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At Mauro Sheridan, Lady Macbeth Finds Her Stride

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - June 11, 2025 - June 17, 2025

At Mauro Sheridan, Lady Macbeth Finds Her Stride Lucy Gellman, Editor, The Arts Paper newhavenarts.org

When eighth grader Mariam Sheriff was cast as Lady Macbeth earlier this year, she didn’t know if she could do the part justice. She worried about the sheer weight of Shakespeare’s words. She didn’t want to get tongue-tied. She kept thinking back to a band concert last year, when her tenor sax stopped working during a duet onstage. And then there was that scene where she had to convince the audience that there was blood on her hands, even though they were clean. Then a former Lady Macbeth stepped in to show her how it was done. The program’s founding director called her every week to run lines. A second Lady Macbeth scooped up half of the weight, and became a closer friend in the process. By the time opening night rolled around, Sheriff was ready. That’s just one of the lessons to come out of an abridged, highly collaborative and richly interpreted Macbeth, which ran last Tuesday through Thursday at Mauro-Sheridan Interdistrict Magnet School in Westville. A long-running initiative of Elm Shakespeare Company, the show made its mark with mirror images, economical use of Shakespeare’s text, and a director’s full-circle moment that started at the school years ago. In the process—and as teacher cuts loom across the district—it became a testament to the power of sustained, muli-generational arts education as a kind of life kit, teaching students to manage their emotional needs, take ownership of language, and share both space and collective responsibility on and off the stage. “I think that’s the beauty in the language,” said co-director Jhenzen Gonzales, who played Lady Macbeth on the same stage 13 years ago, when she was just 10 years old. “Once you come to understand what he’s saying, it’s a work of art. It’s a masterpiece, and it’s moving.” The moment has been years in the making. Thirteen years ago, Gonzales was a fifth grader at Mauro-Sheridan, where Jodi Schneider—then a literacy tutor— had started a Shakespeare reading group, and looped in Elm Shakespeare educator Jeremy Funke (Funke went on to work at the Legacy Theatre; he is now a private tutor). Gonzales was part of that reading group; she still refers to Schneider lovingly as “Ms. Jodi.” The first time Gonzales read for Lady Macbeth, Schneider heard something that felt intuitively right (“She was made to play Lady Macbeth,” she said emphatically Tuesday night). Over the next weeks, the two drilled lines, mastering the language until it was just another conversation. Gonzales got to know the character, as Funke encouraged her to lean into the fierce and wild side of Macbeth’s queen. Lady Macbeth wasn’t just crazy, Gonzales discovered: she was ruthless, savage and vulnerable all at once, impenetrable until suddenly she wasn’t. It made her fall in love with the character.

and started to project. She developed practices to keep her peace, like taking time to herself and letting grudges go. She took the story as a cautionary tale, remembering to be grateful for what she has instead of focusing on only what she wants. In the play, it’s Lady Macbeth’s greed that ultimately makes her lose her mind. She also learned to lean on people. When the lines seemed like a lot, Schneider started calling each week, and running them over the phone. Nadia Bellamy, who also plays Lady Macbeth, pumped her up. Nakhi, who was working on Macbeth’s lines, practiced as a scene partner. “I like how she has a big, like, plot twist,” Sheriff said of Lady Macbeth. “She was the calm person and Macbeth was the crazy person at first, right? But she turned crazy herself, and Macbeth became calmer because he starts to accept his fate. And she just gets cut off. No one knows what happens to her.”

Mariam Sheriff and Nadia Bellamy as Lady Macbeth.

“They really helped me understand it, and I feel like that helped me mature really well, even at 10,” she said. “Once I really got to know her, she just stuck with me. I love how fierce she is. Bold. Even though Macbeth is supposed to be this strong man who wins the war, she’s kind of like that earpiece that he has. He would not be able to do anything without her.” Gonzales’ first performance was 15 minutes, with glitter-clad witches and a liberal interpretation of Shakespeare’s text. But for her, it was the moment she realized that she wanted to be on the stage. Over a decade later, she’s still taking those roles—and teaching them too, through her work with Elm Shakespeare’s player’s camp and her job as a special education teacher. As recently as last winter, she found herself back on the stage, working with Theatre of the Oppressed NYC. “Even at that young age, I knew how important of a role it was,” she said. “But I don’t think I fully grasped how important it would be, much less how important it would be in my life in the future.” For students who don’t always see themselves in Shakespeare, Gonzales is also shifting the narrative around who is allowed to perform, direct, and interpret the Bard (that’s not new to Elm, which has been having these conversations for several years and running school programs for over a decade). When 21 students signed up for the show this year, Elm reimagined the script, casting two Macbeths and two Lady Macbeths to share the load. As they buzzed around Tuesday, multi-

ple students swooped by for advice, so comfortable with the show it seemed that they were already halfway to Inverness and Dunsinane. A few ambled around the stage holding branches, suddenly becoming the moving version of Birnam Wood that Macbeth so deeply fears. Others ran the final battle, lifting their wooden swords as Macduff exacted his revenge on Macbeth, and students bowed to the new king of Scotland (Makye Fernandez as Malcolm). Off to the side, Zaina Jaca ran her lines as Macbeth one last time, as her other half (Marwa Nakhi, also as Macbeth) disappeared backstage momentarily. An eighth grader at the school, Jaca has been acting with Elm Shakespeare since sixth grade, in performances of Julius Caesar and As You Like It. While the role “wasn’t on my list”— she would have preferred Lady Macbeth, or maybe Malcolm or one of the Witches—she jumped into it headfirst, working with Nakhi to memorize her lines. Several weeks later, she feels like it taught her to enunciate and to speak up, even when it feels overwhelming to do so. “I felt like I wasn’t ready for such a big role,” but she rose to the challenge, she said. “It taught me to be who I am. Like, it gave me more confidence in being myself. Macbeth is a person who leads. So I gave it my all.” As students fanned out across the room, Gonzales watched it all, fielding questions as she ticked off items on a mental checklist. Even as she ran through act

four, in which Macduff’s family is brutally murdered amidst Macbeth’s growing paranoia, she tried to keep the mood upbeat, reminding students of how hard they’d worked to get to opening night. Her feedback was gentle, doled out in snippets. “Slow down!” she called at one point. “Let’s take a beat,” she offered at another, when a student got upset onstage. To Torhyn Myers, who plays Macduff’s child, there was even: “You can’t smile here, Torhyn! You gotta be dead, girl!” When the chatter backstage became too much, co-director Hannah Gellman stepped in to help. “By the pricking of my thumbs!” she yelled over the auditorium, a band room that had been transformed into a theater with neat rows of chairs for attendees. “Something wicked this way comes!” students bellowed back, completing a couplet spoken by the witches (Kylee Maysonet, Destiny Adu Poku, and Amelia Matthews) near the beginning of the play. Back amidst discarded backpacks, jackets flung over chairs and neat racks of costumes, Sheriff steadied her nerves and got ready for the first show of the week. Before this year, she had never acted in a show before, she said. But when eighth grade rolled around, she didn’t want to let it go by without trying out the Bard. At first, she worried that Lady Macbeth was too large a part to play. But as she worked on the role (“I try to think, like, maybe a little crazier, and twist up my mind a little bit”), she stopped mumbling

Bellamy, who has her own theories about Lady Macbeth, agreed that the play has taught her to appreciate what she has, from her fellow castmates to material belongings. From the role, she’s also learned a thing or two about confidence that she now brings with her off the stage, and into the classroom. That, she said, and she feels more in touch with her anger—the sheer existence of it—than before. “It's very exciting and I do love doing it,” she said of the show, which marks her third and final Elm Shakespeare performance at the school in as many years. “Like the fact that I can be all these different kinds of characters, and I like that while I'm doing this acting role, I can also build connections with my fellow actors and actresses.” As 6 p.m. drew near, students gathered backstage, at last ready for their time in the spotlight. Chatter rose and fell through the theater as friends, siblings and families filled the audience. In the seats, half a dozen phones came out, ready to record; at least one parent had brought a tripod to film the whole show. Backstage, students listened as Gonzales sent them off with a final pep talk. New Haven is no stranger to takes on Macbeth, including La Fille du Latier’s Macbeth Muet in 2023 and Whitney White’s Macbeth In Stride at the Yale Repertory Theatre last year. But none may be as to the point as a 50-minute student adaptation in a year upended by greed and power. From the moment students swept onstage, they were ready to pump new blood into a centuries-old story, from Macbeth’s first whiff of power to his final moments at Dunsinane. And consistently, they delivered. As the curtain opened, there were the Weïrd Sisters, dressed as if Chappell Roan had been tasked with an appearance at the court of Henry I. They circled each other, just untamed enough to seem like the aged, wildeyed soothsayers that they are in the play.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - June 11, 2025 - June 17, 2025

Summer Learning Launches At The Library Abiba Biao, The Arts Paper newhavenarts.org

June Alford is a graphic novel connoisseur. Already, she’s made her way through Dav Pilkey’s Dog Man and devoured Lincoln Pierce’s Big Nate. She’s read enough of Ann Martin’s Baby-Sitters Club to count it among her favorite books. So when she heard that there was a reading challenge on the cusp of summer break, she was game. Saturday afternoon, June was one of dozens to attend the launch of “Level Up at Your Library,” an all-ages, citywide summer learning challenge meant to boost literacy in a city where many kids still read below grade level. Held at the Ives Main Branch of the New Haven Free Public Library (NHFPL), the launch marked the first in a week of celebrations, each at a different branch of the library. The challenge runs from May 31 to August 23, around when school resumes for the city’s public schools. This year, the challenge is not limited to reading: librarians have pushed patrons to learn about resources such as seed gardens, Ives Squared's creative makerspace, and the “library of things,” a collection of miscellaneous and nontraditional items like cake pans and board games for patrons to check out. “Everything is about learning something new and it’s our learning challenge,” said Teen Librarian Emily Raymond, who works at the Ives Main Branch. “It’s not just reading. Reading is just one aspect of a bigger puzzle.” This year—as in years past—there are three different iterations of the summer learning challenge based on age and de-

Soma Mitra (in blue) with some pint-sized readers.

velopmental ability. One, made for the library’s youngest patrons, asks children to read (or be read to) for 20 minutes a day, for a total of 1,200 minutes (that’s 20 hours) by the end of the summer. The library has included a suggested list of books to get readers started. To track their reading, participants get a booklet that contains a game board and reading log. For every two hours that they read, they can redeem a small prize by showing their booklet to a librarian at any NHFPL branch. Upon completion of 1200 minutes, kids earn a free book. Similar to the kids’ learning chal-

lenge, teens are also tasked with reading for 1,200 minutes total, but in longer, 40-minute intervals. At the halfway point of the challenge (600 minutes), teens can earn a free book. Twenty hours, meanwhile, gets them a $15 gift card to Atticus Bookstore Café. A new inclusion to this year’s challenge is an optional “book review” segment, in which students can complete a book review to earn a $5 gift card to Ashley’s Ice Cream. Children and teens who complete the challenge also have a chance to enter a raffle and win the grand prize, a tour of the Yale Peabody Museum or Lost In

New Haven with an adult. The NHFPL will draw one winner from each age group; participants can earn up to 10 raffle tickets by visiting library branches and completing reading milestones. There is also an adult version of the challenge, focused on both reading and the NHFPL’s extensive resources. Like the kids’ game board, adults get a game of “READopoly,” a literacy- and resource-themed take on the boardgame Monopoly. Between the red and purple “reading” tiles on the READopoly gameboard are interactive challenges, meant to push par-

ticipants toward library resources. Some of these challenges include accessing online resources at the NHFPL website and attending library programs of their choice. “Our goal is always to keep going, getting more and more involvement,” said Children’s Librarian Soma Mitra. Last year alone, Mitra said, roughly 1,200 children and teens participated in the summer learning challenge across the library’s five branches. The challenge helps prevent students from experiencing the “summer slide,” which refers to the loss of knowledge students experience during summer break. That slide—particularly in a city still in the midst of a literacy crisis—can impact academic success when students reenter school in the fall. “Since the schools are closed, I believe this is where the library steps in and helps them to keep their reading skills, to keep them engaged,” Mitra said. It’s not only reading that the library offers, she added, pointing to public programs like STEM and coding workshops that continue over the summer. Back in the children’s section, June held up a copy of Big Nate: All Work and No Play, a collection that includes two years of Lincoln Pierce’s illustrations of the character. Like her, Nate Wright (the titular Big Nate, who is actually not so big at all) just trying to get through school, with all the excitement and drama that it holds. When asked, she described reading as transportive—much more than the screens that many young people turn to. “You might like Netflix at all, but if you read a book, you get to choose how they look like and imagine it in your own head,” she said.

Court Blocks Trump Administration’s Attempt To Dismantle AmeriCorps by Julie Martin Banks CTNewsJunkie

A coalition of attorneys general, including Connecticut’s William Tong, have won a court order that blocks an attempt by President Donald Trump’s administration to effectively dismantle Americorps, a federal agency that helps match citizens with community-based service. Deborah L. Boardman, a United States District Judge in Maryland, issued a preliminary injunction Thursday, with a separate order to be issued at a later date. The coalition filed the lawsuit in late April to stop plans to eliminate nearly 90 percent of the AmeriCorps workforce and nearly $400 million worth of Americorps-supported programs. According to the coalition the order restores all programs that were terminated in plaintiff states, and orders the reinstatement of more than 750 National Civilian Community Corps members.

