INNER-CITY NEWS

INNER-CITY NEWS July 27, 2016 - August 02, 2016

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - February 16, 2022 - February 22, 2022

Financial Justice a Key Focus at 2016 NAACP Convention

Open Letter to the Black Veterans Community on the renaming of United States Army Forts currently honoring New Haven, Bridgeport

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS - February 16, 2022 - February 22, 2022

Protest Targets Methadone Clinic Plan

by LAURA GLESBY

New Haven Independent

“You don’t set up trauma sites in communities that are already traumatized.”

Imam Saladin Hasan offered those words Saturday to a crowd of roughly 100 Newhallville residents and neighbors protesting the APT Foundation’s planned move of a methadone clinic to a former middle school building on Dixwell Avenue.

That rally took place outside of the former Elm City College Prep middle school building at 794 Dixwell Ave. near the corner of Elizabeth Street.

The focus of the protest was the APT Foundation’s planned relocation of a variety of outpatient healthcare services — including a roughly 395-patient methadone clinic — from Long Wharf to the empty Newhallville school building, which APT purchased in December for $2.45 million On Saturday afternoon, speakers from a new coalition called Newhallville-Hamden Strong took the lead on calling on the city to work with APT to find a different location for their services. The group is comprised of community members on both sides of New Haven’s northern border Speaker after speaker stressed that they support access to addiction treatment; many said they have loved ones who have struggled with substance use.

They argued instead that Newhallville, a largely residential neighborhood, would not be an appropriate place for a methadone clinic. They took issue with the APT Foundation itself — noting the organization’s lack of communication with neighbors about the move until it was reported by the Independent in this article in early January. And they pointed to challenges with drug use and criminal behavior outside the healthcare nonprofit’s current Long Wharf and Hill locations.

“We are pro-help,” stressed Hasan, who spoke as a representative of the Abdul Majid Karim Hasan Islamic Center one block away from the proposed new clinic site. “We want for our sisters and brothers whatever we want for ourselves: to go to a proper environment to get help.”

At the same time, Hasan added, “We don’t want our children to live in an environment where everyone they see needs help.”

Prior to the rally, Hasan had researched alternative properties in more industrial areas where the APT Foundation could move. He suggested properties at 350 State St. in North Haven, as well as 261 Skiff St. and 299 Wallace St. in Hamden.

A majority-Black and working class neighborhood, Newhallville is one of the New Haven neighborhoods that has been hit hardest by the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as by the last two years’ uptick in gun violence. State Rep. Robyn Porter Saturday asserted that the neighborhood is “not getting the funding, resources, and opportunities that we need to thrive.”

Lifelong Newhallville activist and Ward 20 Democratic Co-Chair Barbara Vereen spoke of the vibrant points of community that neighbors have worked to revive amid these and other challenges — from block watches to the park and bird sanctuary on Cherry Ann Street.

Mary Gates described a culture in which residents can sit on their porches at night and chat with one another about their days. She worried that this sense of community could falter if the methadone clinic moves: “ If APT comes into our community, we will be right back where we used to be.”

Porter, who said she has loved ones who struggle with substance use, compared the situation to an airplane emergency: when oxygen masks fall from the ceiling, she

Imam Saladin Hasan at Saturday's rally: "We are pro-help.”

Rally organizer Jeanette Sykes, second from right, with politicians and protestors.

noted, airlines emphasize that passengers should put their own masks on before helping another person. “We gon’ put the mask on us first, and then we are going to help everybody else,” she said.

The APT Foundation’s current location in the Hill neighborhood is also a major-

ity Black and Latino area grappling with a disproportionate lack of resources. Howard Boyd, a Hill activist and community management team chair, criticized the organization’s commitment to the neighborhood where it currently resides. He described regularly encountering litter and

syringes outside the methadone clinic on Congress Avenue.

He blamed the APT Foundation itself for not doing more to address these issues: “They’ve been there for a while and never stepped out of their door to say, ‘What can we do?’” While the organization sent a representative to the Hill North Community Management Team to engage with neighbors, Boyd argued that the effort wasn’t enough: he would have liked to hear from leadership, he said, and to hear more than just “placating.”

In a Saturday afternoon email press release, the New Haven Republican Party announced its opposition to the methadone clinic’s planned move to Newhallville by citing a fatal stabbing that took place in 2017 outside of the Congress Avenue site in the Hill, which is across the street from an elementary school.

“While it is of vital importance that those battling drug addiction receive appropriate care and treatment and we stand fully behind plans to fight the ongoing opioid epidemic,” that email press release reads, “New Haven Republicans stand against the location of drug treatment facilities in residential neighborhoods, near schools, parks and playgrounds. Let’s put the safety of our residents and children first!”

(Update:) In an interview, Lynne Madden, the CEO and president of the APT Foundation, told the Independent, “It’s a relatively common experience that folks are afraid of what will transpire if a treatment program is in their general location. A lot of these are fears that don’t actually come to pass.“ Madden defended the APT Foundation’s community outreach in the Hill. “We’ve done a lot of work there on our Congress Ave. location with the city, including the police department and the management Con’t on page 10

Quinnipiac University is launching a new talent management program this fall.

Quinnipiac University to launch new bachelor of science in talent management in Fall 2022

The program, which is being offered in conjunction with the School of Business, College of Arts and Sciences and School of Communications, will offer three distinct tracks designed to teach students the business side of sports, eSports or entertainment. A dynamic, career-driven curriculum matched with applied course projects and internship opportunities will help students develop the necessary skill set to successfully manage behind-the-scenes functions such as marketing, finance, event management and facility management.

“This program has been carefully designed to provide students with the skill sets necessary for success in sports, eSports and entertainment management roles in the 21st century,” said Tuvana Rua, an associate professor of management and program director. “The program is unique

as it prepares students for careers in these fields with hands-on experiences thanks to internships and other experiential learning opportunities on campus through Quinnipiac’s Division I athletic teams, the eSports Club and its events and competitions, as well as other clubs and outlets such as student-run TV shows, podcasts and a public relations firm through the School of Communications.

“Additionally, the program is the only one in the country with an opportunity for an accelerated dual degree in talent management and law. Graduates of this program will be prepared to become agents who can legally represent talent in the fields of sports, eSports and entertainment during contract negotiations,” Rua added.

Sports, eSports and entertainment industries are experiencing stratospheric growth with demand for digital producers, media

planners, social media strategists, marketing managers, communications managers and general managers.

“Quinnipiac’s Talent Management degree combines the excellence of our Schools of Business, Communication, and Arts and Sciences to prepare students for cutting edge, growth careers,” said Holly Raider, dean of the School of Business. “This interdisciplinary major exemplifies our innovative spirit and future-orientation.”

Quinnipiac talent management students will learn state of the art data analytics in addition to business acumen, critical thinking skills, analytical skills, communication skills and cultural adaptability that prepares them to thrive in these 21st-century careers. For more information about the program, please visit www. qu.edu.

Tuvana Rua, associate professor of man-

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agement and director of the talent management program at Quinnipiac University. Photo by Quinnipiac University.

About Quinnipiac University Quinnipiac is a private, coeducational, non-sectarian institution located 90 minutes north of New York City and two hours from Boston. The university enrolls 9,715 students in 110 degree programs through its Schools of Business, Communications, Computing and Engineering, Education, Health Sciences, Law, Medicine, Nursing and the College of Arts and Sciences.

