmativeMACRI Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer VALENTINA VIVIENDAS DE ALQUILER PRE-SOLICITUDESsition.

DISPONIBLES more. Must have a valid CT driver’s license & be able to obtain a Drivers Medical HOME INC, en nombre de la Columbus House y de la New Haven Housing Authority, está Card. Must be able to pass a physical and drug test. Please email resume to pboucher@atlasoutdoor.com.

Tractor Trailer Driver for Heavy & Highway Construction Equipaceptando pre-solicitudes para estudios y apartamentos de un dormitorio en este desarrollo ment. Must have a CDL License, clean driving record, capable of AA/EOE-MF ubicado en la calle 109 Frank Street, New Haven. Se aplican limitaciones de ingresos operating heavy equipment; be willing to travel throughout the máximos.

Las We pre-solicitudes estarán disponibles 09 a.m.-5 p.m.tscomenzando Martes 25 Northeast & NY. offer excellent hourly rate & excellent benefi Full Time julio, 2016 hasta cuando se han recibido suficientes pre-solicitudes (aproximadamente 100)Administrative assistant position en las oficinas de HOME INC. Las pre-solicitudes serán enviadas por correo a petición for a steel & misc metals fabrication shop who will oversee the llamandoEmail: a HOMEdana.briere@garrityasphalt.com INC al 203-562-4663 durante esas horas.Pre-solicitudes deberán remitirseof clerical duties such as answering phones, acdaily operations Women & Minority encouraged to apply a las oficinas de HOMEApplicants INC en 171are Orange Street, tercer piso, New Haven , CT 06510 .purchase orders/invoicing and certified payroll. counts payable Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer Email resumes to jillherbert@gwfabrication.com

NOTICE

PVC FENCE PRODUCTION

NOTICIA

Union Company seeks:

Contact Dana at 860-243-2300

NOW HIRINGNEW FOR 2024 SEASON HAVEN

Roma Construction, 242-258 Inc. has openings forAve Laborers, CDL Drivers Fairmont with Class A & B Licenses,1.5 andBA, operators. are,an Equal 2BR Townhouse, 3BR, 1We level 1BA Opportunity Employer and have training availability.

All new apartments, new appliances, new carpet, close to I-91 & I-95 highways, near bus stop & shopping center Please contact Rebecca 860-996-8766 Pet under 40lb allowed. Interested partiesat contact Maria @ 860-985-8258

or put in an application at romaconst.com

CT. Unified Deacon’s Association is pleased to offer a Deacon’s Certificate Program. This is a 10 month program designed to assist in the intellectual formation of Candidates in response to the Church’s Ministry needs. The cost is $125. Classes start Saturday, August 20, 2016 1:30630 Plainfi eld Rd Jewett 3:30 Contact: Chairman, Deacon Joe J. Davis, M.S., B.S. City, CT 06351 (203) 996-4517 Host, General Bishop Elijah Davis, D.D. Pastor of Pitts Chapel U.F.W.B. Church 64 Brewster

ROMA CONSTRUCTION, INC.

St. New Haven, CT

The Housing Authority of the City of Bridgeport

SEYMOUR HOUSING AUTHORITY

is looking for licensed and insured towing companies who Sealed be bidsinterested are invited by Housing of the of Seymour would in the signing upAuthority to be on ourTown monthly towuntil 3:00 pm on Tuesday, August 2, 2016 at its office at 28 Smith Street, ing rotation. Interested vendors will be subject to a due diliSeymour, CT 06483 for Concrete Repairs and Replacement at thea gence check.

Vendors placed Sidewalk on our rotation will be assigned SmithfieldinGardens Assisted Livingall Facility, 26 calls Smithfor Street month(s) the year, in which towing allSeymour. of HACB’s properties will be placed with that assigned vendor. Interested A pre-bid conference will be held at the Housing Authority Office 28 Smith parties should email their Company name and address, conStreet Seymour, CT at 10:00 am, on Wednesday, July 20, 2016. tact person and phone number, along with a W9 and Certificate ofBidding Insurance to procurement@parkcitycommunities.org . The documents are available from the Seymour Housing Authority Ofcut-off date for submissions is COB 12/18/2023 fice, 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

360 MANAGEMENT GROUP, CO. Invitation for Bids SNOW REMOVAL SERVICES 360 Management Group, Co. is currently seeking bids for Snow Removal Services. A complete copy of the requirement may be obtained from 360 Management Group’s Vendor Collaboration Portal https://newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems. com/gateway beginning on

Wednesday, November 22, 2023, at 3:00PM.