“The work that AmeriCorps members and senior volunteers do in Connecticut to keep food pantries running, tutor children, assist homebound seniors, and support our veterans is vital, and the Trump administration’s attempt to dismantle it was both cruel and lawless,” Tong said. “This victory will allow AmeriCorps workers to continue to serve some of Connecticut’s most vulnerable residents.” In addition to blocking the terminations of grants and employees in plaintiff states, the injunction requires that the defendants comply with giving the public notice and give them the opportunity to comment before making big changes “like the mass closure of AmeriCorps programs that occurred on April 25, 2025 and the April 15, 2025 removal of NCCC members from service,” the order states. The order requires that the defendants provide everyone impacted by actions

Attorney General William Tong speaks about online sales of non-approved weight loss products on May 21, 2025. Credit: Karla Ciaglo / CTNewsJunkie

taken on April 25 and April 15 with a status report by June 10 documenting the actions taken to comply with the order. The statement by the AG coalition said the order restores AmeriCorps programs in Connecticut, adding that as of the 2024 program year, AmeriCorps engaged 2,255 members and volunteers across 253 service locations throughout the state. Those individuals contributed a total of $12.4 million in the state for services such as early childhood education, housing assistance, disaster recovery, and workforce development, officials said. Among the states represented in the coalition: Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin, and the governors of Kentucky and Pennsylvania.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - January 23, 2019 - January 29, 2019

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - June 11, 2025 - June 17, 2025

Fair Haven Health Expands, In Color by Thomas Breen

The New Haven independent

A collage hangs on the third floor of Fair Haven Community Health Care’s new headquarters on Grand Avenue. Through black and white photos — of founder Katrina Clark, of a list of the first board members, of a 1971 handwritten message declaring, “Clinic Patients: The Clinic Belongs To You!” — the collage tells the story of the community health center’s first five and a half decades of serving Fair Haven. Then, by the time the collage rounds the corner, it bursts into color, and points towards the health center’s future in a brand new 35,600 squarefoot medical-office building that, after less than two years of construction, is just about complete. Fair Haven Community Health Care CEO Suzanne Lagarde showed off that collage and so many other artworks and exam rooms and community spaces Monday morning during a walk-through of the new building in advance of its official grand opening on Wednesday. Construction began on this new building — which includes a total of 26 exam rooms and plenty of other community spaces spread across a basement and three above-ground floors — in October 2023.

Fair Haven Health's new HQ, at the corner of Grand and James.

Lagarde said she expects the first patients will be seen at the new building by June 23. In July, Fair Haven Health plans to move over many of its patients and clinicians to the new building so that five months of renovations can take place at the center’s current headquarters, right next door at 374 Grand. Then, by January, both buildings — old and new — should be open and in full use, ushering in a new “campus” of Fair Haven Community Health Care buildings on Grand near James Street. “Color. Light. Welcoming. Quality care,” Lagarde said as she talked about what the community-informed design of the new building is meant to communicate to the staff, patients, and fellow Fair Haveners and New Haveners as they experience this space. Fair Haven Community Health Care saw 37,000 unique patients across 160,000 different visits in 2024, Lagarde said. The federally qualified health center currently employs around 330 people, and provides adult care, family medicine, podiatry, behavioral health care. Lagarde said she

Thomas Breen photos Lagarde, with the third-floor collage: "I wanted to create something people would

be proud of. I think we succeeded."

... Lagarde, with New Haven Sign Company's Cameron Garfield, in the ground-floor reception area ...

expects the number of patients and staff alike to grow as this new headquarters comes online. The building is suffused with light and art — by Dominican muralist Silvia López Chavez, by Fair Haven watercolor painter Val Richardson — and so much color, from brightly hued floor tiles to “potato chip” shaped sculptures hanging in the first-floor waiting area. “I think it’s gorgeous,” Lagarde said with pride about the building. “That was intentional.” This center’s patients — and the Fair Haven neighborhood — deserve a building as beautiful as this one. But of all the rooms, of all the art, perhaps the part of the building Lagarde looks most affectionately upon is that third-floor collage, which hangs just down the hall from a “food farmacy,” a conference room, a kitchen, a diabetes prevention program, a terrace, a new-employee training room, and other spaces designed for community use. With the help of a trove of primary source documents, the collage tells the story of Fair Haven Community Health Care dating back to its founding in 1971. It includes photos of the center’s founder and longtime director, Katrina Clark. It includes a list of the first board of directors (Nina Adams, Rebecca Bell, Carol Berries, Avilino Perez, etc.) It shows doctors taking the pulse of patients and opening school-based clinics and teaching pregnant mothers what to expect. It shows community members and elected officials (Martin Looney, John DeStefano, among others) gathering to celebrate milestone after milestone. It shows a playbill for a Long Wharf Theatre production of a play called, “July 7, 1994,” inspired by Fair Haven Health and written by Pulitzer Prize winner Donald Margulies. It includes a tribute to the late Fair Haven Health Dr. Christopher Phillips, who died of Covid, followed by photo after photo of the health center’s response to the pandemic. And it shows, in color, the “topping off” ceremony of the new building, and the center’s continued growth with the help of this new-construction project. “This is one of my favorite pictures,” Lagarde said, pausing before one of the earliest documents — a photo of a handwritten sign announcing Fair Haven Health’s community orientation. That sign begins with the message: “Clinics Patients, The Clinic Belongs

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS - June 11, 2025 - June 17, 2025

CT Officials Stand With California Counterparts as June 14 Protests Loom in State by Donald Eng CTNewsJunkie

HARTFORD, CT – Connecticut stands with California officials against the deployment of troops in response to protests against the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement actions in that state, according to a joint media briefing Tuesday afternoon from Attorney General William Tong, Gov. Ned Lamont and Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz. “We are here to make it clear that the state of Connecticut objects to the use of American soldiers against American citizens on American soil in California and Los Angeles under these circumstances,” Tong said. “And let me just say that as an American, I am deeply concerned and troubled by the president’s deployment of National Guardspeople and US active duty Marines in Los Angeles.” Tong said President Donald Trump had “packed a powder keg in Los Angeles, and there is an extreme risk of broader explosion and violence and harm to the people,” and that Trump had created “an unreasonable risk to public safety.” In response, Tong and Lamont said they would do everything in their power to prevent such a situation from occurring in this state, particularly with a series of “No Kings” protests planned across the state for Saturday. Bysiewicz in particular said she had been in contact with protest organizers, who are concerned that the National Guard could be deployed in response to the events. In response, Bysiewicz said Connecticut has seen hundreds of protests since Trump’s term began, including an April 5 event at the Capitol with thousands of people marching. Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz speaks about the deployment of National Guard troops and US Marines in California during a press briefing on June 10, 2025. Credit: Donald Eng “The National Guard was not needed because all of the protests were peaceful,” she said. She said Trump’s campaign against immigrants has been marked by an extreme callousness and cruelty “and our residents have the right to speak out against that.” Connecticut deploys the National Guard in extreme circumstances like Hurricane Sandy, the Hawthorne fire or the COVID-19 pandemic, she said. In this case, she said, Trump’s use of the military was intended to frighten and stifle protesters, she said. “This is a hallmark of a dictator and a hallmark of an authoritarian regime,” she said. Lamont, in his comments, called for peaceful protest. “When you protest peacefully, you enhance the cause, and people listen to your message,” he said. “If the protest

Gov. Ned Lamont speaks about the deployment of National Guard troops and US Marines in California during a press briefing on June 10, 2025. Credit: Donald Eng

turns violent, sometimes that distracts from your message.” Trump, Lamont said, is eager to militarize the situation, but he said state and local law enforcement were up to the task of maintaining order. “We don’t need that outside interference,” he said. But the California situation has made it clear that even if state officials have the situation in hand – which Tong said the California governor and attorney general had told him was the case – Trump could still take action. Lamont said all state officials could do is keep the peace in the state. “Look, all I can do as the governor is to make sure we do our job … don’t give him any pretense,” Lamont said. Tong agreed, saying Connecticut’s track record is that people “sometimes forcefully and aggressively” but law-

fully exercising their First Amendment right to protest. “The fact that we’re passionate about it, that we’re loud about it, is not illegal.” Tong declined to entertain a “what-if” scenario on the president ordering National Guard or active military troops into the state, except to say if something unwarranted were to occur, “we will act immediately.” “Make no mistake about that. We’re ready. We’ve been ready,” he said. “We talk about it, and we plan for it. But we’re not even close to there because Connecticut is safe, peaceful … and all of what we do as a general matter is lawful.” State Rep. Vincent Candelora, R-North Branford, in a statement after the briefing, said the state leaders should “spend less time playing to their political base and more time addressing the issues that actually affect Connecticut residents … instead of grandstanding about what they won’t do with the National Guard.”

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Beauty Plus Closes, With A Party THE INNER-CITY NEWS - June 11, 2025 - June 17, 2025

by Lisa Reisman

it to me, and when I wanted to have a child, we talked about it, and prayed about it.” “That’s right,” said Georgetta Jackson, who was standing in the back of the three-deep crowd. She met Hylton at Unique Boutique, she said, and followed her to Chapel. “She’s just a wonderful person, an asset to this community,” she said, as the late-spring sun peeked out through the clouds. “She likes to listen to you, she takes her time, she’ll find the right product for you. She just made you feel cared for.” Greg Ledovsky, a partner at the Devil’s Gear Bike & Board a few doors up, recalled shoveling snow in front of Beauty Plus. “The businesses around downtown, it’s a neighborhood like any other neighborhood, we help each other out, and we’ve been honored and blessed to have such warm and welcoming neighbors at Beauty Plus.” “Except,” said John Brehon, Ledovsky’s partner, “the hair tonic you sold me didn’t work,” as he took off his cap to reveal a bald head. Wild laughter ensued. With that, Hylton stepped forward to speak, expressing gratitude for the support of her customers and friends through the years. A car, passing by, honked. “We love you, Mel,” someone called out. Hylton waved. She recalled, after the owners of Unique Boutique retired, deciding to open her own shop, and dealing with “a lot of ‘I don’t want you down here.’”

The New Haven independent

After Denise Rogers’ husband died of Covid in May 2020, she made it a practice to stop in at Beauty Plus on lower Chapel. Not so much to buy makeup or skin creams or hair care products, but to talk with co-owner and founder Mel Hylton. “Miss Mel just has always been there for me,” said Rogers, at a rousing retirement party outside Beauty Plus, a beauty supply store which has now closed its doors after 31 years downtown. The celebration, emceed by News Channel 8 anchor Keith Kountz and media powerhouse Veronica Douglas-Givan last Friday, featured a stirring performance from vocalist Barbara Joyner, a host of testimonials, cake and balloons, as well as a lot of good feeling from the lunchtime crowd of 50. In a city proclamation, Mayor Justin Elicker called Beauty Plus, which opened in 1995, “an anchor in downtown New Haven” and “an example of hard-working small business owners and businesses that fuel the New Haven local economy and culture.” The personal service that distinguished the Hylton’s family stewardship at 827 Chapel — including co-owner Rudy Hylton, Mel’s late sister Liz Slyvia, and daughter Gale Hylton-Matthews — was the “Plus” in the store name, according to long-time customer Vivian Fripp-Elbert, pastor at Hamden’s Bethel Agape Shalom Ministry. She recalled bringing handkerchiefs she had made to Unique Boutique, the first Black-owned beauty and barber supply shop in New Haven, on Dixwell and Henry, where Hylton worked for 21 years before opening Beauty Plus. “Miss Mel said ‘how much for those?’ and I’m not good with that kind of thing, and she said ‘whatever you think it’s worth and that’s what I’ll do,’” she said. Miss Mel “gave us beauty and pride and trust,” she went on. “She didn’t go up in her prices even when Covid hit, and she still was open to her people to service us.” She called Hylton and her sister Liz “women of integrity and character that would listen. It was counseling. It was more than a beauty salon.” That was true for Veronica Douglas-Givan who routinely walked over to Beauty Plus while a producer at WTNH to get a breather from the newsroom. “When my mother was living with Alzheimer’s, Mel helped me,” she said. “When I got my master’s degree and said I wanted to walk across the stage with an Afrocentric sash, they didn’t just sell me a sash, they donated

Lisa Reisman photos

Now that's a party, after 31 years at 827 Chapel.

“A lot of things weren’t quite right,” she said. “Every time we tried to open our doors, they came up with something else we had to do, a business plan, a permit, so many things, but I’m here, and it’s because of so many of you, you didn’t have to support me, but you did, and here we are.”

Lunchtime crowd at 827 Chapel.

“Here we are,” someone shouted from the crowd. She called the moment bittersweet. “I love what I do, no day is ever the same,” she said. “I have people that will come in, that will give me ideas, it’s been a blessing, and I would do it all over again.” “I’ve been here for 30 years and I was never sick in all of those 30 years,” she said. “God is good,” someone called out. “Amen.”

Beauty Plus founder Mel Hylton (center) with Gale Hylton-Matthews, Rudy Hylton, and Pastor Kevin Hardy.

After thanking her niece, her daughter Gale, her grandson Elijah Thomas, and long-time supervisor Lisa Harrell, she asked for silence. “Please,” she said. “Let’s all of us learn to love one another.”

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - June 11, 2025 - June 17, 2025 CON’T FROM PAGE 02

Lady Macbeth Finds Her Stride Before long, two Macbeths had taken the stage, finishing each other’s sentences as Macbeth became the Thane of Cawdor and quietly announced his ambitions to his wife. “Stars, hide your fires!” they announced in unison, and all of the hesitation Jaca had once had sailed out of the theater. ”Let not light see my black and deep desires.” The gems kept coming, as every student got a chance in the spotlight. As Duncan, Eden Edwards played the King of Scotland with a cool-yet-endearing edge, making the blow more crushing when guards realized that he had been killed in the night. As Banquo—and later, his bloodied, haggard ghost—eighth grader Edie Stoehr landed the language, adding a brusque, sometimes sharp-edged lyricism and cunning sense of movement to the role. Even small parts, like Tohryn Myers’ child of Macduff, found their moment in the spotlight, landing lines like “as birds do, mother!” with a sweet, soft flourish and simplicity that made the madness and cruelty of murder all the more poignant. As they descended further and further into madness, both Nakhi and Jaca put their own spin on Macbeth, with a kind of good-versus-evil routine that made his spiritual tug-of-war feel palpable. Jaca, in particular, seemed to grow into the role, most fluent in the Elizabethan language when she was volleying lines back and forth with other characters. But nowhere was it clearer than in the two Lady Macbeths, who built off of each other for the entirety of the hour-long adaptation. Together, they mined the language for the full emotional breadth of the role, capturing her cool, sharp edge and sharp mind. When Macbeth hesitated, Sheriff pushed him to action. When he seemed likely to confess, she silenced him swiftly with a pointed look. When he cowered beneath a table after seeing ghosts, Bellamy got the audience laughing as she tried to set him straight. And then, suddenly, it was their moment. Bellamy and Sheriff took the stage in similar white nightgowns, both drenched in the light of the auditorium. Frantically, they wrung their hands, trying to scrub out an imaginary smear of blood. On the left, Sheriff looked as though she might crash right into the floor, focused on her palms as her fingers worked furiously. On the right, Bellamy looked skyward, her face stricken, as if she was appealing to the heavens. The audience could see them unraveling word by word. “Out, out, damned spot!” they cried. As she looked up, her eyes wild with fear, Bellamy fell to her knees, and crumpled into the stage. Beside her, Sheriff was a mirror image, telling the audience all it had to know. This was the moment she’d worked toward, and she’d nailed it. “I feel like I calm my mind by talking to Nadia,” she had said before the show. “We just confirm each other. We talk over our scenes together. That helps me calm down.”