Quinnipiac is recognized by U.S. News & World Report and Princeton Review’s “The Best 387 Colleges.” For more information, please visit qu.edu. Connect with Quinnipiac on Facebook and follow Quinnipiac on Twitter @QuinnipiacU.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - February 16, 2022 - February 22, 2022

Part 1 of our 4-part series in celebration of Black History Month

Stay Warm with CT Energy Assistance Programs CELEBRATES

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Boscov’s celebrates Black History Month and salutes the men and women whose many accomplishments and contributions have transformed our society.

Don’t let high energy costs stand in the way of heating your home.

Their impacts on athletics, entertainment, education, journalism, government and industry continue to influence our lives.

We look forward to the youth of today continuing to mold our world and its bright future.

There is financial help for your winter heating bills, whether you own or rent your home.

To start your application, you can: • Contact your local Community Action Agency (CAA) - Visit ct.gov/heatinghelp to find the CAA serving your town.

• Or text CTWARM to 898211.

• Or call 2-1-1.

Connecticut

Please don’t wait. Apply today! ct.gov/heatinghelp 3

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - February 16, 2022 - February 22, 2022

City Mishandled 650 Vaccinations

by THOMAS BREEN

New Haven Independent

The Elicker Administration is now recommending that some 650 people get re-vaccinated against Covid-19 because the previous doses they received from the city had been improperly stored.

Mayor Justin Elicker and Health Director Maritza Bond revealed that information Friday at a 4 p.m. press conference, and in a follow-up email press release sent out after 11 p.m.

They said they discovered that Pfizer vaccines administered at the city health department offices at 54 Meadow St. between Dec. 23 and Feb. 7 had been stored in a freezer for too long.

“It was maintained at a freezing temperature longer than the recommended period, which can lead to a reduced level of protection against Covid-19,” Elicker said.

In a Friday evening email press release, the city urged everyone who received a Pfizer vaccine dose at that location during that period of time to get an additional dose.

“After consulting with Pfizer and the Connecticut Department of Public Health it was recommended that those who received the improperly stored Pfizer vaccine or booster get re-vaccinated as soon as they can,” Bond is quoted as saying in that press release.

Bond told reporters on Friday afternoon that she first found out about the problem Tuesday. That’s when a staffer brought the discovery to her attention. She then reached out to the state health department and Pfizer for guidance.

The mayor, meanwhile, didn’t find out about the problem until Friday afternoon, according to a city spokesperson and the mayor. That was when the city

Mayor Elicker: 100s need new shots because of storage snafu

health department heard back from Pfizer that the vaccine doses may be less effective because of their too-long storage in the freezer.

Elicker stressed during Friday’s press conference that there is no evidence that any of the potentially less-effective vaccine doses that were administered during this 46-day period will harm those who received them.

“This is just about the efficacy of the vaccine dose,” he said.

“In other words, the shot won’t hurt you.

It’s just a question of whether or not it’s doing its job.”

Starting on Saturday, the city plans to start contacting all 650 people (who are 12 years and up) through addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses on file to recommend that they get a new shot.

About three-quarters of those people received a booster shot in that time between Dec. 23 and Feb. 7. The rest received first or second doses.

This problem which Elicker called a “temperature excursion” has occurred elsewhere in the U.S., and never has led to a person suffering health problems as a result, Elicker said.

This problem does not affect any other shots given at any other locations, Bond said. And “there has been no harm to the community.”

Repeatedly asked how the mess-up occurred and how the city found out that something was wrong, Elicker and Bond offered vague responses. They said it stemmed from a change in personnel.

Asked how she first learned about the problem, Bond said her deputy director “was just doing an analysis of the department, just getting everything ramped up for the transition period, and brought the issue to my attention.”

What does “transition period” mean?

“A transition period of personnel.”

So someone is taking over someone else’s job?

Bond said that “in the very near future” someone new will be helming the city’s 54 Meadow St. clinic.

Asked if the job she was alluding to was the city’s director of public health nursing position, Bond said, “I’m just talking about the general clinic operations.

I don’t want to point out any specific personnel in this matter.”

Elicker promised his administration will investigate what happened. “We’re going to be doing an investigation to ensure that there’s accountability if there was any impropriety by any employee,” he said. “But we don’t want to get ahead of ourselves.”

He said that the state Department of Public Health, at the city’s request, will “review” the city’s policies and procedures around storing vaccine doses.

The presser came several weeks after Elicker administration fired its director of nursing last month. It didn’t offer specifics on why at the time of the firing. On Friday, officials did not specify if that firing had anything to do with this problem.

Principals Worthy, Johnson Leaving District

by PAUL BASS

New Haven Independent

The leaders of Hillhouse High and King/ Robinson Magnet schools are leaving town for new opportunities.

Glen Worthy is resigning as Hillhouse principal as of March 15 after leading the school for six years, to become chief of educational services for the state Department of Children and Families. In that role, he will oversee education in all the state’s juvenile detention facilities.

“I’m excited,” Worthy, 56, who has worked for the school system for 29 years, told the Independent.

“It’s tough to leave. I thought I would retire from Hillhouse. But this opportunity presented itself to me. It’s a great challenge.”

Dr. Johnson is resigning as principal of King/Robinson in order to take the post

of assistant superintendent of Waterbury’s schools. His first day of work in Waterbury is Thursday.

Dr. Johnson, who is 45, has led King/ Robinson for the past five and a half years. He observed that Covid-19 buttressed the public’s “general appreciation for the hard work teachers put in day to day” and built “a strong connection between schools and community” that he hopes survives the pandemic. He spoke of how he and King/Robinson staffers made over 400 home visits to deliver technology or materials or “do flash cards on people’s porches.”

He said he looks forward to his new challenge in Waterbury but “will miss King/Robinson dearly.”

“I do plan on coming back home” one day to work again in the public schools in New Haven, where he grew up, he said.

THOMAS BREEN PHOTO

Hillhouse Principal Glen Worthy: DCF bound.

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS - February 16, 2022 - February 22, 2022

N‑Word Controversy Riles Co-Op

By MAYA MCFADDEN and PAUL BASS New Haven Independent

Students marched on the classroom of an English teacher and she was subsequently placed on leave after she allegedly used a racial epithet in a classroom discussion about the use of a racial epithet.The controversy began at Cooperative Arts & Humanities High School last Thursday.

The English teacher was discussing with her class a documentary about James Baldwin, I Am Not Your Negro.

“A student asked the teacher whether it was appropriate that she, as a white woman, pronounce the full title. The teacher responded that she thought it was necessary to use the word in the context of the title since the movie is in part intended to create awareness about the word and its evolution. The student then asked whether the teacher would use a specific racial epithet if it was in the title of a song.

The teacher replied no but repeated the student’s epithet,” Coop Assistant Principal John Nguyen subsequently wrote in a message to the school community.

On Friday, word got around school about the incident and the teacher’s use of the n‑word. Some students grew upset, left their classrooms, and marched into the halls, chanting.

About 50 students took part in the spontaneous protest, according to school system spokesperson Justin Harmon, who was present in the building for part of the protest.

Some of the students marched to the hallway outside the teacher’s room. They chanted outside, calling for her firing.

Sophomore Jayla Anderson said dozens of students left their classrooms and walked out into hallways at two different times Friday: first around 9:30 a.m., then amid a lunch wave at 11 a.m.

While on the fourth floor in her second-period class, Anderson said, she could hear screaming and yelling on a lower level of the building.

Anderson said she decided to stick around for the second protest because it was “more peaceful” than the first.

Anderson said it was a good idea to share student concerns, but she thought the action was unorganized and “got out of hand and lost its meaning.”

The events upset her, she said; she thought it would have been more productive if people voiced their opinions about the situation instead of “just standing around.”

“They were making a statement, but no one was really talking about what happened,” she said. “It’s kind of upsetting about how everyone handled it on all ends, the administration and the students.”