The Town of East Haven is currently accepting applications from qualified

candidates for the position of Mechanic. The starting salary is $55,393 per year and the town offers an excellent benefit package. Only candidates with at least 6 years of experience in motor-mechanic work, a High School Diploma or GED supplemented by trade school training and a CDL, class 2 will be considered. Applications are available online at http://www.townofeasthavenct.org/civiltest.shtml or the Civil Service Office, 250 Main Street, East Haven CT. The deadline for submission is November 22, 2023.

The Town of East Haven is committed to building a workforce of diverse individuals.

Minorities, Females, Handicapped and Veterans are encouraged to apply.

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF NEW HAVEN Notice of Public Hearing Pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes 8-44 With Respect to the Acquisition of Real Property and Improvements located at 16 East Grand Avenue and 36 East Grand Avenue, New Haven, Connecticut, Notice is given, pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes Section 8-44 that the

State of Connecticut Housing Authority of the City of New Haven ("Authority") will hold a public Office of Policy hearing at 10 a.m./p.m. on December 13, 2023, via RING CENTRAL AND IN and Management Invitation to Bid:

PERSON, to receive public comment on the acquisition by the Authority or one

2nd Notice of its affiliated entities of the real property located at 16 East Grand Avenue and

The State of Connecticut, Office of 36 East Grand Avenue, New Haven, Connecticut, (the "Property"). A portion Policy and Management is recruiting for an OPM Assistant Division of this property will be developed by the Authority to meet the needs of, among Director in the Office of Finance.Old Saybrook, others,CTFamilies, Individuals (including Elderly and Disabled) Extremely Low

SAYEBROOKE VILLAGE

17 Units) Further information regarding (4 Buildings, Income and Very Low Income Households. the duties,Tax eligibility Exempt & Not Prevailing Wage Rate Project requirements and application To connect to the meeting VIA Ring Central, please use the following: instructions are available at:

New Construction, Wood Framed, Housing, Selective Demolition, Site-work, Casthttps://www.jobapscloud.com/ 267-930-4000 CT/sup/bulpreview.asp?b=&R1= in-place Concrete, Asphalt Shingles, Vinyl Siding, Meeting ID: 230908&R2=0104MP&R3=001 Passcode: 685184917 Flooring, Painting, Division 10 Specialties, Appliances, Residential Casework, The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing and Fire Protection.

To attend in person the meeting will be held at: strongly encourages the applications of women, This minorities, contractand is persons subjectwithtodisabilities. state set-aside and contract compliance requirements.

Housing Authority of the City of New Haven

Board Room Bid Extended, Due Date: August 5, 2016 360 Orange Street Anticipated Start: August 15, 2016 QSR STEEL New Haven, Connecticut 06511 Project documents available via ftp link below: CORPORATION http://ftp.cbtghosting.com/loginok.html?username=sayebrookevillage Authority staff is available at 360 Orange Street, New Haven, Connecticut, and

APPLY NOW!

by telephone Authority staff - Yadira Vargas at (203) 498-8800 ext. 1096, to

assist persons with disabilities. Authority’s TTY/TDD phone number is (203) 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 497-8434.

Authority is an equal opportunity housing agency.

Haynes Construction Company, 32 Progress Ave, Seymour, CT 06483 Steel Fabricators, Erectors & Welders AA/EEO EMPLOYER HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF NEW HAVEN Top pay for top performers. Health By:________________________________ Benefits, 401K, Vacation Pay. Email Resume: Rose@qsrsteel.com Hartford, CT AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

15

Karen DuBois-Walton President Date: November __, 2023

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - Dece 13, 2023 - December 19, 2023 INNER-CITY NEWS Julymber 27, 2016 - August 02, 2016

NOTICE

The West Haven Planning & VALENTINA MACRI RENTAL HOUSING PRE- APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE Zoning Commission

HOME INC,aonPublic behalf of Hearing Columbus House the change New HaventoHousing Authority, will hold on a and text Article 3 of is accepting pre-applications for studio and one-bedroom apartments at this develSection 49.1 of the West Haven Regulations on Tuesday, opment located at 108 Frank Street, New Haven. Maximum income limitations apnd Floor, November 28, 2019 the Harriet North Room, 2Monday ply. Pre-applications will be in available from 9AM TO 5PM beginning Ju;y City Hall, Main Haven,(approximately CT at 7:00100) PMhave to 25, 2016 and355 ending whenStreet, sufficient West pre-applications been received at the offices HOME INC. Applications will be mailiedSection upon reconsider amending theofregulations to include a new questentitled by calling HOME INC at 203-562-4663 during those hours. Completed pre49.4 Active Adult Community.

