Agency Professional Notes

Herbert Charles Arico

Northeast Connecticut’s first-ever HACK-A-THON kicked off earlier this spring at the EASTCONN Conference Center in Hampton. The HackCT Inaugural Transportation Summit invited innovators and experts in the transportation space to learn about and discuss transportation issues facing the residents of northeastern CT. The event was the first step in a state-wide initiative, setting the stage for a full-scale summit in the fall.

Diane Gozemba, EASTCONN Director of Early Childhood Initiatives, and Sheri Lambert, Early Childhood Specialist, presented their work on supporting TA provider groups at the at the NAEYC Professional Learning Institute in Oregon on June 4, 2023. Gozemba and co-author Lori Blake (CCSU) presented “Embrace, Reflect, Reframe and Respond with an Equity Lens.” Lambert’s presentation with coauthors Jean Barresi (CREC) and Mary Stone (ACES) was entitled “Issues of Equity: Understanding Biases and their Impact on the Early Childhood Program.”

We are saddened by the death of our dear friend, Herbert Charles Arico, who passed away on Wednesday, April 26, 2023. Herb dedicated his career in public education to the residents of northeastern Connecticut. He was a teacher for 61 years; 58 of them as a business teacher at Windham High School. In addition to being the past chairman and member of the EASTCONN Board of Directors for many years, he served on the Boards of Education for both Willington and Region 19. He also served on numerous other professional and community boards and volunteered with many community organizations.

Several years ago, Herb was quoted in the Chronicle, saying “I’ve always felt that if you live in a community, you should contribute to what’s going on in town. I like to be active in the community and try to contribute as much as I can.” Herb had a quiet dignity and compassionate spirit and was an unerring advocate on behalf of the students, families, schools and communities in northeastern Connecticut and beyond. The entire EASTCONN community extends its deepest condolences to Herb’s friends and family.

Below is a link to Herb’s obituary. His funeral took place on May 13.

Congressman Joe Courtney (D-CT 2nd District) visited EASTCONN Head Start and WECC at Windham Public Schools in May to learn more about the dire situtation facing Head Start programs around the country. Earlier in the month, a House budget bill passed that would cut funding to Head Start by 22%, a number that would decimate the program, resulting in 170,000 fewer children nationwide receiving Head Start services. Thank you for your visit, Congressman Courtney!