Another student said protesters were “bum-rushing into classrooms.”

A member of the school’s senior peer leadership group (who asked not to be named) said the protest was led mostly by underclassmen. She said while some had legitimate concerns about the teacher’s actions, “most of them just wanted to be out of class.”

She described the peer leadership group as a “bind between students and administration.” The group is often tasked with listening to student concerns and bringing them to administration to come up with plans for resolutions.

On Friday the peer leaders connected administrators with students concerned about the incident.

“We found the couple of students that had concerns that weren’t met yet, and they spoke with them personally,” the student said.

Part 2 of our 4-part series in celebration of Black History Month

On an Instagram post asking students how they feel, more than a hundred comments flooded in.

“I go to the school and it could had been approached a different way… yeah she said the n word and its wrong but all this stuff was unnecessary,” wrote one student.

Wrote another: “This is my school!! I’m tired of educating racist on not saying the word, we in 2022 you shoulda known not to say it, now we want her gone no educating needed” The school has placed the teacher on leave, according to Harmon. “We appreciate the teacher’s effort to present content in context, though it would have been preferable that she not repeat the word in response to the student’s question. The incident is being investigated by the school administration. We respect our students’ feelings about what happened,” read a statement issued by the school district.

The teacher did not respond to a request for comment Monday. In response to the assistant principal’s email, Krystal, a senior, said she hopes the school “digs deep” during its investigation and take the the time to educate teachers to respect students’ feelings more.

“It’s bad and it’s disgusting that we’re still dealing with this in 2022,” she said.

“We are all here today feeling all kinds of things.

The event is going unaddressed as if it didn’t happen. It was scary!” one teacher wrote to the Independent Monday.

The student peer leaders are planning to arrange another conversation with administrators this week about the incident.

IN CELEBRATION OF BLACK HISTORY MONTH, BOSCOV’S HONORS

VISIONARIES IN HUMANITY

Dr. Patricia Bath

Rosa Parks

George Washington Carver

Booker T. Washington

Barack Obama Dr. Shirley Jackson

From the advances in education by Booker T. Washington, to the inventions of George Washington Carver, Dr. Patricia Bath and Dr. Shirley Jackson, to the pivotal role Rosa Parks played in the civil rights movement, to Barack Obama becoming our country’s first black president, Boscov’s celebrates courageous African American humanitarians everywhere for their accomplishments and all the contributions that they have made in education, science, technology and beyond.

MAYA MCFADDEN PHOTO Sophomore Jayla Anderson: Protest "got out of hand.”

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS - February 16, 2022 - February 22, 2022

-Girl Scouts of Connecticut Hosts 25th Annual Breakfast Badge Awards on March 3 in Hartford-

Girl Scouts of Connecticut Honors Female Executives for “Championing Girl Ambition”

Girl Scouts of Connecticut is proud to announce the highly-anticipated honorees of the 25th Annual Breakfast Badge Awards, an event that spotlights the contributions of strong, accomplished women in the state. This year’s recipients are talented female executives recognized for “Championing Girl Ambition” as staunch supporters of the Girl Scouts of Connecticut organization. The fundraising event will take place on Thursday, March 3, 2022, 7:30 a.m. at the Hartford Marriott Downtown located at 200 Columbus Boulevard in Hartford, Connecticut.

“These exceptional professionals have not only reached the pinnacle of success in their chosen fields, they have generously given of their time and expertise to inspire girls in their community through our organization,” said Diana Mahoney, Chief Executive Officer of Girl Scouts of Connecticut (GSOFCT) and herself a former director at Eversource Energy and lifelong Girl Scout. “Each of the honorees will receive a custom designed Girl Scout badge that celebrates this year’s theme of Championing Girl Ambition.”

This year’s honorees are: Elicia Pegues Spearman, a Girl Scout of Connecticut alumnae, was appointed to a dual C-Suite role as the first General Counsel & Vice President of Human Resources for Quinnipiac University in Hamden, CT. Previously, she was the first person of color hired to the Executive Team at General Dynamics Electric Boat where she served as the Vice President &

member and a member of the Juliette Gordon Low Society.

“All proceeds from the Breakfast Badge fundraiser go directly towards Girl Scouts of Connecticut’s mission to build girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.”

“We are thrilled to be able to host this year’s ceremony in person, as it is the silver anniversary of this notable recognition,” said Mahoney. “We encourage everyone to join us in celebration of the incredible achievements of these exceptional role models and to hear their compelling personal stories of success and connection to Girl Scouts of Connecticut.”

For tickets, sponsorship opportunities and event details visit www.gsofct.org.

Elicia Pegues Spearman, Edna Karanian and Virginia Giuffré are the three honorees at the prestigious 25th Annual Breakfast Badge Awards.hosted by Girls Scouts of Connecticut on March 3, 2022 in Hartford, Connecticut.

Chief Human Resources Officer. Spearman mentors professionals and students and has dedicated a lifetime of community service to local and national organizations. She has had a distinguished law career where she worked for state, federal and Fortune 500 corporate entities including Aetna, Hubbell, the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights & Opportunities, and the Federal Bureau of Investigations. She was recognized as one of the “2019 Most Influential Women in Corporate America” by Savoy Magazine.

Edna Karanian, a Former Director of

Gas Supply at Eversource Energy, is a highly respected, well-known natural gas industry executive with decades of leadership. She is a previous Girl Scout, past Board Member of Girl Scouts of Connecticut and has served as Chair of the Board Development Committee. She was also Co-Chair of the Breakfast Badge Event in 2015, 2016 and 2017.

Virginia Giuffré was a top leader at Citibank Corporation for over 20 years.

She was one of the first women to serve as a Division Executive, managing the worldwide business from sales and mar-

keting to technology to operations. After retiring from Citibank, Giuffre joined Merrill Lynch and formed an advisory business which focused on helping women achieve financial independence.

By using wealth planning strategies and disciplined investing through good and volatile markets, she worked with women and their families to take control of their finances, helping countless women through all the phases of life including, divorce, widowhood, job changes and retirement. Virginia is a lifelong member of Girl Scouts of Connecticut, past Board

About Girl Scouts of Connecticut Girl Scouts bring their dreams to life and work together to build a better world.

Through programs from coast to coast, Girl Scouts of all backgrounds and abilities can be unapologetically themselves as they discover their strengths and rise to meet new challenges—whether they want to climb to the top of a tree or the top of their class, lace up their boots for a hike or advocate for climate justice, or make their first best friends. Backed by trusted adult volunteers, mentors, and millions of alums, Girl Scouts lead the way as they find their voices and make changes that affect the issues most important to them. To join us, volunteer, reconnect, or donate, visit gsofct.org.

Love Conquers Kimberly Square

by MAYA MCFADDEN New Haven Independent

New Haveners can now find love — and gift baskets — in Kimberly Square, at the newly opened Angela’s Unique Creations.

In advance of Valentine’s Day weekend, city officials visited the new shop Thursday and encouraged New Haveners to “Shop & Love Local.”

The ribbon-cutting celebration for took place at 9 Kimberly Ave. Residents were encouraged to shop for their holiday gift baskets, flower bouquets, and gifts at New Haven’s many small businesses.

Owner Angela Keeton opened the business with her family a year ago, in December 2020. Three months after Keeton opened the shop, her Arthur Street home, which she shared with Hill leader Abraham “Uncle Abe,” Gallishaw, burned down in a fire.

Mayor Justin Elicker, Alder Kampton

Singh, and city Business Development Director Carlos Eyzaguirre celebrated the resiliency of the city’s small business community at Thursday’s event.