Town of Bloomfield

Salary Range:

$87,727 to $136,071 Deputy Finance Director/Controller Pre-employment drug testing.

AA/EOE. For Details go to www.bloomfieldct.org

Town of Bloomfield

VALENTINA MACRI VIVIENDAS DE ALQUILER PRE-SOLICITUDES DISPONIBLES

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

This proposed text change to Table 39.2 of the zoning regulations adds deMarijuana Facilities and está HOME INC, en nombre la Columbus House y de la New(Dispensaries Haven Housing Authority, aceptando pre-solicitudes para estudios y apartamentos de by un dormitorio este desarrollo Producers) & Cannabis Establishments SpecialenPermit en la calle 109 Frank Street, New Haven. limitaciones de ingresos inubicado the Regional Business District (RB).Se aplican The proposed text máximos. Las pre-solicitudes estarán disponibles 09 a.m.-5 p.m. comenzando Martes 25 change to section 49.1 of the regulations establishes the julio, 2016 hasta cuando se han recibido suficientes pre-solicitudes (aproximadamente 100) following requirements: 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 49.1.C: Marijuana Dispensaries, Production a las•oficinas de HOME INC en 171 Orange Street, tercer piso, New Haven , CT 06510 .

Facilities, and Cannabis Establishments shall be permitted in the Regional Business District (RB) subject to a Special Permit and Site Plan Review. Presently the use is limited to the Light NEWManufacturing HAVEN Zone (LM).

242-258 Fairmont Ave

•

2BR Townhouse, 1.5 to BA,exclude 3BR, 1Cannabis level , 1BA 49.1.D.2. is amended

All new apartments, carpet, close to I-91 & I-95 Retailer fromnew thisappliances, section new of the regulation. highways, near bus stop & shopping center • Pet Section is added to the under 40lb 49.1.D.2.1 allowed. Interested parties contact Maria @ 860-985-8258

regulation to allow a Cannabis Retailer not less than 250is pleased feet tofrom residentially zoned CT. Unified Deacon’s Association offer a Deacon’s Certificate Program. This is a 10 month program designed to assist in the intellectual formation of Candidates land as defined in in response to the Church’s Ministry needs. The cost is $125. Classes start Saturday, August 20, 2016 1:303:30 Contact: Chairman, Deacon Joe J. Davis, M.S., B.S. (203) 996-4517 Host, General Bishop Elijah Davis, D.D. Pastor of Pitts Chapel U.F.W.B. Church 64 Brewster

•

Section 49.1.D.5 of the zoning regulations is amended by adding section 49.1.D.2.1 in calculating distance as required by the regulation.

St. New Haven, CT

SEYMOUR HOUSING AUTHORITY

Sealed bids are invited by the Housing Authority of the Town of Seymour until 3:00 pm from on Tuesday, August 2, 2016 at its office at 28 Smith Street, ing applications qualified candidates to participate in the Civil Service ExSeymour, CT 06483 for Concrete Sidewalk Repairs and Replacement at theof amination for Accountant. A Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting plus 2 years SmithfieldisGardens experience required.Assisted Living Facility, 26 Smith Street Seymour.

Accountant I: $71,503/year. The Town of East Haven is currently acceptCandidates bilingual in Spanish are encouraged to apply. The town offers an excellent benefi t package.

Applications participate in theOffice examination are A pre-bid conference will be held at the to Housing Authority 28 Smith available at The Civil Service Office, 250 Main Street, East Haven CT or online Street Seymour, CT at 10:00 am, on Wednesday, July 20, 2016. at http://www.townofeasthavenct.org/civiltest.shtml. The deadline for submission is November 22, 2023. The Town of East Haven is committed to building a Bidding documents are availableMinorities, from the Seymour Authority Ofworkforce of diverse individuals.

Females, Housing Handicapped and Veterfice, Smith Street, Seymour, CT 06483 (203) 888-4579. ans are28 encouraged to apply.