8th Graders Debate Due Process THE INNER-CITY NEWS - June 11, 2025 - June 17, 2025

by Mona Mahadevan

The New Haven independent

As Trump administration lawyers and critics debate whether undocumented migrants are entitled to due process in deportation proceedings, eighth grader Maseo Regan argued that the use of “person” instead of “citizen” in the U.S. Constitution’s 14th Amendment means that anyone on American soil — citizen or non-citizen — deserves that basic legal fairness. Maseo delivered that argument with three of his classmates from Engineering and Science University Magnet School (ESUMS) during a mock Congressional hearing at the New Haven Museum. It was the culmination of Kirsten Hopes-Mcfadden’s U.S. history class, which used the Center for Civic Education’s curriculum, “We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution.” A total of 82 eighth graders, divided into 20 teams, delivered four-minute statements Tuesday morning to an audience of their peers and parents, as well as a panel of high school students from Wilbur Cross High School and Trumbull High School. The high schoolers, who previously participated in a We the People state-level competition, acted as “members of Congress.” Once Maceo, Esteban Mansourian, Jaxson Langley, and Prince Warren completed their speeches, the panel peppered them with questions like, “Should due process be suspended in times of crisis?” and “What does discrimination mean to you?” They took turns responding, stepping in with an argument or precedent when a teammate seemed nervous. Due process, guaranteed by the 5th and 14th Amendments, requires the govern-

Judging panel Kelly Meza, Yoselin Perez, Audrey Zelezniak Berezowski, and Isabella Aboaf share feedback with an eighth grade team.

A group of eighth graders listen to instructions before their big moment Tuesday morning.

ment to follow fair procedures — such as an unbiased trial — before depriving a person of their “life, liberty, or proper-

ty.” It also prohibits the government from infringing on certain rights, such as the right to privacy, without a very strong

justification. As the Trump administration has sought to deport non-citizens, including international students, without due process, debates about who is entitled to the 5th and 14th Amendments have become a hot-button topic for the federal government and its critics. The eighth graders on Tuesday were ready to engage with some of the Trump administration’s main arguments, including that the wartime authority guaranteed by the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 allows migrants to be deported without due process. (Meanwhile, click here to read about the Trump administration’s recent termination of teaching grants that helped make Tuesday’s mock hearing possible.) Jaxson and Esteban argued that in order to prevent executive overreach and tyranny, certain rights, including the right to sufficient notice of trial, should almost never be suspended. In a room upstairs, Eva Luce, Mehreen Alam, and Anson Labuthie focused on how due process rights should apply to minors. Reading off notecards, they cited landmark court cases, including Brown v. Board of Education, Lawrence v. Texas, and Furman v. Georgia, to argue that young children deserve additional protections under the 5th and 14th Amendments. Esteban related the controversy over due process to his personal experience. Students at his school are subjected to security checks every morning, he said. While young people are entitled to privacy, he argued that “when someone enters a school environment, they’re forfeiting some due process, so they can be searched.” Erin Simcik, We the People’s state

co-coordinator, has been involved with the program for over a decade. “The level of engagement for students far surpassed any other tool I had at my disposal,” she explained, which is why she has kept using the program in her classroom at South Windsor High School. Simcik is also optimistic about the impact of We the People on students, especially with regard to artificial intelligence (AI) use. She explained, “For regular assignments, kids are throwing things into ChatGPT. But having to learn and explain something to someone else,” which is what students do in We the People competitions, “requires more than a superficial understanding.” High school students Audrey Zelezniak Berezowski, Yoselin Perez, and Kelly Meza and Yale PhD student Isabelle Aboaf completed the high school version of the curriculum, which they all praised as “challenging,” “in-depth,” and “sometimes stressful.” “I like how we connected the curriculum to what’s happening now, like with balancing the right to privacy and security,” explained Perez. Aboaf agreed: “The best thing about the program is showing students that the dilemmas that they’re experiencing every day have roots in Constitutional issues.” Once Eva, Mehreen, and Anson completed their statement and answered the panel’s questions, Aboaf smiled encouragingly. “You all demonstrated a solid understanding of why due process is so important,” she said, “and that is really reassuring to hear!”

New Haven Scholarship Fund Celebrates 2024 Award Recipients

On Sunday, June 8, the New Haven Scholarship Fund held its annual Award Ceremony at Wilbur Cross High School, honoring the accomplishments of 151 graduating seniors from New Haven’s public high schools. These students received scholarships to support their continued education at colleges, universities, trade, and technical schools across Connecticut, New England, and beyond. More than 400 attendees—including students, families, friends, donors, and community members—filled the auditorium to celebrate this inspiring moment. In a tradition that adds a personal touch to the occasion, many of the Fund’s donors were present to award scholarships directly to recipients, forging meaningful connections and reinforcing the community spirit behind each gift. The keynote address centered on five powerful themes: the value of giving back, the importance of hard work, the necessity of listening, the strength found in resilience, and the courage to seek help

when facing roadblocks. Students were encouraged to carry these values with them as they embark on the next phase of their educational journeys, reminding them that success is built not just on ambition, but on community, humility, and persistence. A unique aspect of the New Haven Scholarship Fund is its ongoing commitment to students’ success—recipients are eligible to reapply for scholarships for up to three additional years as they pursue their degrees or certifications. The ceremony was a powerful reflection of New Haven’s enduring commitment to educational equity, and a celebration of the potential, promise, and perseverance of its young people. A special thanks to the Wilbur Cross culinary program headed by Chef Bradshaw. The food was delicious and it was paid for by very generous donors including the Community Foundation, the Administrators of New HavenE Board and the New Haven Teacher Federation.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - June 11, 2025 - June 17, 2025

Freddy Fixer 2025,

Murphy, Blumenthal Decry ‘Cruel’

by Kyle Galvin CTNewsJunkie Connecticut Senators Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy joined Job Corps students and staff outside the Hartford Job Corps center recently, demanding the reopening of Connecticut’s two facilities. The two Democrats called their closure by the Trump Administration “cruel” and “illegal.” “When I go around the state of Connecticut, you know what I hear most often? We can’t find people to fill the jobs that are open. We can’t find people with the right skills,” Blumenthal said. “These folks have skills. They deserve a fair chance, and this administration is denying them a fair chance.”

Job Corps, a Department of Labor program, has provided free vocational training and education to 2 million youth aged 16 to 24 nationwide since its founding in 1964, according to the Department of Labor website. The US Department of Labor announced May 29 it was beginning a “phased pause” in operations at Job Corps Centers nationwide to be completed by June 30, according to a press release. However, a federal judge issued a temporary restraining order Wednesday that stops the 121 centers nationwide from closing. The closure of Connecticut’s two facilities in Hartford and New Haven would leaveabout 350 youth without employment or supportive services, including housing, according to Blumenthal’s office. Job Corps New Haven Center Director Jvenel Lavros said about 140 students were asked to move out last week. About seven students who are without housing remain, he said. Hartford Center Director Kevin McKee said about 160 students will have to leave by June 17. Blumenthal said “there’s no telling what happens” to students at the Hartford center after that day.

Sen. Chris Murphy speaks to Job Corps clients and workers on June 6, 2025. Credit: Kyle Galvin / CTNewsJunkie

“Think about it for a moment, if somebody told you your whole life depends on a court hearing in a few days,” Blumenthal said. “And right now, you’ve got housing and you’ve got food and you’ve got a place to go, but in just a few days, the court may say it’s all over.” Monet Campbell said she joined the Job Corps’ New Haven Center after hearing about it while at a homeless shelter. Eleven months later, she has her Certified Nurse Aide license and phlebotomy certification, and is attending Central Connecticut State University for nursing. “[If it weren’t] for Job Corps, I wouldn’t have even decided to go to college,” Campbell said. “They really pushed me to become a better person.” Campbell said she was at work when she learned the center was shutting down. “I started crying. I was devastated,” she said. “And it was a hard time, you know, for someone to not have anywhere to go.

It scared me. Where’s my next meal going to come from? The streets are scary. It’s not safe.” The Department of Labor cited the program’s $140 million operating deficit in the 2024 fiscal year, which is projected to reach $215 million in 2025, in deciding to halt operations, in addition to acts of violence and breaches of safety or security at Job Corps Centers. However, Murphy questioned the decision to close a federal program where youth are given career paths and the ability to advocate for themselves. “Why shut these doors? Why throw these kids all out on the street? Why shutter a program that’s changing lives?” Murphy said. “There’s no justification for it.” Blumenthal said the government should be expanding the Corps, not shutting it down. “I’m really so embarrassed and ashamed that this country can’t do better for you,” he told the youths.

New Haven Free Public Library Honors Former

The Elm City Freddy Fixer Parade brought energy, pride, and tradition to Dixwell Avenue in New Haven Sunday. The event, which began at Bassett Street and made its way south to Lake Place, featured marching bands, dance teams, colorful floats, and community organizations. The Freddy Fixer Parade, founded in 1962, is one of the oldest Black American parades in the Northeast. The parade celebrates Black heritage, neighborhood revitalization, and civic pride. Elected leaders, including Gov. Ned Lamont, joined the procession, emphasizing the event’s significance to the community. For many attendees, it was more than just a parade — it was a powerful reminder of unity, cultural identity, and the ongoing efforts to uplift the city.

NEW HAVEN, CT – The New Haven Free Public Library (NHFPL) will host a ceremony and memorial brick dedication at 10 am on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at the Wilson Branch Library, located at 303 Washington Avenue, in honor of the late James Welbourne, former City Librarian and NHFPL Director. Welbourne served as City Librarian and Director from 2000 to 2010, a decade marked by visionary leadership and a deep commitment to equity, access, and literacy for all New Haveners. Under his guidance, NHFPL expanded its reach and impact. Welbourne’s mentorship launched the careers of many New Haven librarians, including many now in library leadership positions throughout the state. The pinnacle of Welbourne’s tenure at NHFPL was the vision of a branch

library in the Hill neighborhood, a sixyear project that culminated in the opening of the Courtland Wilson Branch Library in 2006, bringing a public library back to the Hill for the first time in two decades. The Wilson Branch Library

continues to serve as a vibrant hub for the Hill neighborhood and beyond, honoring his memory with exceptional service and unwavering commitment to the public. Welbourne’s leadership earned national recognition: he appeared on the cover of Library Journal in April 2003, spotlighted for his efforts to bring library resources directly to those who needed them most. His tenure was characterized by a belief that libraries are more than buildings—they are centers of opportunity, empowerment, and lifelong learning. The event is open to the public and will feature remarks from Mrs. Penny Welbourne, family friend Aaron Johnson, city and library officials, colleagues, and community members, followed by the unveiling of a memorial brick installed in Welbourne’s honor.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - June 11, 2025 - June 17, 2025

Summer Learning Launches At The Library Abiba Biao, The Arts Paper newhavenarts.org

Soma Mitra (in blue) with some pint-sized readers.

learning challenge based on age and developmental ability. One, made for the library’s youngest patrons, asks children to read (or be read to) for 20 minutes a day, for a total of 1,200 minutes (that’s 20 hours) by the end of the summer. The library has included a suggested list of books to get readers started. To track their reading, participants get a booklet that contains a game board and reading log. For every two hours that they read, they can redeem a small prize by showing their booklet to a librarian at any NHFPL branch. Upon completion of 1200 minutes, kids earn a free book. Similar to the kids’ learning chal-

PL will draw one winner from each age group; participants can earn up to 10 raffle tickets by visiting library branches and completing reading milestones. There is also an adult version of the challenge, focused on both reading and the NHFPL’s extensive resources. Like the kids’ game board, adults get a game of “READopoly,” a literacy- and resource-themed take on the boardgame Monopoly. Between the red and purple “reading” tiles on the READopoly gameboard are interactive challenges, meant to push participants toward library resources. Some of these challenges include accessing

online resources at the NHFPL website and attending library programs of their choice. “Our goal is always to keep going, getting more and more involvement,” said Children’s Librarian Soma Mitra. Last year alone, Mitra said, roughly 1,200 children and teens participated in the summer learning challenge across the library’s five branches. The challenge helps prevent students from experiencing the “summer slide,” which refers to the loss of knowledge students experience during summer break. That slide—particularly in a city still in the midst of a literacy crisis—can impact academic success when students reenter school in the fall. “Since the schools are closed, I believe this is where the library steps in and helps them to keep their reading skills, to keep them engaged,” Mitra said. It’s not only reading that the library offers, she added, pointing to public programs like STEM and coding workshops that continue over the summer. Back in the children’s section, June held up a copy of Big Nate: All Work and No Play, a collection that includes two years of Lincoln Pierce’s illustrations of the character. Like her, Nate Wright (the titular Big Nate, who is actually not so big at all) just trying to get through school, with all the excitement and drama that it holds. When asked, she described reading as transportive—much more than the screens that many young people turn to. “You might like Netflix at all, but if you read a book, you get to choose how they look like and imagine it in your own head,” she said.

Students Play At “Games Academy” by Lisa Reisman

At the Celentano School cafeteria on a recent afternoon, city police Officer Alethia Moore made a bold proclamation. “No one’s beating me at Uno,” she told the group of young students at her lunch table with a smile. At a nearby table, Josiah, a fifth grader, was on a roll, blocking each attempt of his opponent to make inroads in Connect 4. “You got this,” he said to himself quietly, eyes fixed in concentration, as classmates throughout the space engaged in their own heated games of Uno, Connect 4, checkers, and dominoes. The occasion was a pilot run of the Games Academy, the brainchild of New Havener Neil Richardson, the 2018 City Spirit honoree, who started the program in the early 1990s at Jackie Robinson Middle School while at the Board of Education. “I noticed during lunchtime kids taking five or eight minutes to eat, and rest

Lisa Reisman photo

Josiah, poised to block Damari, in Connect 4.

of the time they had nothing to do,” said Richardson, amid the sounds of chatter and laughter in the brightly-lit cafeteria of the Canner Street pre K to-eighth

grade school. Board games like chess and checkers, besides being fun and providing an outlet, might provide a learning opportunity, he said.