“It’s much more likely that every dollar you spend on a locally owned business is going to stay in our community,” Elicker said.

Over the past two years over, 60 businesses have opened in New Haven despite the pandemic, Elicker said.

Business has been slow. Keeeton looks forward to it picking up this summer.

Keeton makes gift baskets for holidays, skin care, children, birthdays, retirements, and get- well-soon occasions.

Keeton has been making homemade gift baskets for her kids for over 35 years. She started with making Easter baskets, then began creating them for all occasions for her four kids, goddaughter, and dozen nieces and nephews.

Before opening the shop, Keeton was selling her baskets on Facebook through-

Patricia Cunningham, Angel Keeton, Corneil Hill-Williams, Angela Keeton, Abraham Gallishaw, Aaron Keeton.

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out the community.

She gets help in the shop from friends and family, Corneil Hill-Williams, Patricia Cunningham.

Her oldest daughter, Angel Keeton, and son Aaron Keeton, described their mom Thursday as an inspiration and “motivation to go hard.”

“She’s motivated me more to get into my crafts,” Angel said. “I know I can do it now.”

Angel does T‑shirt printing, Late Night Snack catering, and is working on releasing a food seasoning line in the near future.

Aaron, who is a contractor, helped his mom with putting the shop together with shelves. He recalled getting storemade baskets from his mom while young and watching her shift to making them more unique and handmade for him and his three siblings.

“Me and my four kids still get baskets,” Aaron said.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - February 16, 2022 - February 22, 2022

Beaver Hills Mobilizes For Sidewalks

Part 3 of our 4-part series in celebration of Black History Month

by KIMBERLY WIPFLER New Haven Independent

It was rush hour on Crescent Street, and cars were zipping by well past the speed limit. A pedestrian tried to stay clear — but with no sidewalk available, he had to navigate a narrow shoulder.

The pedestrian unwittingly underscored a point Beaver Hills neighbors were making at that very moment.

“We want a walkable city. This is not walkable,” one of the neighbors, Beaver Hills Alder Shafiq Abdussabur, said, motioning to the pedestrian.

Neighbors in Beaver Hills have grown increasingly concerned about the safety of this stretch, which has heavy foot traffic but no sidewalks.

They have rallied around a petition to request new sidewalks constructed on the south side of Crescent Street, between Ella T. Grasso Boulevard and Colony Road (see below), and on Bellevue Road. They are urging the Board of Alders to approve the City of New Haven’s request for sidewalks in an effort to “increase the safety and walkability” of their neighborhood.

“Because of the current lack of sidewalks, Beaver Hills residents are forced to walk across our neighbors’ lawns, walk in the non-existent shoulder of Crescent Street, or cross the very busy Crescent St. street without a crosswalk,” the petition reads.

“I live halfway up the block, and I walk down here with my kids a lot to go to Beaver Ponds Park,” said lead organizer Rebecca Cramer. Walking to the park has been challenging, especially when her kids were younger.

Cramer is a co-leader of Friends of Beaver Ponds Park along with Nan Bartow, Joan Hilliard, and James Cramer. The organization had a meeting with the Elicker administration last summer to discuss installing sidewalks.

“We learned after the meeting that while the city is willing to construct the sidewalk, the whole Board of Alders has to approve it,” Cramer said. The administration asked for Cramer to create a petition to show the widespread neighborhood support for the installation.

(The vast bulk of neighborhood requests in New Haven are to fix existing sidewalks. Those requests go first for competitive vetting before a Resource Allocation Committee, then to the Board of Alders. Requests for new sidewalks are far less common, and go straight to the board.)

The petition now has over 180 signatures. “Of those, about 98 percent live in the neighborhood. So it’s not activists; it’s neighbors who care,” Cramer said.

“This is a clear thing that will have a clear effect on quality of life for our neighborhood,” said Cramer.

“The city is able to do it. They just have to get the will. And to get the will, they need pressure from the residents,” Bartow said.

Abdussabur said he is grateful for the ongoing community organization in his ward. “They’re already organized, so I’m just a helper. Tell me what to do, and I’m here to do it. They want a sidewalk, and I’m going to everything I can do to make sure we get a sidewalk.”

The alder highlighted the various demographic groups that the sidewalks would benefit. “There is no handicap access, so if you have a wheelchair, where do you go? I would imagine the road’s not even in compliance with ADA regulations.”

Walkable streets would also benefit the Hasidic Jewish community in the neighborhood, he said. Community members do not drive on the Sabbath or on religious holidays. “Walking to synagogue is part of their worship,” so sidewalks are necessary “out of respect, showing fairness and equality.”

“We now have this [city] Cultural Equity Board that we’re pouring money into. Practice what you preach.

Give us a sidewalk,” he said.

IN CELEBRATION OF BLACK HISTORY MONTH,

BOSCOV’S HONORS INNOVATORS AND TRAILBLAZERS IN

SCIENCE & MEDICINE

Cramer added that students and faculty at nearby Southern Connecticut State University would also be impacted since they traverse that street as well.

“We want children to be able to walk to the park or visit friends by themselves when they’re old enough, and right now it would not be safe for them to do that,” said Bartow.

Cramer said the speed limit is supposed to be 25 miles per hour, but many drivers exceed 40. “It’s just a speedway. Nobody cares about the speed limit.”

“This area does not have the feel of a residential community,” added Abdussabur. He said the key part is that the sidewalks will connect the residents to each other and to the green space. “The way we design communities tells a story about who we are, how we treat and feel about other people.”

Along with the sidewalks, organizers are hoping for speed bumps or speed cameras to maximize safety.

“Slowing down cars and helping people see that this is a neighborhood and not just a speedway will help,” Cramer said.

Organizers are hoping that sidewalks and speed regulation will increase not only pedestrian safety but also overall neighborhood safety. “Out of all the areas in the ward, I have been here the most for gunshots,” Abdussabur said.

Bartow said she was working in the garden at the park around noon with Yale Forestry students last August when there was a shooting along Crescent Street. And in January of this year, there was another shooting at the same intersection.

“Now the city is flush with millions and millions of [federal pandemic relief] dollars. We’ve got $10 million coming in from Yale that could get earmarked just for something like this. We have money, we have interest, we have need, and we have the will. We just need city management to work with us and close the gap.”

Katherine G. Johnson

Marie M. Daly

Lewis Howard Latimer

Dr. Daniel Hale Williams

Neil deGrasse Tyson Mae C. Jemison

Today, we can thank leaders like inventor Lewis Howard Latimer, scientist Neil deGrasse Tyson, chemist Marie M. Daly, heart surgeon Daniel Hale Willams, doctor and astronaut Mae C. Jemison and mathematician Katherine G. Johnson for their contributions to and advancements in science and medicine. Boscov’s remembers with respect African Americans who set the standard and pushed the boundaries, developing breakthroughs in their fields.

KIMBERLY WIPFLER PHOTO

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS - February 16, 2022 - February 22, 2022

Brothers Take Fun On The Road

by MAYA MCFADDEN

On Super Bowl weekend, six teams battled to stay alive through elimination rounds in a tournament in a Hamden parking lot — inside a trailer primed to hit the road to offer young people fun stuff to do.

Business partners and brothers Adrian Pate and Jamel Linen are working toward officially launching a business called “On The Spot Entertainment,” a traveling game bus, in that trailer to give back to their community.

A sneak peak of what the game bus offers was on display in the rear parking lot of the Bible Gospel Center in Hamden Saturday. The brother duo hosted a video game tournament of Madden NFL. A dozen adult friends of the brothers gathered in the bus Saturday with eyes glued to multiple TV screens with controllers in hand. The group formed six teams for the single elimination tournament.