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 Hamden Public School System (HPS) located in Hamden, Connecticut seeks Connecticut certified teachers who have a passion for working in diverse and dynamic school settings. The ideal candidate has experience working in culturally, socioeconomically, and racially diverse learning environments.

HPS has approximately 5,600 students attending 8 elementary schools, 1 middle School, 1 high school, and 1 secondary alternative program (HCLC). Our demographics are as follows: 32% Black/African-American students; 25% White students; 28% Hispanic (Latinx) students; 7% Asian students; 7% Two or more races; and less than 1% Native American and Pacific Islander students.

We are seeking candidates for multiple positions, including but not limited to:

applications must be returned to HOME INC’s offices at 171 Orange Street, Third Floor, New Haven, CT 06510.

AMENDMENT TO TABLE 39.2 & ARTICLE 3SECTION 49.1 ENTITLED MARIJUANA NOTICIA FACILITIES

HAMDEN PUBLIC SCHOOLS

• Special Education (pre-K thru 12) • World Language • Social Work • Head Girls Gymnastics Coach • Head Boys Lacrosse Coach • Custodial • School Nurse

Finance Director 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

QSR STEEL CORPORATION

While we are seeking candidates for these positions specifically, we encourage holders of certificates in other areas to apply as well. It is also important to note here that the Hamden Board of Education is committed to creating and maintaining a diverse teaching staff.

Interested candidates can access Hamden.org, click on the Personnel tab, and then click on Online Applications. Anyone seeking additional information can contact Hamden Public Schools Assistant Superintendents, Erin Bailey (Elementary) at ebailey@ hamden.org or Linda Tran (Secondary) at ltran@hamden.org. For coaching positions, please contact Director of Athletics, Tom Dyer at tdyer@hamden.org.

Invitation to Bid: It is the policy of Hamden Public Schools that no person shall be excluded from, de2nd Notice

nied the benefits of, or otherwise discriminated against under any program including

Old Saybrook, CT APPLY NOW! (4 Buildings, 17 Units)

employment, because of race, color, religious creed, sex, age national origin, ancestry, SAYEBROOKE VILLAGE marital status, sexual orientation, past or present history of mental disorder, learning disability or physical disability.

Steel Fabricators, Erectors & Welders Tax Exempt & Not Prevailing Wage Rate Project Top pay for top performers. Health Benefits, 401K, Vacation Pay. Email Resume: Rose@qsrsteel.com Hartford, CT AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

ELM CITY COMMUNITIES

New Construction, Wood Framed, Housing, Selective Demolition, Site-work, Castin-place Concrete, Asphalt Shingles, Vinyl Siding, Invitation for Bids Flooring, Painting, Division 10 Specialties, Appliances, Residential Casework, State of Connecticut Unarmed Security Services Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing and Fire Protection.

Office of Policy This contract subject to state set-aside and contract compliance requirements. andisManagement

Elm City Communities is currently seeking bids for Services of a firm to provide Unarmed Security Services. A complete copy of the requirement may be The State of Connecticut, Bid Extended, Due Date: Augustfrom 5, 2016 obtained Elm City Communities’ Vendor Collaboration Portal https://neOffice of Policy and Management Anticipated Start: August 15, 2016 whavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/gateway beginning on is recruiting for an Information

Technology Technician hour).

Project(40documents available via ftp link below:

Monday, November 6, 2023, at 3:00PM. Further information regarding http://ftp.cbtghosting.com/loginok.html?username=sayebrookevillage

the duties, eligibility requirements and application Faxinstructions or Email Questions & Bids to:at: Dawn Lang @ 203-881-8372 dawnlang@haynesconstruction.com are available

Construction

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

https://www.jobapscloud.com/ Seeking toSeymour, employCT experienced individuals in the labor, foreman, operator and teamHaynes Construction Company, 32 Progress Ave, 06483 CT/sup/bulpreview.asp?b=&R1= ster trades for a heavy outside work statewide. Reliable personal transportation and 230927&R2=7602FR&R3=001 AA/EEO EMPLOYER The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.

16

a valid drivers license required. To apply please call (860) 621-1720 or send resume to: Personnel Department, P.O. Box 368, Cheshire, CT06410.