That’s consistent with studies showing a host of benefits in board gaming for children including problem-solving, strategic thinking, as well as memory and focus. With the help of funding from the Board of Education, the Games Academy proved a hit. He invited police officers. “The kids needed to see them in a different light, other than arresting someone or pulling them over and questioning them,” he said. A participant ended up prevailing in the NHPD-sponsored chess competition, he said. A few months after initiating the program, Richardson was appointed a judicial marshal in New Haven Juvenile Court. For years, no one took up the mantle of the Games Academy. Until last week when, with support from Celentano Assistant Principal Lisa Pietrosimone, the Board of Education’s Danny Diaz, and the Dixwell/Newhallville Senior Center, Richardson engineered its comeback. “Lunchtime is where a lot of interac-

tions happen,” said Celentano Principal Yolanda Generette. “This promotes positive relationships between kids, they learn how to play fair. It just gives a good feeling.” Even with Yondr pouches in use at the school, “it’s so important to have kids talking and playing together.”

She expressed gratitude to NHPD’s Moore and Sgt. Jason Jemiola for coming in. “They’re showing that officers are here to protect us and not to harm, and for students to have this kind of exposure to them goes a long way.” Moore sounded a similar refrain. “It’s important for kids to see us in a positive light, and this is a way to get there,” she said, as someone squealed in victory. “That’s right,” Richardson said. “And maybe some of the kids will meet these officers and say, ‘I want to become that too.’” The plan, he said, is to find the funds to continue the Games Academy next September at schools that, as he put it, “re-

Jariel Crosses GED Finish Line THE INNER-CITY NEWS - June 11, 2025 - June 17, 2025

by Maya McFadden

The New Haven independent

Francisco Barbosa watched his son Jariel walk across the stage in a cap and gown at Adult Ed’s commencement and thought back to his own time attending Adult Ed before enlisting in the military. “It’s a dream come true to see him graduate and not give up,” the father said with pride about his son. Jariel Barbosa was one of 135 New Haven Adult & Continuing Education Center graduates to cross the stage at Southern Connecticut State University’s John Lyman Center Thursday and receive their high school diplomas, even though the traditional high school setting did not work for them. The students described overcoming obstacles like struggling with a lack of academic rigor, having children, and following the wrong crowd in the streets. With the help of Adult Ed, they made it through and got their diplomas. Barbosa, 18, completed Adult Ed’s GED program. He said that his journey wasn’t easy, and that he all too often found himself bored at his high school in West Haven, even though he did well academically. The lack of challenges in the classroom also caused him to miss school often. His parents pushed him to finish high school no matter how it looked. “They saw my potential even when I doubted myself,” he said. His father Francisco hoped in the beginning Jariel would “stick it out” in high school but after a family conversation, he realized Adult Ed would be best for his son. While at Adult Ed, Barbosa continued, he learned that “my dreams are worth fighting for,” and several other lessons beyond textbooks. Barbosa’s main struggle was the limits traditional high school set on his learning pace. “I wanted to move at my own pace, which was faster than what they wanted,” he recalled. At Adult Ed, Barbosa said, he was able to move as quickly as he wanted. He no longer had to sit in class and wait for his peers to finish working. He completed his final four high school credits in two months. His parents Francisco and Tere Barbosa said Thursday they are proud of Jariel, who is one of six children they have. Adult Ed Principal Michelle Bonora reminded Thursday’s graduates just how resilient and hard working they are to have gotten to the graduation finish line. She described the graduates as “living proof that dreams do not have deadlines.” She also informed the audience that

... at Adult Education's Class of 2025 commencement, where 135 people graduated.

MAYA MCFADDEN Photos GED student Jariel Barbosa celebrates receiving high school diploma with

his parents Thursday ...

Principal Michelle Bonora thanks students, staff, and families for their dedication.

High school credit program graduate Alquita Carr.

the center is on schedule to move into its new Newhallville site sometime during the summer of 2026. During Thursday’s ceremony, the school debuted a student-made commercial for the school showcasing its many programs including culinary arts, music, and manufacturing. Adult Ed has students from 83 different countries who speak 23 different languages, Bonora said. On Thursday she celebrated each of them for believing that “it’s never too late and that there are no excuses.” Thursday’s speaker lineup included Mayor Justin Elicker, who congratulated the students for persevering through several challenges and setbacks. “You are inspiring,” he told the class of 2025. Supt. Madeline Negrón thanked Adult Ed’s faculty for supporting the students beyond academics. “I hope that you realize what you are helping our city to accomplish,” she told the faculty. “Without you, your commitment and dedication, this wouldn’t happen.” The event’s keynote speaker was retired former New Haven Probate Court Judge Clifton E. Graves Jr. He told the graduates a fable of an eagle that was raised as a chicken, leaving the students with the lesson that “you all are the eagle, even if you live among chickens,” and to “find the eagle inside of you to be the best you can be, do the best you can do.” High school credit program graduate Alquita Carr was one of three student speakers who shared remarks about their learning journeys. Through trials and tribulations, Carr said she pushed through the “self-battles” and obstacles. What got her through was her love for Adult Ed’s culinary program, which helped her get five ServSafe certifications and work in the center’s student kitchen. This also helped her develop and introduce her “famous lemonade” to her classmates, she said. She thanked her educators for the challenges, guidance, and consistent support. She also thanked her mother for her help taking care of her three children during the hours she attended school. Five graduates also walked the stage Thursday to receive certificates for completing the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program while simultaneously getting a high school degree. (A total of 13 Adult Ed students received the CNA program certification.) The CNA program requires students to complete 102 hours of coursework and training and then pass the state nurse’s aid exam.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - June 11, 2025 - June 17, 2025

Teachers Push Back On Coming Layoffs by Maya McFadden

The New Haven independent

The public school district should sell empty buildings and freeze executive team salaries and new hires — instead of laying off 129 student-facing staffers. New Haven teachers delivered that message to district leaders Monday night during the first Board of Education meeting to take place after the passage of a state budget that both the mayor and the superintendent have said will make school layoffs “unavoidable” because of a persistent New Haven Public Schools (NHPS) budget deficit. The school board meeting took place at John C. Daniels School in the Hill and online via Zoom. It was held less than a week after the state legislature approved a final new biennium budget, and as NHPS plans to lay off teachers, paraeducators, librarians, and math and reading coaches, among others, to close an expected $16.5 million deficit by the start of the next fiscal year, on July 1. Before a dozen educators spoke up at Monday’s meeting, Supt. Madeline Negrón thanked the public and school staffers for their advocacy over the months, urging the governor to increase state investments in public education. “I am extremely disappointed in our governor’s small increase to the education budget. We know that this will lead to very tough choices as we can only legally spend what we are allocated by the city, by the state, and the federal government,” Negrón said on Monday. (The city expects to receive a roughly $1.65 million increase in funds under the state budget through the Education Cost Sharing (ECS) formula grant, which is the primary mechanism the state uses for funding municipal public education.) Negrón said her team is still developing a complete plan to share with the school board and public as she continues to listen to new ideas for cost-saving measures. “My team and I will continue to work very hard to lessen the impact of these cuts. Nonetheless, it will be unavoidable to eliminate central office, teacher, and support staff positions,” she concluded. “We will seek to decrease the scope of layoffs while prioritizing student-facing jobs.” During public comment Monday, educator after educator reiterated to Negrón and the board that the proposed cuts to arts, the entire library media specialist department, athletics, and support staff would undermine students’ futures. Educators were described as role models and mentors beyond their daily classroom instruction. The layoffs of student-facing staff would impact entire school buildings and not just individual classrooms, speakers argued. Fewer educators would mean less individual intervention and support for

MAYA MCFADDEN Photos

Anti-layoff protesters at Monday's Board of Ed meeting.

students, which could widen achievement gaps and limit student growth in several areas, Co-op teacher Theresa Purdie said. She concluded that “teacher layoffs carry significant economic consequences for the New Haven community. These cuts displace dedicated professionals, destabilize our schools, and make New Haven less attractive to families.” Others urged cost-saving alternatives that could be found through a school board audit of “administrative waste,” by eliminating “bureaucratic costs,” and by overhauling deals with underperforming contractors. Truman School kindergarten teacher Ashley Stockton spoke about the personal spending she does to keep her classroom functioning on a daily basis. “Every day, every year, I do more with less in my classroom,” she said while listing off her purchases of classroom folders, zip lock bags, and command strips. Stockton asked, “Board members, do you regularly buy office supplies to perform your job? Do you add paper towels and Clorox wipes to your grocery list each week knowing you are purchasing them not for your household but in order to bring them to your place of employment?” She added that, despite the lack of support for her classroom’s needs, this year she saw 94 percent of her kindergarteners grow in their foundational reading skills. “I do not continuously cite city leaders as the reason I cannot perform my job and achieve results. Rather I problem solve and navigate within the variables I can control,” she said. “Parents of the students in my class don’t want to hear me say I am unable to achieve results in my classroom because the city and school district didn’t provide me with what I need.” She urged the school district to move on

Co-op teacher Theresa Purdie: "These cuts displace dedicated professionals, destabilize our schools, and make New Haven less attractive to families."

from blaming the governor and better control district expenditures just as teachers have done for years. “Sometimes we all have to do more with less. A change to state funding was never promised and therefore a budget mitigation plan using the least harm to our New Haven students should be ready to go.” New Haven Federation of Teachers Vice President and pre K special education teacher Jennifer Graves read a portion of a petition released by the NHFT

Friday, calling on Negrón to hear from the community first before moving forth with a plan to make cuts to classrooms. That petition also calls on the mayor and board to push back against such student-facing-position cuts. The petition lays out suggested mitigation strategies like cutting the district’s executive team. Graves said cutting five management positions could save 12 student-facing positions. The petition also suggests freezing

spending for travel to conferences for all staff, freezing contracts with vendors supplying professional development (PD) and reassigning district supervisors and coordinators to facilitate PD, capping allocations to lawyers and legal fees, closing and selling 21 Wooster Pl. and authorizing the personnel working there from the Office of Academics to work out of school buildings, revising bus routes, increasing permit fees for rentals of NHPS properties, publishing a complete forensic audit of NHPS, and releasing a complete line-by-line FY25-26 budget with “no hidden line items.” Conte Library Media Specialist (LMS) Ariana Buckley has been teaching in NHPS for 31 years. She said Monday she is not sure if she will have to pack up her office for forever, with five days left in the school year and her future employment uncertain. While she is dual certified, she said many of her LMS colleagues are not and will have no choice but to seek other positions in other districts. She pointed out that New Haven, Hartford, and Bridgeport public school districts, which serve 49 percent of the Black and brown students in the state, are all considering eliminating LMS positions. Meanwhile, she said she was told in a recent staff meeting that school admin are unsure how next year will go because they don’t know how to make the building’s schedules, which she has done for the past seven years as an LMS. She said that cutting arts and athletics educators will limit school schedules, which could result in NHPS struggling to legally uphold a mandated prep period for all educators. Seventh grade long-term substitute teacher Lance Booth said he has been filling in for a science class for the past two years despite having a doctorate in social studies. He plans to get certified to teach this summer but worries about job opportunities in New Haven. “With my PhD I can go teach in college, I can teach in private schools, I can go to districts that will pay me more and put me in classrooms that are better funded, better equipped, more supplies … no mice, and perhaps no mold if we’re lucky,” he said. Nevertheless, he is trying to stay in New Haven. “Help us help them,” he said. Despite public requests for a line-byline breakdown of NHPS’ FY25-26 budget Monday, the school district has not made such a document publicly available. District spokesperson Justin Harmon told the Independent on May 28 that NHPS does not produce a budget with the same level of detail as the city’s budget. A FY25-26 budget plan is not currently posted on the NHPS website, which does have past years’ budget proposals. Late last month, the alders approved the mayor’s proposal to increase the local contribution to the schools budget by $5 million next fiscal year. Negrón has said that still leaves the district with a $16.5 million deficit.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - June 11, 2025 - June 17, 2025

Students Sing Nostalgia Before Teacher Retires by Maya McFadden

The New Haven independent

Nostalgia found its way into one of Harriett Alfred’s final music classes at Cooperative Arts & Humanities High School as students sang about fond childhood memories — as well as about the time they’ve spent learning from a cherished, soon-to-retire educator. Students and teacher alike embraced that nostalgia last Wednesday during in Alfred’s music choir course. The class took place just days before Alfred plans to retire, after teaching in New Haven for the past 38 years, in advance of the sunsetting of a teachers union contract healthcare benefit for veteran educators like herself The class of about 25 juniors and seniors picked nostalgia as the theme for their end-of-year group project. They spent the last month of school selecting their songs and creating their own harmonies to perform for Alfred Wednesday. The group first took a few minutes to present their research on the songs they selected. They spoke about the mix of genres, the artists’ musical journeys, and each song’s success over the years. The musical mashup assignment tasked each group of students to pick songs they listened to on the radio or in movies while growing up. While the students had completed their final concert performance of the year in April, Alfred had assigned them to work on this final project during May to keep the music rolling until the end of the school year. For this final project, Alfred aimed for her students to learn how to fill in when a team member is out, work collaboratively, make group decisions, and understand what it takes to develop a full group performance. Engagement is one of Alfred’s biggest lessons for her students. Throughout the year, she tasks students with keeping her attention by playing a game similar to the singing game show, “The Voice.” However, rather than turning around to show the students their performance is engaging, she turns away from them any time their performance begins to lose her interest. On Wednesday, using plastic cups as instruments, the first group of students kicked off their performance by singing “Somebody That I Used to Know” by Gotye, which they described as “timeless” and “modern 21st century classic.” They followed up by singing “Dancing In The Dark” by Rihanna, which the students discovered through the animated 2015 children’s movie Home. For the students, the song brought back “raw” and “heartfelt” emotions from elementary school. The group then concluded with “Ain’t It Fun” by Paramore. The students worked through their per-

formances without missing a beat, even when one dropped a cup or accidentally broke a bracelet. Alfred — who recorded each presentation — applauded the group, and described the performance as high energy and engaging. The second group began their presentation by defining nostalgia as “sentimental longing.” To encapsulate their nostalgic feelings, the group sang “Like I’m Gonna Lose You” by Meghan Trainor and John Legend. In their presentation a student said that the members of the group were around 9 or 10 years old when the song came out. Another student said it left them with a warm feeling and now makes them reflect on their childhood when they hear it. Their next song came out when the members were around 11 and 12 years old. They said the song “Never Enough” by Loren Allred was introduced to each of them in middle school by the movie The Greatest Showman. Before the group began performing, Alfred reminded them to “speak louder, we got competition next door,” as her second-floor classroom rumbled with the soft sounds of jazz coming from a nearby classroom. The group used their phones as flashlight props to shine like twinkling stars while singing the words, “All the shine of a thousand spotlights/ All the stars we steal from the night sky/ Will never be enough.” Holding back tears, Alfred told her students, “I was very pleased with what I saw today. You guys make me so proud.” After the performances, the students reflected on their school year and experiences with Alfred. They laughed about their nervousness when they first entered the class and did their first roll call — that is, their first performance in front of Alfred to show their singing range. When Alfred asked the class what they got from the group mashup project, the students said they got the chance to become closer with their peers, harmonize with new people, step out of their comfort zones, and feel inspired by others’ ideas and strengths. One student said the project allowed them “a chance to be something more than what you normally are,” meaning if they spent most of the year singing soprano they were able to branch out for the project and sing as an alto or another range. A student named Hazel added that the final project and year in Alfred’s class “showed us how much music brings us together.” She recalled coming to class some days feeling sad but being uplifted by her classmates and music when in Alfred’s class. Another senior, Michael, added that the project prompted the students to be

more independent by requiring them rather than Alfred to make all the harmonizing and performance decisions. “This just fills me when I come here and see you all apply everything you learned in here,” Alfred said in response. Laila, another senior, concluded that the end-of-year project was a fun and positive way to finish out the school year rather than a test or the busywork that typically come with other courses. Students told Alfred that they are grateful for her constant lessons of “When I do something, I got to do it whole heartedly.” Alfred thanked the class for bringing energy to her class and putting their all into each performance. “I hope that the skills that you learned, that you take beyond Co-op,” she said. She went on to share that she is grateful to have worked with them after several of her hardest years of teaching during the Covid pandemic. “That didn’t feed me at all,” she said. Nevertheless, “I count myself blessed and honored to be able to work with you guys.” After Wednesday’s bell dismissed the class, Co-op senior Mikaela Morant did her usual sweeping of Alfred’s classroom floors. She did it because “she’s the kind of teacher that cares about students in every way.” This has taught her to show genuine care for those who care about her, Morant said. “We get a lot of teachers that don’t really care for us anymore,” she said.