For the next two months Pate and Linen plan to host small gatherings like Saturday’s in the trailer to “work out the kinks” of the service. The brothers are joining forces with friends Alex Pollen and Joel Pate to launch.

In April the team plans to officially launch rental services for the trailer for New Haveners and beyond.

Check out the mobile game trailer on

MAYA MCFADDEN PHOTO Saturday's Madden tournament players.

Instagram here. Bookings can be made in advance for events happening after April 1.

The traveling game bus is equipped with five 50-inch TVs, one 65 inch TV, a Playstation 5, Xbox series X, and a Wii. It can hold 15 to 20 people for movie nights, video game tournaments, karaoke, or live TV group sessions.

The team hopes to partner with community organizations and schools to bring entertainment right to youth.

“We all need an outlet,” Pate said.

Recently “On The Spot Entertainment” hosted a movie night for youth to watch Sing 2. A dozen children joined together in the rainbow LED lit room with individual baskets of snacks.

During the school year, the team plans to introduce a weekly after-school program for students housed in the trailer for youth to de-stress, play with friends, and have access to entertainment after school.

“We want to make this home for every-

one,” Linen said. The trailer will also be available for events like birthday parties and spa nights for all ages.

“This will be an outlet for more than games,” Pate said.

The team has been running a nonprofit called Hands For Help since 2015.

After renting a trailer for a video game event for their nonprofit, the trio saw the excitement it brought to the youth and decided to invest in making it into a business that brings out the community’s inner child.

Linen and Pate grew up playing video games like NBA Live together. They knew how helpful it was to have access to entertainment to relax and have fun. “We were all about the Nintendo and Playstation,” Pate said.

The team had a family member in South Carolina build the trailer.

Once officially opened, the trailer will offer masks and hand sanitizer to guests.

The next scheduled community event is a flag football tournament in Branford in April.

The trailer offers access to hundreds of video games and can be booked for specific themes.

Bookings and questions can be made via email to info@thespotent.com or (203)503‑4529.

FBI Whistleblower Straddles Thin Blue Li(n)e

by PAUL BASS

Greg Dillon proudly wore a cop-solidarity “thin blue line” face mask when Covid-19 hit.

At the same time he was working a book about how he watched the cop-solidarity “thin blue line” lead to corruption and cover-ups in law enforcement.

Dillon finished the book. It’s a pageturner, a glimpse inside wrongdoing and then revenge within the ranks of the FBI and state’s attorney’s office, all on terrain familiar to people in New Haven. It’s called The Thin Blue Lie: An Honest Cop vs. The FBI. Post Hill Press releases the book on Feb. 22. Over a three-decade career, Dillon, a New Haven native, served as a Branford cop, an FBI agent, and then an investigator with the state’s attorney’s office. His book recounts how higher-ups retaliated against him for uncovering how the FBI regularly submitted untrue statements (attributed to investigators like Dillon) to obtain court permission to arrest suspected fugitives. Dillon had the last laugh: He won over $3 million (with the help of famous NYC whistleblower cop Frank Serpico) in two highly-publicized lawsuits against his bosses, then remained in the post until retiring in 2009.

Thirteen years later, he has offered all the behind-the-scene details about how (a

PAUL BASS PHOTO Whistleblower author Greg Dillon at WNHH FM.

la The Wire) bureaucratic and political incentives can lead law enforcement to take short cuts and undermine public safety, then make matters worse with cover-ups.

“There is a lot of pressure inside the thin blue line to be a regular guy; you go along to get along. The worst thing that can happen to an honest cop is when being a good cop butts up against the pressure of being a team player,” Dillon writes in the book.

That echoes the popular understanding of the “thin blue line” slogan that led to criticism of New Haven police last year for promoting it.

In an interview about his book Thursday on WNHH FM’s “Dateline New Haven,” Dillon said the issue is more complex than that.

Yes, the call to solidarity can lead to the enabling of unforgivable misdeeds, as Dillon observed firsthand. An “usagainst-them mentality” can “get ugly.”

But “most times it’s about unity. It is about solidarity … brother and sisters willing to sacrifice their lives to save” their colleagues in a dangerous profession, he said. That’s why he didn’t think twice about donning the mask with the

8

message even more than a decade since turning in his badge.

Officers often receive items with the slogan and image after losing a colleague in the line of duty.

“I don’t think there’s anything wrong with the symbol. If someone is offended, that is something they have to deal with,” Dillon argued.

After telling his story, Dillon concludes the book with a call for an outside agency to investigate complaints of wrongdoing by the FBI. “The FBI is incapable of policing its own and there needs to be a separate entity to investigate allegations of misconduct and impose sanctions, for the same reason accounting firms do not audit themselves,” he writes.

Dillon studied hard to become a cop, to be accepted into the FBI, to master the tools of tracking down murderers and rapists who flee the state. In retirement, he employed the same determination to learn how to write a book, beginning with “showing” rather than “telling” his stories by providing evidence rather than simply making statements.

He learned the lesson well. As a result we learn a lot about law enforcement — and doing right when it’s not easy — from The Thin Blue Lie.

Con’t from page 02

Protest Targets

team of Hill north. There are significantly improved circumstances there… Many of the problems that are laid at the feet of the APT Foundation are probably shared by all of us in that neighborhood, not solely

by APT Foundation or the persons that are.“ Madden added that “literally hundreds of people” are dying each day of opioid use disorder. “When we as a society constantly protest the location of evidence-based treatments, we contribute to the stigma around the necessity of care,” she argued.

According to Vereen, 700 people have signed a petition against the APT Foundation’s planned Newhallville move.

One of the speakers at Saturday’s rally was Mayor Justin Elicker. He promised to work with Newhallville-Hamden Now and the APT Foundation in the hopes of finding another location for the clinic — but said there were limits to what he could control as mayor of the city.

Elicker offered measured support of the APT Foundation’s track record of providing substance use treatment. “It is vital that we provide treatment to people that are facing substance use disorder. If anything, we need to provide more treatment, rather than less,” he said. “Historically, we have criminalized substance use disorder and addiction ” “In this community,” someone interjected.

Elicker continued to express support for a medical approach, rather than a criminal justice or shame-based approach, to addiction. “APT has had challenges in the Hill community,” Elicker said, “but inside those doors, everything I have seen and heard from the experts is that their clinical approach is appropriate and research based.”

“That’s not the issue,” called out Aquil Abdul-Salaam from the crowd. He was echoed by a few other heckles.

“I understand that people in Newhallville and the Hill feel like, ‘Why does it always have to be in our neighborhood.’ I hear that frustration,” Elicker said. “The city wants to work with you all and APT to see if there is another solution.”

“But I want to be real with people,” he continued. “I’m not gonna stand up here and give promises I can’t deliver on.

The city can’t just decide to put it somewhere else.”

Longtime Newhallville resident Jeanette Sykes, who ran the committee that organized the rally, said that during the rally, she felt that the mayor was “hiding behind” the notion that the protesters opposed medical treatment for addiction.

“We understand about treatment,” she emphasized, noting that ahead of the rally, she asked every speaker not to stigmatize substance use disorder.

Sykes said that her group plans to meet with the mayor next week to continue the conversation.

Watch the rally, and a conversation about the issue on WNHH Radio’s Tom Ficklin Show,

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - February 16, 2022 - February 22, 2022

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS - February 16, 2022 - February 22, 2022

3 Things to Consider With Mask Mandates Lifting

by Jessica Daniels, BlackDoctor.org

Mask-wearing has its costs and benefits.