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

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - Dece mber 2023 - Dece02, mber 19, 2023 INNER-CITY NEWS July 27,13, 2016 - August 2016

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR BID HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF DANBURY NOTICE Elevator Maintenance and Repair Services

VALENTINA MACRI RENTAL HOUSING PRE- APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE IFB No. B23008 HOME INC, on behalf of Columbus House and the Haven Housing Authority, Please register here to obtain BidNew Package: https://ha.internationaleprocurement.com/requests.html?company_id=49968 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 PROPOSAL SUBMITTAL RETURN: 25, 2016 and ending when sufficient pre-applications (approximately 100) have Housing Authority of the City of Danbury, 2 Mill Ridge Rd,will Danbury, CT 06811 been received at the offices of HOME INC. Applications be mailied upon reEnvelope Must be Marked: IFB No. Elevator Maintenance and Completed Repair Services quest by calling HOME INC at B23008, 203-562-4663 during those hours. preAttn: Lisato Gilchrist, Purchasing applications must be returned HOME INC’s officesAgent at 171 Orange Street, Third Floor, New Haven, CT 06510.

SUBMITTAL DEADLINE

January 8th, 2024 at 10:30am (EST)

NOTICIA

CONTACT PERSON FOR IFB DOCUMENT: Lisa Gilchrist – Purchasing Agent Telephone: 203-744-2500 x1421

VALENTINA MACRI VIVIENDAS DE ALQUILER PRE-SOLICITUDES DISPONIBLES E-Mail: lgilchrist@hacdct.org

HOME INC, en nombre de la Columbus House y de la New Haven Housing Authority, está [Minorityand/or women-owned are aceptando pre-solicitudes para estudios ybusinesses apartamentos deencouraged un dormitoriotoenrespond] 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 Petroleum/HVAC company has an immediate opening for a Full Time Receptionist. a lashave oficinas de HOME INC experience, en 171 Orangestrong Street,organizational tercer piso, Newskills, Havenability , CT 06510 .

Must customer service to mul-

Listing: Full Time Receptionist

titask, and be capable of handling multiple telephone lines. Computer knowledge is required. Petroleum or HVAC knowledge preferred. Send resume by email to: HRDept@eastriverenergy.com or send resume to: Human Resource Dept. P O Box 388, Guilford CT 06437.

NEW HAVEN

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

242-258 Fairmont Ave REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS 2BR Townhouse, 1.5FORBA,(RFP) 3BR,#2023-12-GC 1 level , 1BA

All new apartments, new appliances, new carpet, close to I-91 & I-95 GENERAL COUNSEL/LEGAL SERVICES highways, near bus stop & shopping center Pet under 40lb allowed. Interested parties contact Maria @ 860-985-8258

The Housing Authority of the City of New Britain (Authority)

is seeking competitive proposals for general legal services from experienced, area law firms.

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

This is a 10 month program designed to assist the intellectual formation of Candidates The RFP will be available on December 4, 2023, andincan be obtained online at www. in response to the Church’s Ministry needs. The cost is $125. Classes start Saturday, August 20, 2016 1:30nbhact.org.

Proposals must be received at the Authority Administrative Office no later 3:30 Contact: Chairman, Deacon Joe J. Davis, M.S., B.S. than January 2023, atBishop 3:00 Elijah p.m.Davis, Eastern Standard Late Submissions and (203) 996-451705, Host, General D.D. Pastor of PittsTime.

Chapel U.F.W.B. Church 64 Brewster facsimiles willCT not be considered.

St. New Haven,

CLERK TYPIST

SEYMOUR HOUSING AUTHORITY

Performs a wide variety of routine clerical duties requiring excellent computer and interpersonal skills. This position requires 1 year of office work experience of a responsible nature and a H.S., GED, or business diploma. Wages: $21.83 to $26.43 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 form 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 on December 11, 2023. EOE

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 Housing Authority of the City of Bridgeport

A pre-bid conference will be held at the Housing Authority Office 28 Smith is looking for licensed and insured towing companies who would be interested in signStreet Seymour, CT at 10:00 am, on Wednesday, July 20, 2016. ing up to be on our monthly towing rotation. Interested vendors will be subject to a due

diligence check. Vendors placed on our rotation will be assigned a month(s) in the year, in Bidding which alldocuments towing calls are for available all of HACB’s will beHousing placed with that assigned fromproperties the Seymour Authority Ofvendor. Interested parties should email their Company name and address, contact person fice, 28 Smith Street, Seymour, CT 06483 (203) 888-4579. and phone number, along with a W9 and Certificate of Insurance to procurement@parkcitycommunities.org . The cut-off date for submissions is COB 12/18/2023 .