Michael: The final project taught students independence.

MAYA MCFADDEN Photo

Singing fondly about the past, in Harriett Alfred's class.

One key lesson she’s taken away from Alfred’s teaching is to “always speak your mind.” Alfred added, always speak your mind “with respect.” She repeated after Alfred, who tells her students, “We can’t fix nothing if nobody can hear you.” When asked why as an educator she prioritized building personal relationships with her students, Alfred said, “Because they’re human beings.” She said that singing is emotional and can’t be forced if someone is struggling as a human. “You have to see that the job included addressing their humanistic needs too, so they actually care about what they’re learning. When you learn about them, you get more back.” She added that the arts are what human beings use to cope and connect. Removing it from the school, she said, would be a “travesty.” From pulling students out of their shells to growing their confidence and expanding their musical skills, Alfred concluded Wednesday, “I’ve done my job.” Alfred's daily reminder to students.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - June 11, 2025 - June 17, 2025

Questions about your bill? Yale New Haven Hospital is pleased to offer patients and their families financial counseling regarding their hospital bills or the availability of financial assistance, including free care funds. By appointment, patients can speak one-on-one with a financial counselor during regular business hours. For your convenience, extended hours are available in-person at Yale New Haven Hospital once a month. Date: Monday, June 16, 2025 Time: 5 - 7 pm Location: Children’s Hospital, 1 Park St., 1st Floor, Admitting Parking available (handicapped accessible) An appointment is necessary. Please call 855-547-4584. Spanish-speaking counselors available.

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS - June 11, 2025 - June 17, 2025

Striking Teachers, Once Jailed, Reunite by Allan Appel

la Monk-Kelley and Nancy Charest, who helms the New Haven Federation of Teachers 933 (Retired), Saturday’s gathering on the windswept steps of the courthouse was full of warm encounters and double-takes of “Is that you?” — good reunion feelings and good vibes. The 1975 strike caused “good trouble,” said Monk-Kelley, who started her career in 1977. “They set a path for teachers to come for better wages, classes, and conditions.” Cheering on the photo shoot was current NHFT President (and recent civil-disobedience arrestee) Leslie Blatteau, who recognized among the smiling retired strikers Peter Herndon,. He was her mentor when she began as a young social studies teacher at CT Scholars, a kind of mini, more family-style high school to help ninth and tenth graders transition to Wilbur Cross High School.

The New Haven independent

Wearing sweatshirts bearing the number of New Haven teachers who were sent to jail in a historic two-week strike back in 1975 — 90 of them! — 25 members of that proud class of incarcerated instructors gathered for a reunion Saturday morning. They met for a photo shoot and to plan further commemorative events on the steps of the New Haven County Courthouse at 235 Church St. That was the exact location where, a half century before, Judge George A. Saden of the Superior Court “would not have any of it it,” recalled then teachers union president Frank Carrano. What the judge wouldn’t have any of was that the New Haven Federation of Teachers, who were by law not permitted to go out on strike, should do just that. In short order the judge sent 12 members of the union’s negotiating team, including Carrano, to jail for violating a back-to-work order. When 78 other teachers came out in support of their leaders, they too were jailed. Thus the “Ninety” on long-time science teacher Shirley Neighbors’s sweatshirt.

“Leslie had such a heart for the kids,” he responded when prodded by a reporter for a memory. He recalled one day when they had been trying all kinds of approaches — breaking kids into groups, other techniques to reach the kids that day, without much luck. “After class,” he recalled, “we were both crying!”

“It was worth it,” she recalled. “We struck for better supplies and materials for the students, and salaries and benefits.” There had been at least two strikes in the immediately preceding years, recalled Richard Romao, who taught math at Wilbur Cross, and Ron Comen, who taught middle school and was, at the time, executive vice president of the union. In those cases, however, leaders were jailed for a few hours or a day and there was no mass arrest. That in part is what made the 1975 strike significant in Connecticut labor history and resulted, eventually, not only in contract improvements but labor law changes statewide around binding arbitration and, said Carrano, putting management and union on a more equal footing in negotiation. As it went on in November 1975, and all those teachers were in jail in three different facilities across the state, parental and popular support grew, culminating in a general strike being threatened by 146 unions in the Greater New Haven Labor Council. Neighbors, who was among the incarcerated sent to a National Guard barracks in Windsor Locks, said teachers knew then what they were facing when they struck. However, “the surprise for me came when the sheriff came to my door to serve a summons; then it was real.” Organized by current New Haven Board of Education staffer Dr. Pame-

“We have a lot to learn from our predecessors,” said Blatteau, whose union is facing potential cuts of teachers and other staff due to remaining large funding gaps in the Board of Education budget. “Like taking risks when needed, and how to be well organized.” The fight was very much still in the minds of the strikers of 1975. “They underfund municipal education then and now,” said Nancy Charest, who taught for 35 years. “And Yale doesn’t pay its fair share.”

Cheers to the striking Class of 1975!

“We can’t get enough teachers to fill positions we have,” said Richard Romao. “Tell me where laying off [teachers] makes any sense.” More talk, more memories, and maybe more organizing will unfold at a range of events planned for this fall featuring retired teachers, parents, and students from the 1975 experience. “It’s important to recognize the longterm effects of the strike on public education in New Haven,” said the press release that Monk-Kelley sent out in advance of Saturday’s photoshoot. “It’s important to note that there has not been another teachers strike in New Haven in the past 50 years.” For more information about coming events, the contact is pamela.monk.kelley@gmail.com.

Contributed photo

Peter Herndon and Leslie Blatteau.

Blatteau, Carrano, and Dr. Pamela Monk-Kelley.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - June 11, 2025 - June 17, 2025

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THEINNER-CITY INNER-CITYNEWS NEWS -- November November20 13,2024 2024 -- November November26, 19,2024 2024 THE THE INNER-CITY NEWS - June 11 2025 June 17,2016 2025 INNER-CITY NEWS July 27, 2016 THEINNER-CITY INNER-CITY NEWS February 05 2025 February 11, --August 02, INNER-CITY NEWS July 27, 2016 THE NEWS - -November 13 ,, ,2024 -- - November 19,2025 2024 August 02, 2016

Garrity Asphalt Reclaiming, Inc seeks: VERSIÓN REVISADA

NOTICE Construction DE Equipment Mechanic preferably experienced in Reclaiming NOTICE AVISO AUDIENCIA PÚBLICA PARAand NOTICE Road Milling Equipment. We offer factory training on equipment we operate. LA AUTORIDAD DECTVIVIENDA DE NEW HAVEN Location: Bloomfield We offer excellent hourly rate &(ECC/HANH) excellent benefits

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Email: tom.dunay@garrityasphalt.com behalf ofVII Columbus House the New Housing Authority, La HOME SecciónINC, II y on la Sección del Acuerdo de and Trabajo de laHaven Autoridad {el "Acuerdo") HOME on House and Authority, INC, onbehalf behalf ofColumbus Columbus House and the NewHaven Housing Authority, Women &laof Minority Applicants arethe encouraged toHousing apply is HOME accepting pre-applications for studio and one-bedroom apartments at this develexige que INC, antes de que Agencia pueda presentar suNew Plan yHaven Informe Anual de Trais accepting pre-applications for and one-bedroom apartments atat this development located at 108 FrankAction/ Street, New Haven. Maximum income limitations apis accepting forstudio studio and one-bedroom apartments this develbajo Aprobado al pre-applications Departamento de Vivienda yOpportunity Desarrollo Urbano de los EE. UU. (el Affi rmative Equal Employer opment located atat108 Frank Street, New Maximum income ap"HUD"), debe realizar una audiencia pública, considerar los beginning comentarios del público ply. Pre-applications will be available from 9AM TO 5PM Monday Ju;y opment located 108 Frank Street, NewHaven. Haven. Maximum incomelimitations limitations apply. Pre-applications will from 9AM 5PM beginning Monday Ju;y sobre las enmiendas propuestas, obtener aprobación de la(approximately Junta de Comisionados y 25,ply. 2016 and ending when sufficient pre-applications 100) have Pre-applications willbebeavailable availablela from 9AMTO TO 5PM beginning Monday Ju;y 25, and when (approximately have presentar las enmiendas HUD. been received atending thealoffices ofsufficient HOMEpre-applications INC. Applications will be mailied100) upon re25,2016 2016 andending whensufficient pre-applications (approximately 100) have been atHOME HOME INC. Applications will bebe upon reEl período decalling comentarios de (30) días comienza el viernes 1mailied de noviembre de quest byreceived INCtreinta atofof 203-562-4663 during hours. Completed preReclaimer Operators and Milling Operators with those current and clean beenreceived atthetheoffices offices HOME INC. Applications willlicensing mailied upon re2024 y finaliza el sábado 30 de noviembre de 2024. Se pondrán a disposición copias quest by calling HOME INC at 203-562-4663 during those hours. Completed preapplications must be returned to HOME INC’s offices at 171 Orange Street, Third driving record, be willing to travel throughout the Northeast & NY. prequest by calling HOME INC at 203-562-4663 during those hours. Completed delapplications Informe Moving toCT Work (MTW) del año fiscaloffices 2024 at en 171 el sitio web Street, de la agencia must totoHOME Orange Floor, New Haven, 06510. We offer excellent hourly rate &offices excellent benefi ts Street,Third applications mustbe bereturned returned HOMEINC’s INC’s at 171 Orange Third www.elmcitycommunities.org o a través de Twitter, www.twitter.com/ECCommunities Floor, New Haven, CT 06510. Floor, New Haven, CT 06510. o a través de Facebook www.facebook.com/ElmCityCommunities. Contact: Rick Tousignant Phone: 860- 243-2300 Se le invita a enviar comentarios por escrito dirigidos a: ECC/HANH, Moving to Work FY2024 Annual Report, Attn:rick.tousignant@garrityasphalt.com Evelise Ribeiro, 360 Orange Street, New Haven, CT Email: MACRI DE ALQUILERarePRE-SOLICITUDES DISPONIBLES 06511VALENTINA o por correo electrónico a: eribeiro@elmcitycommunities.org. Women &VIVIENDAS Minority Applicants encouraged to apply De conformidad con las Secciones IIDE y Equal VII mencionadas, seEmployer ha programado una audiVALENTINA MACRI VIVIENDAS ALQUILER PRE-SOLICITUDES DISPONIBLES Affi rmative Action/ Opportunity VALENTINA MACRI VIVIENDAS DEHouse ALQUILER DISPONIBLES HOME INC,enenlanombre la Columbus y de New Haven Housing Authority, está encia pública que se de aceptarán y registrarán loslaPRE-SOLICITUDES comentarios públicos para el lunes aceptando pre-solicitudes para estudios y apartamentos de un dormitorio en este desarrollo 25 HOME de noviembre de 2024 a las 3:00 p. m. a través de RingCentral: https://v.ringcentral. INC, en nombre de la Columbus House y de la New Haven Housing Authority, está HOMEenINC, en nombre de la Columbus House y de Se la New Haven Housing Authority, está com/join/185686287?pw=d7db4e4f735df6289ed5adfb24f3f113 ubicado la calle 109 Frank Street, yNew Haven. limitaciones ingresos aceptando pre-solicitudes para estudios apartamentos deaplican un dormitorio en estededesarrollo aceptando pre-solicitudes para estudios y apartamentos de unp.m. dormitorio en esteMartes desarrollo máximos. Las pre-solicitudes estarán disponibles 09 a.m.-5 comenzando 25 ubicadoTrailer en la calle 109forFrank Street, New Haven. Se aplican limitaciones ingresos & Highway Equipment. Mustde have a100) CDL IDTractor de la reunión: ubicado en laDriver calle185686287 109 Frank Street, New Construction Haven. Se aplican limitaciones de ingresos julio, 2016 hasta cuando seHeavy han recibido suficientes pre-solicitudes (aproximadamente máximos.clean Las driving pre-solicitudes estarán disponibles 09heavy a.m.-5equipment; p.m. comenzando Martes 25 License, record, ofdisponibles operating willing to travel Contraseña: enmáximos. las oficinas depre-solicitudes HOME INC.capable Las pre-solicitudes serán enviadas porbe correo aMartes petición Lasyaw6Zk28PK estarán 09 a.m.-5 p.m. comenzando 25 julio, 2016 hasta cuando se han&recibido suficientes pre-solicitudes (aproximadamente 100) throughout the Northeast NY. We offer excellent hourly rate & excellent benefi ts llamando a HOME INC al 203-562-4663 durante esas horas.Pre-solicitudes deberán remitirse 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 O marque: a las de HOME INCINC. en 171 Street, tercer New Haven , CT 06510 . en oficinas las oficinas HOME LasOrange pre-solicitudes seránpiso, enviadas pordeberán correo a petición llamando a HOMEdeINC al 203-562-4663 durante esas horas.Pre-solicitudes remitirse +12679304000 Estados Unidos (Filadelfia, PA) llamando a HOME INC al 203-562-4663 durante esas horas.Pre-solicitudes remitirse Email: a las oficinas de HOME INC endana.briere@garrityasphalt.com 171reunión: Orange Street, tercer piso, New Havendeberán , CT 06510 . Código de acceso/ID de la 185686287 a las oficinas de HOME INC en 171 Orange Street, tercer piso, New Haven , CT 06510 . Women & Minority Applicants are encouraged to apply Contraseña de acceso telefónico: 9296952875