As we all know, they can slow the transmission of the COVID-19 virus, especially medical-grade masks (N95 or KN95) that are worn properly. However, they also impede human communication and have caused several questions about how they affect our long-term health. mask mandate In short, wearing a mask long-term hasn’t been easy for everyone. A simple scroll through social media will lead you to several people proclaiming that wearing a mask is challenging for them whether they have asthma, another condition or simply can’t breathe. Masks are hard on young children, people with learning disabilities and people that are hard of hearing.

Talking with a mask on, as Kathleen Pike, a psychology professor at Columbia University has written, “is like talking on your phone in a zone with weak cell service.”

To mask or not to mask?

The national debate over mask mandates in schools is picking up again. Governors in Connecticut, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, Illinois and Oregon all announced the end of their statewide mandates, to take effect in coming weeks.

California has also made the decision to lift the indoor mask mandate, which will go into effect next week. It’s a sign that more Americans are ready to move to a new phase of the pandemic.

The end of the statewide mandate is a

“huge step toward normalcy,” New Jersey’s governor, Philip Murphy, says. “We can responsibly live with this thing.”

Some public health experts think now is the right time to remove mandates, particularly in highly vaccinated communities, according to CNN. “As the cases are decreasing right now with Omicron, you know, in a couple of weeks, maybe removing masks is actually the right thing to do,” says Dr. Carlos del Rio, the executive associate dean of the Emory University School of Medicine.

However, as some people seem ready to move to the next phase of the pandemic, others seem hesitant.

In some communities, school mandates will probably remain even after governors lift statewide rules. The debate over mask mandates in schools has been a heated one since the start of the pandemic.

Although CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky has said it’s not yet the right time to lift the mandates, she acknowledged Wednesday that her agency is starting to consider updating its guidance, CNN notes.

“We are working on that guidance. We are working on following the trends for the moment,” Walensky said at a White House COVID-19 Response Team briefing, adding that even though hospitalizations and death rates are still high, “we are encouraged by the current trends.”

Costs and Benefits of Masks

So what exactly are the cost and benefits of mask mandates?

Some experts favor masks in schools because they believe they have an effect. These experts believe that until the Omicron wave ends and both hospitalizations and deaths fall much further, masks should stay on.

“Masks were one of our earliest effective tools, and I think it will continue to be an absolutely important tool, particularly when rates are high within a community,”

Dr. Erica Johnson, chair of the infectious disease board of the American Board of Internal Medicine says. “They work.”

A December review of multiple studies by the CDC showed that masks control the spread of disease, and protect the wearer.

Studies show that masks also work in schools. There have been more COVID-19 cases in areas without school masking policies. The American Academy of Pediatrics continues to recommend that all students wear well-fitting masks at school,

with an emphasis on indoor masking.

On the other hand, other experts believe mask mandates in schools are unnecessary.

“It doesn’t work,” Michael Osterholm, a University of Minnesota epidemiologist, tells The Times.

According to Osterholm: • Medical masks are designed for adults, not children.

• Even the masks that are designed for children slip off their faces.

• Children take off their masks to eat.

These reasons coupled with Omicron’s intense contagiousness leaves Osterholm to believe that the benefits of mandates may be tiny.

Regardless, teachers and students who want to continue wearing masks can do so.

One-way masking, with medical masks, provides protection, experts note.

The odds are significantly lower that someone will catch COVID-19 if they consistently wear a face mask in an indoor public setting, according to a study published Friday by the CDC. That would be the case even if few others were wearing one, according to Johnson.

For many children, especially older ones, the cost of mask mandates may appear to be small. However, for others,, the costs are larger.

NPR’s Anya Kamenetz shares the costs of mask mandates in schools: Con’t on page 19

All throughout the year, we celebrate Black Joy. Its beauty. Its brilliance. Its variety. Its tenacity. Its resilience.

Its ability to thrive despite everything.

The power of Black Joy truly knows no bounds... it’s A Joy Supreme.

Celebrate A Joy Supreme with us at aarp.org/nearyou

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS - February 16, 2022 - February 22, 2022

Black History Month

We’re working to make health disparities history.

As we celebrate Black History Month and honor the past achievements of African Americans, we also look toward a better future. There are major differences in the health of populations across Connecticut, and in the healthcare they receive — with people of color experiencing the most serious impact.

At Access Health CT, it is our mission to reduce these differences.

Since 2013, we’ve helped more than one million individuals get health insurance. But more must be done — and more is exactly what we are doing.

Learn about how we’re working to bring equality to healthcare in Connecticut at accesshealthct.com/healthequity.

“Help us reach our goal of health equity for all Connecticut residents, especially among communities of color.”

James Michel, Chief Executive Officer, Access Health CT

Learn how you can help make health disparities history.

accesshealthct.com AHCT-39154-BHM-ICN 925x10.5.indd 1

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1/25/22 2:44 PM

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - February 16, 2022 - February 22, 2022

Open Letter to the Black Veterans Community on the renaming of United States Army Forts currently honoring

By: Charles Blatcher, III For years, the National Coalition of Black Veteran Organizations have been involved in pushing for the name changes of Army forts that recognize Confederate soldiers. It never made sense why the nation would honor those who attempted to overthrow the government of the United Stated. I do not believe it takes too much imagination to answer that question.

Through correspondence to the Army Chief of Staff General Mark Milley, we made a case for the name change with a question: why haven’t we named a base honoring Benedict Arnold? He did nothing more egregious than the Confederate generals who are currently honored.

There are no different degrees of treason.

We would like to think our question and statement contributed toward the General recommending the changes.

Black military history is the cornerstone of our claim for equal entitlement.

We hope the changing of the base names represent an awakening in America. The United States Army was the first institution in America to implement integration.

The coming change represents a new forward thinking. It acknowledges that the welfare, wellbeing, and survival of this nation lie in the hands of us all. This is a major step in mending racial differences.

It recognizes we have all contributed to the defense of democracy and the acknowledgements are due. We commend the Army for recognizing the need for the changes.

Retired Navy Admiral Michelle Howard leads the eight-member body selected to undertake the renaming process. The Admiral is history in her own right. She is the first Black woman full Admiral in Naval history. Personally, I thought she would have been an excellent choice for higher office in the Biden Administration.

However, we question having a Navy Admiral chairing a Commission to rename Army bases. This is like having an Air Force General selecting names for Naval vessels. Or having a Coast Guard Admiral decide the names for United States Marine Corps bases. Obviously, this is a total break for the United States Army. Despite the talents of those selected as members of the Commission, it assumes that the Army has no retired Black Flag Officer qualified to lead the effort. Furthermore, it reflects the Army has no voice in the naming process beyond the Chief of Staff signing on to make the changes.

The Army Regulation that designated naming consideration for only the deceased was dropped by the Commission.

The Regulation identifies and limits the pool of candidates eligible for consideration. With the Regulation intact, it prevents the opportunity from becoming political therefore, damaging the outcome in the process. The Regulation would prevent this from becoming a public competition among contemporary Black Flag Officers for the honor. It is an insult to turn this into competition among the military leaders who Black veterans hold in high esteem. The lifting of the Regulation makes a host of contemporary Black Army Flag Officers eligible as candidates for the honor. Among those who would be in consideration: Lieutenant General Arthur Gregg; Lt. General Julius Becton; Lt. General Hen-

Chairman, National Coalition of Black Veteran Organizations

Black History of Health:

by Jasmine Browley, BlackDoctor.com

Arthur Ashe accomplished many firsts in his lifetime.

In 1963, the gifted tennis player made history as the first Black player to compete for the U.S. Davis Cup team.

A few years later, Arthur became the first Black male to win the U.S. Open title.

Unfortunately, he would also be one of the few people in the world to die from HIV/AIDS via a blood transfusion.