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

Electric Utility System Operator/Dispatcher

QSR STEEL CORPORATION

APPLY NOW!

Steel Fabricators, Erectors & Welders

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

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

Further information regarding the duties, eligibility requirements and application instructions are available at:

Operates electric distribution substation and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system for an electric utility serving 25,000 customers.

Coordinates electric system switching and places equipment in and out of service during routine and emergency operations. Requires HS diploma/GED with 2 years experience in the operation of Distribution SCADA equipment and/or switchboards used in the distribution of electricity. Experience and training may be substituted on a year for year basis. Must maintain valid system operation certification from Connecticut Valley Exchange (CONVEX) or other approved agency or be able to obtain the same within 90 days of hire. Must posses and maintain a valid State of CT driver’s license. $ 34.63 - $ 41.15 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 and emailed to wlfdhr@wallingfordct.gov. Fax #: (203) 294-2084. Closing date will be December 27, 2023. EOE.

State of Connecticut Office of Policy and Management

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.

The State of Connecticut, Office of Policy and Management is recruiting for an Agency Labor Relations Specialist Trainee (Leadership Associate (Confidential)) position and a Planning Analyst position.

WANTED

Further information regarding the duties, eligibility requirements and application instructions are available at: https://www.jobapscloud.com/CT/sup/bulpreview.asp?b=&R1= 231121&R2=5989VR&R3=001

to Bid: TRUCK DRIVERInvitation 2 Notice nd

and https://www.jobapscloud.com/CT/sup/bulpreview.asp?b=&R1= 231128&R2=6297AR&R3=001

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

CDL license(4 Buildings, 17 Units) Old Saybrook, CT

Tax Exempt & Not Prevailing Wage Rate Project

360 MANAGEMENT GROUP, CO.

Please send resume to Housing, Selective Demolition, Site-work, CastNew Construction, Wood Framed, attielordan@gmail.com in-place Concrete, Asphalt Shingles, Vinyl Siding, Invitation for Bids PJF Construction Corporation Flooring, Painting, DivisionAA/EOE 10 Specialties, Appliances, Residential Casework, Agency Wide Key and Lock Services Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing and Fire Protection.

This contract is subject to state set-aside 360 and Management contract compliance Group, requirements.

Co. is currently seeking bids for agency wide key and lock

POLICE OFFICER

services. A complete copy of the requirement may be obtained from 360 Management

Group’s Vendor Collaboration Portal https://newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/ Bid Extended, Due Date: August 5, 2016 gateway beginning on Anticipated Start: August 15, 2016 Project documents available via ftp link below: Monday, November 27, 2023, at 3:00PM. http://ftp.cbtghosting.com/loginok.html?username=sayebrookevillage

City of Bristol

$73,220 - $89,002/yr.

Fax or Email Questionstesting, & Bids to: Dawn Lang @ 203-881-8372 dawnlang@haynesconstruction.com Help Wanted - Full Time Category Required HCC encourages the participation of all Veteran, S/W/MBE & Section 3 Certified Businesses Highway Safety Program Specialist general info, and apply Haynes Construction Company, 32 Progress Ave, Seymour, CT 06483 AA/EEO EMPLOYER online: www.bristolct.gov The South Central Regional Council of Governments (SCRCOG) is seeking to fill the Highway Safety Program Specialist position. Visit www.scrcog.org for the full position description, qualifications, and application requirements. Bilingual candidates DEADLINE: preferred. Applications are to be submitted by noon on December 29, 2023, or until 12-04-23 the position is filled. Questions may be emailed to jobs@scrcog.org. SCRCOG is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS - December 13, 2023 - December 19, 2023 Fantasia coming out with her own wine after earning her sommelier certificate

By Abu Mubarik, Face2FaceAfrica.com Singer and actress Fantasia Barrino is venturing into the wine industry with her own brand, giving herself a second chance at life. Thirteen years ago, the American Idol winner landed in the hospital for a suicide attempt.

That is all in the past now as she has risen from the ashes to write a new chapter.

The 39-year-old is now happy, fulfilled, and healed. She is coming up with a wine after getting her sommelier certificate.

For her, the certification was important because she didn’t want people to think that she was just a black girl putting her name on a wine to make money.