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LEGAL ADVERTISEMENT CHIEF NOTICE OF STOCKPERSON PUBLIC HEARING ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS FOR THE ELM CITYCOMMUNITIES, HOUSING AUTHORITY OF NEW HAVEN (ECC/HANH) REVISED VERSION

The Town of Wallingford Electric Division is seeking a highly motivated individual to MOVING TO WORK (MTW) FY2024 ANNUAL REPORT supervise the Redevelopment Division’s perpetual and real-time material inventories, including various The Milford & Housing Partnership (MRHP) is seeking sealed bids for TOWN OF HAMDEN records and reports pertaining to inventory control, material usage, workCT. orders. the following Fire Alarm Upgrades at Catherine McKeen Village in and Milford Bids Section II and Section VII of the Authority's Moving to Work Agreement {the "AgreeCONNECTICUT Applicants shoulduntil possess a H.S.REQUEST equivalent, and 3 yearsRedevelopment of experience in will be received December 5,diploma 2024FOR ator2:00 pm at the Milford & PROPOSALS ment") requires that before the Agency can file its Approved Annual Moving to Work storekeeping, materials management, and/or inventory control. 1 year of supervisory Housing Partnership offi ces located at 75 DeMaio Drive, Milford, CT 06460. All bids Report and Report to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (the #25-21 PROGRAM &aloud. CONSTRUCTION MANAGER FOR NEWHALL FOUNDATIONS PROJECT experience is preferred. Must possess and maintain a valid Connecticut Driver’s LiwillRFP be opened and read pre-bid walk thru will be held on November 18, 2024 "HUD") that it must conduct aA public hearing, consider comments from the public on cense. Wages: $41.63 to $43.92 hourly. The Town offers an excellent fringe benefits at 2:00 pm at 95 Jepson Drive, Milford, CT, Catherine McKeen Village – Community The Town of Hamden is launching a critical infrastructure initiative to address foundation issues affecting the proposed amendments, obtain approval from the Board of Commissioners, and subpackage that includes pension plan,issues paid sick& and vacation time, individual and family homes in the Newhall neighborhood. These stem from historic soil contamination remediation efforts Room. Contract documents including plans specifi cations can be viewed on-line and mit the amendments to HUD. and underlying soil conditions that continue to impact properties. This 11, project represents a compenmedical insurance, life insurance, 13beginning paidresidential holidays, and voluntary deferred purchased from Digiprint’s website on November 2024. Visit www.diThe thirty commitment (30) daysbycomment begins on Friday, November 1, 2024 to Saturday, significant the Town toperiod ensure the long-term stability and safety of affected homes. sation plan.30, To 2024 applyand online by Security the December closing date, please visit: www. giprintplanroom.com. 5%copies Bid (Over6,$25K ONLY) and 100% Performance/ November ofCommunities the Moving to2024 Work (MTW) FY2024 Report, will Elm City esta actualmente The Town is seeking proposals from qualified, responsible vendors to serve as Program and Construction wallingfordct.gov/government/departments/human-resources/. Applications are also Payment Bonds (Over $100K ONLY) are required. Bidders will note requirements beManager made available on the agency website www.elmcitycommunities.org or via Twitter, (PCM) for the Newhall Foundations Project. The selected PCM will be responsible for implementing a aceptando aplicaciones para la lista de available at the Department of Human located in Room #301 of the Town ofcomprehensive minimum wage rates, nondiscrimination/equal opportunity rules (Executive Order www.twitter.com/ECCommunities or viaResources Facebook www.facebook.com/ElmCityComrepair program addressing foundation issues and the resultant structural damage, and water espera de Crawford Manor Hall, 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492. Phone: (203) 294-2080; Fax: (203) 11246) and related provisions in the General Conditions. No bid shall be withdrawn intrusion problems at affected properties in partnership with the Town and property owners. The anticipated for munities. 294-2084. EOE period(60) of performance is August 2025 through December 2027.are noted in the Contract Documents. sixty days. Complete bidding requirements Crawford Manor, ubicado en un vecindario bienmust establecido, estáthe following This project is federally bidders with Thisare RFPinvited and Addenda may beassisted. downloaded at https://portal.ct.gov/DAS/CTSource/BidBoard. You to provide writtenTherefore, comments addressed to:comply ECC/HANH, Moving to aceptando Housing solicitudes para suDevelopment lista de espera. Esta oportunidad de requirements: and Urban Act of 1968; Equal Opportunity proviWork FY2024 Annual of Report, Attn: toEvelise Ribeiro, 360 Orange Street, New Haven, It is the sole responsibility the responder see that the proposal is in the hands of the proper vivienda es exclusivamente para personas mayores y con discapacidades. sions of Executive Order Non-Discrimination provision of Title VI of the Civil authority prior to the opening. CT 06511 or via email to: 11246; eribeiro@elmcitycommunities.org. La comunidad ofrece apartamentos tipo estudio y de una habitación Rights Act of 1964; questions Labor Standards provisions of the Davis-Bacon Act and related acts The last day to submit purchasing@hamden.com is Tuesday, June 3, 2025, y at 12:00 con diseños espaciosos,to que incluyen dormitorios más grandes and Contract Work HoursIIStandards Act; prevailing wage determinations as issued by P.M. Pursuant to said Sections and VII), a public hearing where public comments willfor be The Town ofprivados. Wallingford Division is seeking skilled applicants balcones LosElectric residentes disfrutan de un highly acceso conveniente a theSealed United States Department of copies Labor; and all applicable provisions under Title I of the accepted and recorded is scheduled for Monday, November 25, 2024 at 3:00pm via proposals (1 original, 3 hard and a Flash Drive) will be received at the Finance Office, First Class Lineman. Applicantsmédica, must be atransporte H.S, trade school, or yvocational high school instalaciones de atención público entretenimiento Housing and Community Development ActHamden, of 1974. Hamden Government Center, 2750 Dixwell Avenue, CT 06518, to be held in the Purchasing lock RingCentral: https://v.ringcentral.com/join/185686287?pw=d7db4e4f735df6289ed5ad graduate with 4 Tuesday, years’ experience in electric construction/maintenance work en el centro de la ciudad, además deline servicios de mantenimiento de with box, on or before June 17, 2025, at 11:00 A.M. at which time they will be publicly MRHP is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and Housing Provider.opened. fb24f3f113 experience working with energized 13,800-volt equipment. Must possess and maintain emergencia las 24 horas. The individual Town of Hamden the rightwho to accept or special reject anyassistance or all options,tobids, or proposals; to waive Any withreserves a disability needs participate should cona valid Commercial License (CDL) operate equipment. $51.88 any technicality in a bid Driver’s or part thereof submitted, and totoaccept the bid deemed to beWages: in the best interestto tact Cheryl Giers at cgiers@mrhp.org at least fi ve (5) days before the bid opening. Meeting ID: 185686287 $57.67 hourly. The Town offers an excellent fringe benefits package that includes penof the Town of Hamden. Password: yaw6Zk28PK REQUIREMENTS: sion plan, paid sick and vacation time, individual and family medical insurance, life inLos ingresos no deben superar el 80 % del ingreso Anthony J. Vasiliou, Executive Director Philip W.13 Goodwin surance, paid holidays, and voluntary deferred compensation plan. To apply online medio del área (AMI).& Consulte laPartnership tabla a Or dial:Redevelopment Milford Housing Purchasing Agent bycontinuación the December 6, 2024 closing date, please visit: paraUnited conocerStates los límites(Philadelphia, máximos de www.wallingfordct.gov/governingresos +12679304000 PA)familiares por 75 DeMaio Drive ment/departments/human-resources/. are also available Department tamaño de familia. La inclusión enApplications la lista de espera se basará enatlathe fecha Access Code / Meeting ID: 185686287 Milford, CT 06460 hora enResources que se reciba la solicitud. solicitudes se sellarán la fecha ofyHuman located in Room Las #301 of the Town Hall, 45con South Main Street, Dial-in password: 9296952875 203-877-3223 y hora a medida que se reciban. ¡Use el código QRL para294-2084. presentarEOE su Wallingford, CT 06492. Phone: (203) 294-2080; Fax: (203)

Lineman – Electric Utility

Seeking to employ experienced individuals in the labor, foreman, operator and teamster trades for a heavy solicitud! outside work statewide. Reliable perInternational numbers available: https://v.ringcentral.com/teleconference Invitation to Bid: sonal transportation and a valid driv# Personas Entry-level positionNEEDED. performing a variety of maintenance, repair and construcPLUMBING WORKERS Have you ever wanted to become a plumber or work in the 1 2 enael hogar ers license required. To apply please2nd Notice Any individual requiring to participate thejourneymen hearing tion tasks. Must have a Reasonable valid State ofis CT driver’s license and ainclean driving plumbing field? LBR Mechanical CorpAccommodation seeking plumbing mechanics, Invitation to Bid: $74,350 may callathe Reasonable Accommodation Manager (203) experience 498-8800, ext. 1506inorplumbat the call (860) 621-1720 or send resume record, CDL Class B Máximo is preferred. Requires years’ in construction, and helpers for a construction project$65,050 located in 3Bridgeport, CT. Experience Invitation to Bid: nd TDD Number (203) 497-8434. Please send resume to: Personnel Department, P.O.to Box2 ndNotice ing/heating, construction and roughing a plus. train thethe right candidates. grounds maintenance or in workWill involving operation and Driver’s care of 2 Notice CT or building Solicite en línea en https://ecc.myhousing.com Invitation for Bid 368, Cheshire, CT06410. Old Saybrook, license and proof of citizenship required. Please 914-276-1493 for an application construction equipment. Pay rate: $23.56 tocall $27.94 attielordan@gmail.com o descargue una aplicación en: hourly, plus an excellent (4 Buildings,The Units) Housing Authority the closing City of Bristol (BHA) is seeking sealed bidsdate from to17start your new career. ofhttp://www.elmcitycommunities.org fringe package. The date will be June 25, 2025, or the thea PJF Construction Corporation AA/EOE Old Prevailing Saybrook, CTbenefits Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity qualified contractor for a New Emergency Generator at Bonnie Acres, 59 Vance Dr., Tax Exempt & Not Wage Rate Project 50th application received, whichever occurs first. To apply online, please Saybrook, CTCT. Sealedisbids Employer M/F/V Bristol, will berecibir received or before p.m. 19, (4Old Buildings, 17 Units) Para unaon solicitud por 2:00 correo, porEST, favorThurs, llame Dec. 475-Apvisit: www.wallingfordct.gov/government/departments/human-resources/. Drug Free Workforce (4 Buildings, 17 Units) 2024, and publicly opened, forthwith at BHA’s office at 164 Jerome Ave., Bristol, CT 355-7289 o envíe una solicitud por escrito a Atención: Galasso LLC, a quarry and paving contractor, has positions Exempt & NotHousing, Prevailing Wage Materials Rate Project plications are also available at the Department of Human Resources located in New Construction,TaxWood Framed, Selective Demolition, Site-work, Waitlist Elm City Communities, Box 1912, 06010. Sealed bidProject packages must Coordinator, beCastclearly marked “New Generator PO at Bonnie Acres” Tax Exempt & Not Prevailing Wage Rate open for the upcoming construction season. We are seeking candidates Room #301 of the Town Hall, 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492. New Haven, CT 06509 in-place Concrete, AsphaltAttention: Shingles,Mitzy Vinyl Siding, Rowe, CEO. No electronic bids will be accepted. Phone: (203) 294-2080; Fax: (203) 294-2084. EOE for a variety of positions, including: Scalehouse Dispatcher/ EquipNew Construction, Wood Framed, Housing, Selective Demolition, Site-work, Cast-

Truck Driver with clean

Maintainer I CDL license New Emergency Generator at Bonnie Acres SAYEBROOKE VILLAGE The Housing Authority of the City of Bristol SAYEBROOKE VILLAGE

SAYEBROOKE VILLAGE

Senior Sales RepresentativePortland Wanted

Pet under 40lb allowed. Interested parties contact Maria @ 860-985-8258 Listing: Temporary Help

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 Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity including veterans*** in***An response to the Church’s Ministry needs. The costEmployer, is $125. Classes start disabled Saturday,and August 20, 2016 1:303:30Unified Contact: Chairman, Deacon Joe J. Davis, CT. Deacon’s Association is pleased toM.S., offerB.S. a Deacon’s (203) 996-4517 Host, General Bishop Elijah Davis, D.D. Pastor of Pitts Chapel U.F.W.B. Church 64 Brewster Certificate Program. ThisAssociation is a 10 month programtodesigned to assist in the intellectual formation of Candidates CT. Unified Deacon’s is pleased offer a Deacon’s in toProgram. the needs. The cost is $125. Saturday, formation August 20,of2016 1:30St.response New Haven, CT Church’s Certificate This isMinistry a 10 month program designed to Classes assist in start the intellectual Candidates 3:30 Deacon Joe J. needs. Davis, M.S., B.S. is $125. Classes start Saturday, August 20, 2016 1:30in Contact: responseChairman, to the Church’s Ministry The cost (203) 996-4517 Host, General Bishop Elijah Davis, D.D. Pastor of Pitts Chapel U.F.W.B. Church 64 Brewster