The HIV Test: Basic Facts You Need To Know What is HIV/AIDS? HIV.org reports that HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks cells that help the body fight infection, making a person more vulnerable

to other infections and diseases.is spread by contact with certain bodily fluids of a person with HIV, most commonly during unprotected sex (sex without a condom), HIV medicine to prevent or treat HIV, or through sharing injection drug equipment.

If left untreated, HIV can lead to the disease AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).

The human body can’t get rid of HIV and no effective HIV cure exists. So, once you have HIV, you have it for life.

However, by taking HIV medicine (called antiretroviral therapy or ART), people with HIV can live long and healthy lives and prevent transmitting HIV to their sexual partners.

In addition, there are effective methods to prevent getting HIV through sex or

ry Doctor; Lt.General Emmett Paige; Lt. General Russel Honoré; Lt. General William Ward;General Dennis Via; General Colin Powell; General Lloyd Austin; Lt. General Darryl Williams; and Major General Marcia Anderson.

We could add another two dozen names to the list of candidates. They are all honorable exceptional Soldiers/Leaders who one could argue are worthy the recognition in their individual right.

With the lifting of the Army Regulation regarding the criteria for the selection process, it brings us to ask, what are the new criteria of the selection process to judge such a unique , talented, and outstanding group of distinguished military leaders? Better yet, who among us are qualified to judge their merits? Such public comparison and judgement would be an insult to the Officers and the process.

Plus, we must not forget there are other ethnic groups due recognition. They are our Hispanic, Asian and Native American Brothers and Sisters. They stood up in the defense of this nation and deserve the honor of inclusion.

In correspondence to the Army Chief of Staff, we suggested five of the ten Bases are name to honor Black Officers. The five is not arbitrary, representing half, it is reflective of the longevity and magnitude of Black military participation over the history of the nation. Historically, we constitute the largest minority group participation in all eras with exception of the period Blacks were restricted enlistment in the military between 1820 to 1861. We specified naming the following individuals: Kentucky Brigadier General Charles Young; the highest-ranking Black Officer in the United States Military in the early 1900s; Brigadier General Benjamin O.

Davis, Sr. the first Black General in the Regular Army; General Roscoe Robinson, Jr., the first Black 4 Star General in the history of the US Army; Brigadier General Hazel Johnson-Brown, the first Black woman general in the US Army; and Major General Charles C. Rogers, the only Black General Officer recipient of the Medal of Honor.

We selected the five because theirs are the shoulders that others stood upon to reach their places in military history. Our selections are within the criteria of the Army Regulation, they are all deceased.

There is wisdom in selecting candidates among the deceased. It allows for a selection process leaving no hurt feeling among those not chosen for the honor.

I conclude offering the following remarks: This is a historical event. The nation and the Commission should treat it as such. The Commission should immediately re-institute the limited eligibility used in the Army Regulation. It would remove the impression that the outcome is political as opposed to historical by merit.

The focus should be on honoring those in our Military past that paved the road to the present. Let the next generation decide who is worthy of honor among today’s contemporaries. However, there should be a role for contemporary retired and active -duty Black Flag Officers in this historic process. There should be a subcommittee of the Commission formed of retired and active-duty Black Army Generals. This sub-committee should review and pass down its selections to the Commission. It is an insult to their histories to not have a role in the process other than as contemporary competitors for the honor.

Think About It. #### Contact: cnmmmf@ aol.com

Arthur Ashe

drug use, including pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).

First identified in 1981, HIV is the cause of one of humanity’s deadliest and most persistent epidemics.

What Is AIDS? According to HIV.org, AIDS is the late stage of HIV infection that occurs when the body’s immune system is badly damaged because of the virus.

In the U.S., most people with HIV do not develop AIDS because taking HIV medicine every day as prescribed stops the progression of the disease.

A person with HIV is considered to have progressed to AIDS when: the number of their CD4 cells falls below 200 cells per cubic millimeter of blood (200 cells/

12

mm3). (In someone with a healthy immune system, CD4 counts are between 500 and 1,600 cells/mm3.) OR they develop one or more opportunistic infections regardless of their CD4 count.

What are the treatments?

According to the CDC, HIV treatment involves taking medicine that reduces the amount of HIV in your body.

• HIV medicine is called antiretroviral therapy (ART).

• There is no effective cure for HIV. But with proper medical care, you can control HIV. • Most people can get the virus under control within six months.

• Taking HIV medicine does not prevent the transmission of other sexually transmitted diseases.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - February 16, 2022 - February 22, 2022

Healthy Aging:

Loneliness Can Be Unhealthy Heartbreaker for Older Women

by Jessica Daniels, BlackDoctor.orh

It’s a fate many older women fear: loneliness and isolation as they age. Now, new research suggests those feelings may also predispose them to heart disease. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for U.S. women, accounting for 1 in every 5 deaths, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Additionally, 49 percent of Black women 20 and older have heart diseases.

The findings may be especially relevant now because of the social distancing required by the pandemic.

“We are social beings. In this time of COVID-19, many people are experiencing social isolation and loneliness, which may spiral into chronic states,” says study first author Natalie Golaszewski, a postdoctoral scholar in the Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science at the University of California, San Diego.

“It is important to further understand the acute and long-term effects these experiences have on cardiovascular health and overall well-being,” she added in a university news release.

The study included nearly 58,000 postmenopausal women in the United States who responded to an initial questionnaire assessing social isolation in 2011-2012, followed by another questionnaire in 2014-2015 that assessed loneliness and social support.

The women were followed through 2019 or until they were diagnosed with heart disease. During that follow-up, nearly 1,600 were diagnosed with heart disease.

RELATED: Four Factors in Midlife Predict a Healthy Old Age for Women Social isolation vs. loneliness Social isolation and loneliness independently increased heart disease risk by 8% and 5% respectively. Women with high

levels of both had a 13%-27% higher risk than those with low levels of social isolation and low levels of loneliness.

The researchers pointed out that socially isolated people are not always lonely, and that lonely people are not necessarily socially isolated.

“Social isolation is about physically being away from people, like not touching or seeing or talking to other people. Lone-

13

liness is a feeling, one that can be experienced even by people who are regularly in contact with others,” explains senior author John Bellettiere, assistant professor of epidemiology at the Wertheim School of Public Health.

“We do not yet know whether the increased risk of cardiovascular disease is due to acute exposure to social isolation and loneliness, or whether prolonged exposure accumulated over a lifetime is the culprit. Further studies are needed to better understand that,” Bellettiere said in the release.

Ways to cope with loneliness One-fourth of adults 65 and older report social isolation, while one-third of adults 45 or older report being lonely. Previous research shows that social isolation is more common among women than men.

“Measures of social isolation and loneliness — even with brief questions as was done in our study — should be incorporated into standard care,” Golaszewski shares.

“We monitor our patients’ blood pressure, weight and temperature, and it might also be beneficial to capture the social needs that individuals may be lacking to better understand cardiovascular risk and develop solutions,” she adds.

If you are dealing with social isolation and loneliness, these tips may help you cope: 1. Create a list of activities you can do

by yourself.

“We can use [loneliness] as an opportunity to get to know ourselves better,” Kate Balestrieri, a licensed psychologist in Los Angeles, California shares. Take yourself to dinner, a movie, the park, a museum, a place you’ve always wanted to go. Many people look to relationships to regulate their emotions and feeling lonely can be an opportunity to learn to do that for yourself.”

2. Find a way to move your body.

“What you’re trying to do is engage your body and engage your mind out of the loneliness,” Lisa Bahar, a licensed marriage and family therapist in Newport Beach, California explains. You can try surfing, playing soccer, sailing, walking barefoot in sand or grass, etc. All of these activities can help you pay attention to the sensations in your body.