“I have wine coming out. I went back to school, so I got my sommelier certificate because I didn’t want people to think that I was just a Black girl putting my name on a wine brand to try to make money,” she told Elle.com.

Barrino also loved the wine industry and its process of making wine. According to her, she first fell in love with the wine industry after her husband took her to a winery. From there, she became more interested in the sector and wanted to know more about it.

“I really love the process of it, and I also love to drink it because it’s good. I love the process of wine. I fell in love with it when my husband took me to a winery and I felt like, this may sound crazy, but I kind of felt like my life was like what

by Stephen Nartay, Face2FaceAfrica.com

Photo: Fantasia/Instagram wine has to go through—the pressing.

I wanted to know more about it. We’re coming out with a red wine; we’re coming out with a rosé.”

In addition to the wine, she is also planning to bring forth gowns. “I sketch out gowns that I want to bring forth, my grandmother loved robes and gowns.

Back in the day, remember when the older mothers had their robes and their nice gowns? So, I’ve decided to put time into creating,” she told Elle.com.

5 Ways to Tame Holiday Stress BlackHealthMatters.com

If the holidays sometimes leave you feeling overwhelmed and out of control, you’re not alone! There are key things you can do to tame holiday stress.

He’s a mean one, alright. If the Grinch has stolen your holiday spirit and good intentions, try some of these tips to reclaim your ho-ho-ho.

1. Keep up healthy habits. Make a pact with yourself during the holidays. For example: “For the next three weeks I will move more and do something active every day, have a healthy breakfast and limit the sweets, and get at least seven hours of sleep each night.” If you don’t completely give up your healthy habits, you won’t feel like you have to start over once the holidays are in the rear-view.

2. Beware of party perils. Special holiday events often serve up extra helpings of less-than-healthy foods. If you’re a guest, eat a healthy snack before you go to avoid overdoing it at the event. If you’re the host, challenge yourself to offer some delicious and healthier options using our recipes and cooking tips. Your guests will thank you.

3. Stay active—even in the hustle and bustle of the season. A full holiday social calendar might lead to some missed

Swiss authorities return 2,000-year-old marble head of young woman from the Hellenistic period to Libya

workouts. Instead of beating yourself up about it, sprinkle some healthy activities into your daily routine. For example, if the weather isn’t too frightful, ride your bike to work or school. If dinner is going to be a feast, opt for a light lunch, then take a vigorous walk. And keep the family moving. When the kids are home from school, squeeze in some active chores and trips to the park.

4. But not too active. Give yourself the gift of peace. When the invitations pile up, don’t be afraid to say no to some of them. If you need some down time to recharge for the next big party, declare a me-treat and do something that relaxes you. Try yoga, meditation, or spending time in nature.

5. Make a plan for the new year. Your poinsettia’s pooped and the gifts are all gone. Now what? It’s a great time to reset for the new year—but don’t go dashing through your to-do list too fast or you might not stick to your plan. Lay out realistic, sustainable steps for the months ahead. For example, start a daily walking routine and sign up for your local Heart Walk before you set your sights on that marathon!

From American Heart Association News

The sculpture dates to the period between the first century BC and first century AD. Image: Switzerland Federal Office of Cultural Affairs Swiss authorities have repatriated a significant archaeological artifact, a 2,000-year-old marble head of a young woman from the Hellenistic period, discovered a decade ago in a Geneva warehouse to Libya.

Described as an “archaeological vestige of great value,” the 19-centimeter-high sculpture is considered an “exceptional testimony to Hellenistic expansion in North Africa.”

Believed to originate from the ancient city of Cyrene in present-day Libya, the artifact now bridges the connection between Switzerland and Libya, according to a press release from the Federal Office of Culture.

The sculpture, unearthed in 2013 during a customs warehouse inspection in Geneva, was recently returned to Bern by the Swiss Federal Office of Culture. Despite a three-year investigation by the Geneva Public Prosecutor’s Office to determine if

the artifact resulted from “illicit excavations,” the exact origin and route to Switzerland remain unknown.

The sculpture was officially handed over to Libyan authorities at the embassy in Switzerland. The marble head returned to Libya is noted for its distinctive reddish patina, a feature that, according to the Federal Office of Culture, offers insights into its origin. The presence of “terra rossa and marble of such quality” in the Cyrenaica region is highlighted, making it a unique area in the Mediterranean basin.