A pre-bid walk Residential through willCasework, be held on Thurs., Dec. 5, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. Please meet Flooring, Painting, Division 10 Specialties, Appliances, Las solicitudes se pueden presentaCastPetroleum/HVAC an Haven, immediate need until September New Construction, WoodConcrete, Framed, Housing, Selective Demolition, Site-work, ment Operators andBristol, Laborers. NO Attendance PHONE CALLS. Please email inShingles, front of 59 Vance Dr., CT 06010. is strongly recommended forreall Continuum company of Care,has New Connecticut – in-place Asphalt Vinyl Siding, Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing and Fire Protection. • En persona en 356 Orange St, New Haven, CT06511 Advertising and the cultivation existing and newof advertising is key toOfficer the growth and Police 2025 for an Office Intern to assist inofthe daily operations the office. clients bidders. The deadline for RFI questions shall be Fri., Dec. 13, 2024, at 2:00 pm. Conin-place Concrete, Asphalt Shingles, Vinyl Siding, sume and cover letter to “Hiring Manager”, Galasso Materials LLC, (a través de un buzón ubicado en la puerta principal); o Flooring, Painting, Division 10 set-aside Specialties, Residential Casework, This contract is subject to state andAppliances, contract compliance requirements. continued success of Joe The Inner-City News. TheManager, paper isP.O. delivered to businesses, schools, 3:30 Contact: Deacon J. Davis, M.S., B.S. tractAppliances, documents including plans &CT specifications can be Haven, viewedCT online • Enviada por correo al PO Box 1912, New 06509and purchased Attention toChairman, detail required. Send resume to: HR Box weekly PO Box 1776, East Granby 06026. Flooring, Painting, Division 10 Specialties, Residential Casework, full-time (203) 996-4517 Host, General Bishop Elijah Davis, D.D. Pastor of Pitts Chapel U.F.W.B. Church 64 Brewster Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing and Fire Protection. St. New Haven, CT from Advanced Reprographics website www.advancedplanroom.com or by calling shopping outlets and wherever newspapers can be found. This is a remote sales position. 388, Guilford, CT. 06437 or HRDept@eastriverenergy.com. Electrical, and necesita Fire Protection. St. New Haven, CTINVITATION TO BID: CONTINUUM OF CARE, NEW HAVEN Bid Extended, DuePlumbing Date: 5,compliance 2016 usted acomodación razonable para completar su aplicación llame al This contract isMechanical, subject to state set-aside andSi August contract requirements. LEGAL NOTICE (860) 410-1020. Galasso Materials is an Affirmative Action/Equal 203-498-8800 ext. 1507 Opportunity Employer. This contract is subject to state set-aside and contract compliance requirements. is **An requesting licensed and insured contractor bids for their property located at 979 QuinA 5% Bid Security and 100% Performance/Payment Bonds are required. Bidders will Anticipated Start: August 15, 2016 will be considered for employment Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer includingand Disabled and Veterans** All applicants attention to race, color, Work closely with the Publisher editor to create a successful sales strategy. Las solicitudes estarán disponibleswithout el 31/01/2025 Sealed bids are invited by the Housing Authority of the Town of Seymour nipiac Avenue, New Haven. Complete first floor kitchen renovation. Scope to include note requirements of minimum wage rates, nondiscrimination/equal opportunity rules Project documentsDue available via ftpsex, link below: religion, orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability Bid Extended, Date: August 5,Wallingford 2016 The Town of is seeking a qualified to perform socialstatus. Las solicitudes debenprovisions presentarse antes del 07/03/2025 until 3:00layout. pm onOwner Tuesday, August atScope its office 28 Smith Street,motivated. new kitchen to Must supply new to alsoatinclude new flooring (Executive Order 11246) and related inprofessional the General Conditions. No bidwork, shall be2,cabinets. a2016 self-starter and highly http://ftp.cbtghosting.com/loginok.html?username=sayebrookevillage Bid Extended, Due Date: August 5, 2016 counseling, case management, and crisis intervention services to youth and adult cliAnticipated Start: August 15, 2016 of Seymour, area. Job also includes complete first floor bathroom renovation. This includes a be withdrawn for sixty (60) days. Complete bidding requirements are noted in the ConSenior Clerk: Performs a wide variety of 06483 for by Concrete Sidewalk Repairsofand at the Sealed bidsCTare invited the Housing Authority theReplacement Town of Seymour ents in the Start: August 2016below: Requires a Master’s Degree in Counseling, Marital and Family responsible clerical duties a municipal complete gut (down to studs) of theLiving bathroom. Environmental testing will be conducted ProjectinAnticipated documents available via 15, ftpcommunity. link tract Documents. Smithfield Gardens Assisted Smith Sealed are invited byAugust the Housing Authority of Street the Town of Seymour Therapy, Social Work, or related field with training in crisis intervention and commu3:00bids pm onincludes Tuesday, 2,Facility, 2016 at26its 28Seymour. Smith Fax or Email Questions & Bids to: Dawn Lang @ 203-881-8372 dawnlang@haynesconstruction.com government office. TheProject position requires 4 byuntil the owner. Scope supplying and installing newoffice step inatshower stall,Street, vanity, This project is federally Therefore, bidders must comply with the following documents available via ftp link below: (2)assisted. http://ftp.cbtghosting.com/loginok.html?username=sayebrookevillage aSeymour, quarry and paving contractor, has positions open for the upcoming connity services, and3 two years’ experience in counseling or social work with youth years of office work experience of a responHCC encourages the participation of all Veteran, S/W/MBE & Section Certified Businesses until 3:00 pm on Tuesday, August 2, 2016 at its office at 28 Smith Street, CT 06483 forfinishes, Concrete Repairs and lighting, Replacement at the toilet, tile flooring and wall tileSidewalk 4ft wainscot is desired, grab bars by requirements: Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968; Equal Opportunity proviPotential local travel. http://ftp.cbtghosting.com/loginok.html?username=sayebrookevillage and adult Bilingual language skills (Spanish/English) are desirable. Must sible nature and aHaynes H.S. diploma. to 32 Progress struction season. Wewill are seeking candidates for aand variety of positions, Construction$24.86 Company, Ave,populations. Seymour, CT 06483 ASeymour, pre-bid conference held atSidewalk the Housing Authority Office 28 Smith toilet and showers, fan be with motion sensor, and baseboard heating. The scope sions of Executive Order 11246; Non-Discrimination provision of Title VI of the Civil CT exhaust 06483 for Concrete Repairs Replacement at the and$29.64 Smithfield Gardens Assisted Living Facility, 26 Smith Street Seymour. Senior Sales Representative Qualifi cations Skills: Invitation for BIDS an excellent fringe benepossess and maintain State of Connecticut licensure as a Clinical Social Worker, MarFaxhourly or Emailplus Questions & Bids to: DawnAA/EEO Lang @EMPLOYER 203-881-8372 dawnlang@haynesconstruction.com Scalehouse Dispatcher/ Equipment Operators Laborers. ofincluding: work toSeymour, include floor for the bathroom. Scope toJuly include replacement exist- communication Street CTdrain atAssisted 10:00 am, on Wednesday, 20, 2016.and Rights Act ofWide 1964; Labor Standards provisions ofPreventative the Davis-Bacon Actlicense. and related acts Agency Plumbing Services & Maintenance fit package. The closing date will be March Communicates well and has 26 strong written and of verbal skills. Smithfield Gardens Living Facility, Smith Street Seymour. ital and Family Therapist, or Professional Counselor, and a driver’s Wages: encourages the&participation of all Veteran, S/W/MBE &dawnlang@haynesconstruction.com Section 3 Certified Businesses FaxHCC or Email Questions Bidsapplication to: Dawn Lang @ 203-881-8372 NO PHONE CALLS. Please mail resume cover letter “Hiring ing windows, entry doors. Owner to select tile style, and colors, and style of to faucets and and Contract Work Hours Standards Act; prevailing wage determinations as issued by 31, 2025 or the date the 50th is Knows effective ways to market products and services and learns about new offerings quickly. $32.08 to &$38.98 Town offers an excellent fringe benefits package that Haynes the Construction Company, 32 Progress Ave, Seymour, CT 06483The A pre-bid will be held at will the be Housing Authority Office 28 Smith encourages participation all Veteran, S/W/MBE SectionDepartment 3hourly. Certified Businesses light fixtures. conference Further detailed information given on the scheduled site visit. GC received, HCC whichever occurs first. To of apply the United States of Labor; and allseeking applicable provisions under Titlemedical I of the Manager”, Galasso Materials LLC, PO Box 1776, East Granby CT Weekly Print Publication 360 Management Group, Co. Is currently bids for Agency Wide Plumbincludes pension plan, paid sick and vacation time, individual and family Bidding documents are available from the Seymour Housing Authority OfWorks well and has advanced time management and organization skills. AA/EEO 32 EMPLOYER Construction Company, Progress Ave, Seymour, CT 06483Development Act of 1974 online, please visit:Haynes www.wallingfordct.gov/ price include dumpster permit feeds. Minority/women’s business enterAshould pre-bid conference willand beam, held the Housing Authority Office 28 Smith Street Seymour, CT at independently 10:00 onatWednesday, July 20, 2016. Housing and 06026. insurance, lifeCommunity 13 paid holidays, andAdeferred compensation The closing Services &insurance, Preventative Maintenance. complete copy of theplan. requirements Potential to manage sales and has good government/departments/human-resources/. leadership skills. fice,are28encouraged Smith Street, Seymour, CT 06483 (203)representatives 888-4579. prises to apply. A bidding site meeting will be held at 979 Quinnipiac AA/EEO EMPLOYER Street Seymour, CT at 10:00 am, on Wednesday, JulyOpportunity 20, 2016. Employing date will be July 2, 360 2025Management or the date the 25th application is received, whichever Galasso Materials is an Affirmative Action/Equal may be obtained from Group’s vendor Collaboration Portal. Applications are also available at the DepartBuilds relationships with customers and coworkers and has strong interpersonal skills. The Housing Authority of the City of Bristol is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. SBE, MBE, Avenue, New Haven on 11/22/2024 at 1pm. All bids are due by 12/6/2024 at 10 am. occurs first. To apply online, please visit: www.wallingfordct.gov/government/department of Human Resources located in Room Bidding documents are available fromofin the Seymour Housing Authority Ofhttps://newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/gateway beginning on er. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention An associate or bachelor’s degree marketing, business, or a related major is a plus but not required. W/DBE, and Section 3 businesses are encouraged to respond. All bids, W9, work scope timeline and copy license and questions should be submitThe Housing Authority reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids, to ments/human-resources/. Applications are also available at the Department of Human of the Town Hall, 45 South Main Street, tofice, race, color, religion, sex, orientation, gender identity, national origin, 28the Smith Street, Seymour, 06483 888-4579. documents are available from the(203) Seymour Housing Of- #301 Atthe least [number] years of sales representative experience is preferred. ted inBidding writing to Monica O’Connor via email moconnor@continuumct.org delivered Wallingford, CT 06492. Phone: (203) 294Resources located in Room #301 of the Town Hall, 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, reduce scope of project toCT reflect available funding, and Authority to or waive any toveteran 109 Legion Avenue, New Haven. Monday, 23, 294-2084. 2024, atEOE 3:00 PM. fice, 28 Street, Seymour, CT 06483 (203) 888-4579. 2080; Fax: (203) 294-2084. EOE orSmith disability status . if should (203) September 294-2080; Fax: (203) Interested apply totheJohn Thomas, eldcomm.com CT 06492. Phone: informalities incandidates the bidding, such actions are in best interest of theJThomas@penfi The Housing Authority reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids, to 19 Housing Authority. 18 22 23 20 reduce the scope of the project to reflect available anyto The Housing Authority reserves the right to acceptfunding, or rejectand anytoorwaive all bids, informalities in theofbidding, if such actions are infunding, the bestand interest of the reduce the scope the project to reflect available to waive any

LEGAL NOTICE INVITATION TO BID SEYMOUR HOUSING AUTHORITY SEYMOUR HOUSING AUTHORITY

SEYMOUR HOUSING AUTHORITY

Sales

CLINICIAN

Call John

e-EDITION-ONLINE

Go to www.portlandct.org for details

SECRETARY

Galasso LLC, to beRepresaentative SalaryMaterials (base pay) + Commission discussed 360 MANAGEMENT GROUP, CO.

Wanted

203 435-1387

TheInner Citynews.com

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - June 11, 2025 - June 17, 2025

241 Quinnipiac Avenue, New Haven

360 MANAGEMENT GROUP, CO.

Spacious 2 bedroom townhouse with hardwood floors. Private entrance. Appliances. 1.5 baths with basement and washer/dryer hookups. On-site laundry facility. Off street parking. Close proximity to restaurants, shopping centers and bus line. No pets. Security deposit varies. $1,850-$1,950 including heat, hot water and cooking gas. Section 8 welcomed. Call Christine 860-231-8080, Ext. 161.

Request for Quotes Wilmot Lighting-122 Wilmot Road, New Haven, CT 360 Management Group, Co. is currently seeking quotes from qualified, lice sensed electrical contractors to perform the replacement of the exterior lighting fixtures at the property located at 122 Wilmot Road. performance. be obtained from 360 Management Group’s Vendor Collaboration Portal https://newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/gateway beginning on

Please bill 241 Quinnipiac Avenue, LLC, c/o White & Katzman, 111 Roberts Street, Suite G1, East Hartford, CT 06108.

Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at 3:00PM. Emergency Medical Technician

Bridgeport Housing Authority dba Park City Communities

is accepting bids for Phase I of Stair Renovations at the P.T. Barnum Apartments. Full bid documents can be found on our website: www.parkcitycommunities.org or requested via email to: procurement@parkcitycommunities.org .

The Town of Wallingford Fire Department is seeking qualified applicants for EMT. Applicants must possess a H.S. diploma or GED, and be a Connecticut or National Registry Certified EMT with CPR Certification. Must possess and maintain a valid State of Connecticut Driver’s license. Wage rate: $832.81 weekly plus an annual EMT bonus of $2,100. The Town offers an excellent fringe benefits package that includes pension plan, paid sick and vacation time, medical insurance, life insurance, 13 paid holidays, and a deferred compensation plan. To apply online, please visit: www.wallingfordct. gov/government/departments/human-resources/. Applications are also available at the Department of Human Resources located in Room #301 of the Town Hall, 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492 by the closing date of June 19, 2025 or immediately once the 25th application has been submitted. This posting will close immediately once the 25th application has been submitted and received by the Human Resources Department. Phone: (203) 294-2080; Fax: (203) 294-2084. EOE

SEYMOUR HOUSING AUTHORITY STATE MODERATE RENTAL PROGRAM MR 19, 19A, 066, and 008 PUBLIC NOTICE

OPENING OF THE 2 AND 3 BEDROOM WAITING LISTS

Effective July 1, 2025 the Seymour Housing Authority will open the 2 and 3 bedroom State Moderate Rental Waiting List for a period of 90 Days and it will be closed again on September 30, 2025 in accordance with its Tenant Selection and Continued Occupancy Policy. Apparently eligible applicants for these lists will be placed on the waiting list as a result of a random lottery of the pool of apparently eligible applicant from the open period. The lottery drawing will be held on Thursday November 6, 2025 at 2:00 P.M. in the Main Lobby of The Seymour Housing Authority, located at 28 Smith Street Seymour, CT 06483. There are existing apparently eligible families on our 2 and 3 bedroom list at the present time, and the pool of applicants from the July, August and September 2023 open application period would be placed at the bottom of the current waiting list.