“Libya, in particular its UNESCO World Heritage sites like Cyrene, are strongly threatened by looting and destruction,” explained the press release, which recalls that in 2015, the International Council of Museums published a list of red flags of Libyan antiquities in danger to fight against the destruction and illegal trade of cultural property,” as reported by Africa News.

Both Switzerland and Libya, despite the latter’s internal chaos since Muammar Gaddafi’s fall in 2011, are signatories to the 1970 UNESCO Convention, emphasizing their commitment to preventing the import, illicit export, and transfer of ownership of cultural property.

Meet the homeless designer in New York who wants to take her luxury coffee bag clothing global

By Dollita Okine, Face2FaceAfrica The suit comprised cargo pants with two utility pockets on each side and a knee-length jacket characterized by an unfinished hem and sleeves. Photo Credit: TikTok, Johnny Cirillo Monday Blues, a fashion designer, first went viral in 2022 with a video showing herself upcycling Starbucks burlap sacks into a custom-made pantsuit.

Famous photographer Johnny Cirillo recorded her breathtaking ensemble on his @watchingnewyork profiles on TikTok and Instagram, bringing the world a unique blend of sustainable fashion and creativity.

The original printed coffee labels from the burlap bags were incorporated into the designer’s garments, along with handstitched details and her brand.

The outfit was made up of cargo pants with two utility pockets on each side and a knee-length jacket with an unfinished hem and sleeves. She informed Cirillo that she created her attire while experiencing homelessness on a train in Chicago.

She was inspired after seeing some burlap coffee bags displayed at Starbucks, a brand that promotes recycling and reusing its products. She approached the baristas, who were gracious enough to give her the sacks for free.

18

She told the photographer, “The backstory is, I actually created this while homeless on a train in Chicago.” “So I made this by hand.”

The designer has decided to continue using used bags from other coffee companies to create her exquisite clothing and to expand her brand globally.

Monday Blues, who is still homeless in New York, wants to keep establishing and growing her brand to show others

how far persistence and determination can go when they follow their ambitions.

A GoFundMe page has been set up to help fund her job and promote her company.

“Monday has had a myriad of obstacles from individuals who broke her only sewing machine to being homeless, but that didn’t stop her,” the statement on the page read.

It said, “After recently going viral on TikTok for her infamous coffee burlap set, she has gotten a tremendous amount of orders and support, growing her brand quicker than she could have imagined.

All of the proceeds from this fundraiser will go directly to Monday’s luxury fashion brand. She makes all of her pieces by hand, adding a special touch that most luxury brands no longer offer.”

It continued, “The money would go towards mass production (as she wants to make more of her clothing accessible to a wider range of people), new sewing machines, pay for overhead, custom pieces for celebrities and influencers, outsourcing fabrics from small businesses, and most importantly, permanent housing.

Monday is deeply appreciative of all of the support the power of the internet has enabled her to have. Any donations, even $1, could go a long way for her. We invite you to be a part of Monday’s story – Lift voices, stand up for the overlooked, be remembered.”

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - December 13, 2023 - December 19, 2023

Robert Saulsbury aulsb hs

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in

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coac

Basketball Invitational

tat i o n

2:30 pm - 4:00 pm Career High Vs. East Haven High School 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm Sacred Heart Academy Vs. Newington High (girls) 6:00 pm - 6:30 pm Awards Ceremony Honoring: The Honorable Toni Walker, State Representative Cornell Scott Hill Health Centers • Michelle Sepulveda WTNH News 8 • Gary Highsmith

6:30 pm - 8:00 pm Hillhouse High Vs. Kolbe High 8:30 pm - 9:30 pm Wilbur Cross Vs. Danbury High Hip Hop Performances by: Lady Steelers • Tiny Mites • Jr. Peewees • Varsity - Hip Hop State Champions

Floyd Little Athletic Center

480 Sherman Ave., New Haven, CT 06511 Thursday December 28, 2023 - 2:30 pm - 9:30 pm Donation: $5.00 Students • $10.00 Adults

Proceeds to Benefit

The Robert H. Saulsbury Scholarship Fund Refreshments available for sale

For More Info Contact: 203-376-1385

Connecticut’s first choice for Urban News since 1990

e-Edition-online

TheInnerCitynews.com CONNECTICUT’S FIRST CHOICE FOR URBAN NEWS

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS - December 13, 2023 - December 19, 2023

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