WATER MAINTAINER II The Town of Wallingford Water Division is seeking qualified applicants to perform a variety of semi-skilled tasks in the operation, maintenance, repair and construction of the Town’s potable water transmission and distribution system. Applicants should possess 3 years of experience as a Maintainer in the Water Division or in construction involving the installation and maintenance of pipelines and related equipment, or 2 years training in plumbing plus 1 year of employment as a Maintainer in the Water System or an equivalent combination of experience and training. Wage rate on 7/1/2025: $28.65 to $34.43 hourly, plus an excellent fringe benefits package that includes pension plan, paid sick and vacation time, medical insurance, life insurance, and 13 paid holidays. To apply online by the closing date of June 24, 2025, please visit: www.wallingfordct.gov/government/departments/ human-resources/. Applications are also available at the Department of Human Resources located in Room #301 of the Town Hall, 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492. Phone: (203) 294-2080; Fax: (203) 294-2084. EOE

Family must first meet the eligibility requirements to qualify for this program. Maximum Income and Base rents averaging $530 or 30% of income, whichever is higher, applies for this program. Applicants must demonstrate an ability to pay the base rent to pay utilities for the unit including oil heating, electricity, and water. Applicants for the 2 bedroom list must demonstrate an ability to occupy all 2 bedrooms based on their household composition. Applicant for the 3 bedroom list must demonstrate and ability to occupy all 3 bedrooms based on their household composition. Please be advised that these programs are not subsidized voucher programs, such as Section 8. This program is for Low to Moderate Income State Public Housing. For more information on Qualifications, please visit our website at www. Seymourhousing.org or contact us at 203-888-4579.

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF DANBURY Modernization Management & Planning Services

RFP No. P25002

Please register here to obtain Bid Package: https://ha.internationaleprocurement.com/requests.html?company_id=49968

Applicants can be picked up from the Seymour Housing Authority at 28 Smith Street, Seymour, CT 06483 or requested at 203-888-4579.

SCOPE:

The Housing Authority of the City of Danbury and its affiliates hereby issue this Request for

Applicants may also apply online at www.seymourhousing.org. At the top of the homepage, go to the “Waiting List” drop-down menu. Then, under Brothers Court, Chamberlin Road, and Seymour Avenue, click on “Online Application.” Please follow the instructions provided to complete your submission.

Proposal from qualified Proposers to provide Modernization Management and Planning Services and act as the agency Modernization Specialist.

PROPOSAL SUBMITTAL RETURN:

Housing Authority of the City of Danbury, 2 Mill Ridge Rd, Danbury, CT 06811 Envelope Must be Marked: RFP No. P25002 Modernization Management

SUBMITTAL DEADLINE

P2 PLUMBING WORKERS NEEDED

June 26, 2025at 10:30am (EST)

LBR Mechanical Corp is seeking P2 plumbing mechanics, jour¬neymen and helpers for a construction project located in Bridgeport, CT. Experience in plumbing/heating, construction and roughing a plus. Will train the right candidates. Driver’s license and proof of cit¬izenship required. Please call 914-276-1493 for an application to start your new career.

CONTACT PERSON FOR RFP DOCUMENT: Ms. Lisa Gilchrist, Purchasing Agent: 203-744-2500 x1421 E-Mail: lgilchrist@hacdct.org [Minority- and/or women-owned businesses are encouraged to respond]

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - June 11, 2025 - June 17, 2025

Sound Communities, Inc Request for Qualifications – Construction Manager Sound Communities Inc. is soliciting qualification packages from construction management companies, general contractors, and other qualified firms to provide preconstruction and construction activities for an affordable housing development in Norwalk, CT. The selected firm will provide full-service construction management for preconstruction, during construction and post construction of the project including but not limited to cost estimating, construction scheduling, materials purchasing, Track Section 3 and WMBE recruitment activities, and enforcement / compliance of prevailing wage requirements. This is a CHFA and CT DOH funded project. Submission Deadline: Proposals are due by Monday, June 23rd, 2025, at 5PM EST. Submission Instructions: Please send your qualifications, including a detailed portfolio, firm profile, and references to: lmarlin@soundcommunitiesct.org. To request full RFQ, please contact Leala Marlin, Development Project Manager at telephone number 203-970-7085 or email at lmarlin@soundcommunitiesct.org, or visit our website Norwalkha.org/vendor-portal. Sound Communities, Inc is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Electric Apprentice Meter Technician / Meterman Helper - Trainee position involved in the installation, maintenance and repair of electrical metering equipment for a municipal electric utility. Requires a H.S./trade school diploma or an equivalent in experience and training. $30.62 to $40.73 hourly plus an excellent fringe benefit package. The closing date for applications is June 4, 2025, or the date we receive the 40th application, whichever occurs first. To apply online please visit: www.wallingfordct.gov/ government/departments/human-resources/. Applications are also available at the Department of Human Resources located in Room #301 of the Town Hall, 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492. Phone: (203) 294-2080; Fax: (203) 294-2084. EOE

P2 PLUMBING WORKERS NEEDED

Electric

Please call 914-276-1493 for an application to start your new career.

Meter Technician A – The Wallingford Electric Division is seeking a highly qualified individual to perform skilled work on alternating current and direct current circuits, metering devices and meter equipment. Requires graduation from a high school / trade/ or technical school with course of study in the electrical field and 4 years experience as a Meter Technician in an electric utility or related experience. Experience and training may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for up to 2 years. Must have a valid State of CT Driver’s License. $42.20 to $44.88 per hour plus an excellent fringe benefit package. To apply online by the closing date of June 24, 2025, please visit: www.wallingfordct.gov/government/departments/human-resources/. Applications are also available at the Department of Human Resources located in Room #301 of the Town Hall, 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492. Phone: (203) 2942080; Fax: (203) 294-2084. EOE

ELECTRICAL / ELECTRONIC TECHNICIAN Performs skilled work in the repair, maintenance and calibration of all electrical and electronic equipment pertaining to the wastewater treatment plant in the Town of Wallingford. Applicants should possess a H.S., technical or trade school diploma, plus 2 years of experience in the repair and maintenance of electrical and electronic equipment; or an equivalent combination of experience and training substituting on a yearfor-year basis. Must possess a valid Connecticut Driver's License. Hourly rate: $32.24 to $36.79. The Town offers an excellent fringe benefits package that includes pension plan, paid sick and vacation time, medical insurance, life insurance, 13 paid holidays, and deferred compensation plan. To apply online by the closing date of April 22, 2025, please visit: www.wallingfordct.gov/government/departments/human-resources/. Applications are also available at the Department of Human Resources located in Room #301 of the Town Hall, 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492. Phone: (203) 294-2080; Fax: (203) 294-2084. EOE

Water Utility Water Treatment and Pumping Supervisor. The Town of Wallingford Water Division is seeking qualified applicants to perform highly technical and supervisory work involving the operation and maintenance of the municipality's water treatment facilities, pump stations, and well facilities. Applicants must have 4 years of progressively responsible experience with 2 years as a supervisor in the operation of a municipal water treatment and pumping system, plus an A.S. degree in engineering or chemistry, or any equivalent combination of education and qualifying experience. Must possess or be able to obtain within the probation period, State of Connecticut Department of Health Services Class IV Water Treatment Plant Operator and Class II Distribution System Operator Certifications. Must possess and maintain a CT driver’s license. Salary: $79,529 to $100,878 annually plus on-call pay when assigned. The Town offers an excellent fringe benefits package that includes pension plan, generous paid sick and vacation time, medical/dental insurance, life insurance, 13 paid holidays, and a deferred compensation plan. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. To apply, please visit: www.wallingfordct.gov/government/departments/human-resources/. Applications are also available at the Department of Human Resources located in Room #301 of the Town Hall, 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492. Phone: (203) 294-2080; Fax: (203) 294-2084. EOE

ELM CITY COMMUNITIES Invitation for Bids Comprehensive Pest Control Services for Rodents and Insects Elm City Communities is currently seeking bids for Services of a firm to provide Pest Control Services for Rodents and Insects. A complete copy of the requirement may be obtained from Elm City Communities’ Vendor Collaboration Portal https://newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/gateway beginning on

Monday, March 31, 2025, at 3:00PM. 20

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS - June 11, 2025 - June 17, 2025

3-Day HBCU Conference and Career Fair Coming to the Washington DC Area, June 26-28 The nation’s leading platform for HBCU students, graduates, and professionals, is excited to host its HBCU Connect Annual Conference & Career Fair, taking place June 26–28, 2025, at the beautiful Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in the Washington, DC area at the Gaylord Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland. Designed to empower diverse professionals and connect them with leading employers, this three-day event offers unique opportunities for networking, professional development, and on-thespot interviews. With a powerful mix of career fair access, executive networking, and cultural experiences, this event brings together talent and opportunity in a meaningful way. Whether you’re an experienced professional exploring new opportunities, a recent graduate launching your career, or a company seeking to engage and hire top

talent — there’s still time to get involved! “This event is about connection, community, and creating real pathways to leadership and success,” says Will Moss, Founder & CEO. “We invite diverse professionals, hiring companies, and sponsors to join us in supporting the future of inclusive excellence.” Last year’s event was a huge success with more than 2,500 people in attendance. Event Highlights: • VIP Networking Reception – Thursday, June 26th An elegant, invite-only experience for sponsors, executives, and experienced professionals to connect before the main event. • Career Fair & Expo – Friday, June 27th Engage with recruiters from major employers across industries including tech, finance, healthcare, government, and

more — many conducting interviews and extending offers on the spot. Saturday Rooftop Social – June 28th A lively send-off featuring music, cocktails, and networking with new friends and future collaborators. Register Today While Space Lasts • Professionals & Job Seekers: Registration is open! Take advantage of career opportunities, networking, and growth. Register today at https://hbcuconnect. com/event About HBCU Connect is the largest network connecting students, alumni, and supporters of Historically Black Colleges and Universities to career opportunities, scholarships, internships, and community events. Serving over 1.5 million members, the platform has been a trusted resource for professional and educational advancement since 1999.

Film Fest Spotlights Assisted Suicide, Welcomes Protest by Jisu Sheen

Before her death, one that would be immortalized in a new documentary by filmmaker Sandra Luckow, writer Cai Emmons introduced Luckow to the Country Fair in Eugene, Oregon, an Eden of tie-dye and hippie vibes. When it came time to edit the footage of a psilocybin trip Emmons took during her last few months alive, Luckow thought back to the Country Fair for inspiration. In a rare exploration of animation for the seasoned documentarian, swirling splashes of purple, pink, and green spilled beyond that scene and onto the edges of the documentary’s official poster. When I met Luckow at a screening of her documentary Vanishing Friday evening at Dwight soccer pub The Cannon — part of the debut weekend for New Haven’s new Lighthouse Film Festival — her shirt looked just as trippy as the poster. Turns out, she’d bought it to match. In the doc, Luckow follows Emmons’ last six months with bulbar-onset amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) before choosing physician-assisted death, an option made possible by the state of Oregon’s Death with Dignity Act. The death itself happens within the first few minutes of the film. With the heaviest part out of the way, the movie rewinds to months before and blossoms into a raucous adventure reflecting on life itself. More than anything, the movie illustrates the gorgeous, weird, funny romance between Emmons and her husband Paul Caladrino. It’s exactly the kind of thought-provoking film the Lighthouse Film Festival aims to put on New Haven’s radar.

Cavanagh said it was “just to get people to think while watching the film.”

Jisu Sheen Photo

Luckow matching her movie poster.

This weekend was the premiere run for the festival, a concept that “spawned from a couple people from another film festival,” according to director Katherine Kowalczyk. That other festival was NHDocs, which closed its final run in late 2024 as it got harder and harder to find a solid venue to screen at. The Lighthouse Film Festival picked up where NHDocs left off, making use of pop-up venues around the area. Besides The Cannon, the festival hit the New Haven Museum, the Sandbox at the Arts Council of Greater New Haven, and Best Video in Hamden. According to Executive Director Tony Sudol, the new Lighthouse Film Festival is meant

to fill the gap NHDocs left, but with its own twist. For example, the new festival’s selections aren’t limited to “docs.” Their mission is to tell the truth in whatever way they can, even if that means using fiction to get there. The festival ran from June 5 through 8, celebrating student films with the same vigor and respect as the professional ones. What’s more important than the means of delivery is the goal of getting New Haven’s eyes on curated films that, in Sudol’s words, “entertain but make you think.” A small group of protesters outside the soccer-pub-turned-movie-theater

disagreed with Friday night’s film choice, but they echoed Sudol’s same message. They had come from Progressives Against Medical Assisted Suicide (PAMAS), a group arguing that laws like Oregon’s Death with Dignity Act presented a danger to disabled and otherwise marginalized people. They warned that without good insurance and societal privileges, people would get pressured toward medical-assisted suicide for economic reasons — a prediction that, according to Vanishing’s filmmaker Sandra Luckow, “the statistics don’t hold up.” When I asked the group what their goal for the evening was, protester Joan

Luckow chatting with the protestors. Cavanagh went on to state that the documentary’s depiction of medical-assisted suicide has “no real basis in reality for those who are underprivileged and marginalized in society.” She said she had deep sympathy for the film’s subject, writer Cai Emmons, but also pointed out that Emmons was white and “well-to-do” and that her “idealized” experience of Oregon’s Death with Dignity process should not be taken as a representative one. All three of the protesters from PAMAS made sure to note that Luckow was gracious with them. They didn’t need to tell me; Luckow herself was the one who first informed me all about their cause and even asked to take a picture with the group. Although she disagreed with the protesters, she seemed very interested in their presence and what movies like hers meant to them. The Bow Tie Criterion in New Haven might be gone forever, along with the decade-old NHDocs Film Festival that called it home, but the Lighthouse Film Festival is a welcome arrival for lovers of the weird and wonderful. Those in attendance Friday night didn’t just get a chance to see a funny, philosophical film — they also got to see protestors outside, plates of hot, delicious grub inside, and the director herself, tie-dye and all. Alison Johnson, who knew Emmons, speaking up in the post-screening Q&A to thank Luckow for her work.

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