3. Try therapy.

If you are feeling lonely, having a therapist to talk to can help. “Sometimes it’s just about somebody listening to you,” Bahar says. “And that’s very important.”

4. Remember loneliness doesn’t have to be permanent.

Last, but certainly not least, remember that you are in charge of your future. “You are the architect of your future,” Balestrieri says. “You get to go out and make new bonds.”

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - February 16, 2022 - February 22, 2022

OP‑ED: Black History — Critical and Factual, Not Theory

By Congressman James E. Clyburn (D-SC), House Majority Whip Focus on the history-making contributions of Blacks in America began when Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History successfully lobbied for the creation of Negro History Week in 1926. They chose a week in February that could embrace the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. Civil Rights activities on colleges campuses in the 1960s agitated for expanding the week to the entire month of February. President Gerald Ford formalized Black History Month in 1976, and every President since has followed suit.

Black history has taken on new meaning in this polarized political era. Education Week reports that since January 2021, 14 Republican-led states (Florida, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, Utah, Oklahoma, Texas, Iowa, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Montana, and Idaho) have imposed bans or restrictions on teaching about racial issues, and similar legislation is currently pending in another 23 states. These states claim to be protecting primary and secondary school students from being taught critical race theory or “things that make white children uncomfortable.”

Theory is part of the higher education experience; not the K-12 curriculum. While no one will deny the significant accomplishments of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Rosa Parks, and Harriett Tubman to our nation’s history; telling their stories has nothing to do with “critical race theory.”

Their contributions and those of many others, are some critical race facts that are missing from most of our textbooks and

yale institute of sacred music joins the

i n n e r city news in celebrating the accomplishments of African Americans to the cultural and spiritual life of New Haven and the world.

event listings at ism.yale.edu

14

many of our discussions.

For example, I often tell the story of Thomas Edison and Lewis Latimer.

Thomas Edison’s invention of the incandescent light bulb is found in all our history books, and we are all comfortable with his story. What is not found in all our history books is the critical fact that he could not keep his bulb from overheating and burning out. It was not until Edison collaborated with Lewis Latimer, the son of escaped slaves, that he got his bulb to work. Latimer had invented a long-lasting, carbon filament. The fact that it was Latimer’s invention that made the light bulb functional, seems to be uncomfortable for some to read in our history books.

There are many other similar facts.

Thomas Savery, a white man, is known as the inventor of the steam engine; one of the most important inventions during the Industrial Revolution. However, the steam engine was very inefficient because it had to be constantly shut down for lubrication, a very dangerous and timeconsuming task. A critical and not very well-known fact is that Elijah McCoy, also the son of escaped slaves, invented an automatic oil cup, which allowed engines to be lubricated mechanically while continuing to run. His invention saved the limbs of many “oilers” and created a more efficient and cost-effective means of keeping steam trains running. It is reported in many places that Elijah McCoy’s genius as an inventor is what gave rise to the very well used question that everybody seems comfortable using; “Is that a real McCoy?” John Haldane, a Scottish inventor is often credited with having invented the gas mask during World War I, which began in 1914 and ended in 1918. The fact is Garrett Morgan, a Black man, invented the earliest gas mask after the 1911 New York Triangle Shirtwaist Company fire that killed 146 garment workers. Morgan patented his “breathing hood” in 1914, and he and his brother used the gas mask

invention in 1916 to successfully rescue workers trapped by an explosion in sewer tunnels in Morgan’s hometown of Cleveland. However, due to their race, white men were credited with the rescue.

Morgan also met resistance when trying to sell the gas masks. He hired a white actor to pose as the inventor, while he disguised himself by wearing the hood during presentations. Despite these challenges, Morgan went on to invent the three-position traffic light and sold the patent to General Electric for $40,000.

What all these inventors have in common is that these critical facts about Black Americans have been overlooked and forgotten by history. In fact, when the Lemelson-MIT Invention Index was released in 2012, of the 1,000 young people between 16 and 25 were asked who was the greatest inventor of all time, 52 percent said Thomas Edison. There were no Black inventors on the list, which illustrates how we are failing our students by perpetrating false equivalences like critical race theory verses critical race facts.

This Black History Month, we must raise our voices and fight against the false, politically motivated, narrative about schools teaching critical race theory.

Our history is what it is and no amount of whitewashing or book banning will change it. But with enlightened leadership, we can learn its lessons.

Dr. Woodson wrote of his Negro History Week creation that, “If a race has no history, it has no worthwhile tradition, it becomes a negligible factor in the thought of the world, and it stands in danger of being exterminated.”

There are so many African Americans in all walks of life who have been trailblazers. If we don’t tell their stories and teach future generations of their contributions, our history is erased. And that is a critical fact.

U.S. Congressman James E. Clyburn (D) represents the 6th District of South Carolina and is the House Majority Whip.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - February 16, 2022 - February 22, 2022

Viral Movements: How internet activism changed the world

By Nadia Reese, courtesy of Special to the AFRO,

Everyone has interacted with social media in some way. Primarily used to connect people from around the world, recently, the social platforms have taken a political approach. Now, account holders are taking to these websites to spread awareness for issues of social injustice, among other causes.

Popular websites like Facebook and Instagram have been used to capture moments and incidences of racism and police brutality. We now know the names of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Jacob Blake and so many others because of courageous users who uploaded these occurrences on their social media accounts.

The posts gained traction on the web and spread throughout the globe, causing outbreaks of protests against police brutality in cities around the world.

As more people experience the power of the internet through using social media, others are using their platforms to find their voice and advocate for causes that resonate with them.

Viral movements like #BlackLivesMatter, #BlackGirlsVote, #MeToo and #StopKillingUs were created to combat social injustices by encouraging others to speak out.

#BlackLivesMatter The Black Lives Matter movement was formed in 2013 shortly after 17-year-old Trayvon Martin was killed by security guard George Zimmerman in Florida, an incident that sent the Black community into an outrage. The organization was founded by Patrisse Cullors, Alicia Garza and Opal Tometi, with a mission to eliminate discrimination and violence inflicted by law enforcement and White supremacists against the Black community. On June 2, 2020, the hashtag “#Blacklivesmatter” reached even more accounts when users of all races and ethnicities posted blacked-out photos on Instagram as a response to the deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor. Under each post there were captions that said #BlackOutTuesday instead of #BlackLivesMatter. In May, George Floyd died after he was put in a chokehold by a police officer and Breonna Taylor died after being shot multiple

times by law enforcement as they raided her boyfriend’s home. Throughout the Black Lives Matter movement, social media stars such as Tiktok influencer, Erynn Chambers and author and activist Roxane Gay, helped others understand what was happening by posting about police brutality, Black history and ways to support the movement. Gay posted information about Juneteenth, a newly created federal holiday which observes the emancipation of slaves, while Chambers used humor to speak out to have conversations on Tik Tok about the Black community. Since then, the Black Lives Matter movement has converted into a global network with chapters in 18 cities across the United States and abroad in the United Kingdom and Canada.

liefs as well as to engage, educate and empower Black girls. Black Girls Vote went viral in 2018 after the team was able to grab the attention of universities, colleges and highschools in DMV region. The goal was to encourage at least 2,018 college students to vote in the midterm elections.

At this time, they marched to the polls with the Morgan State University marching band.

To celebrate, the organization used their Party at the Mailbox campaign which sent decorative boxes with voter information out to Baltimore-area residents. During the 2020 Presidential Election, Black Girls Vote encouraged more students to hit the polls by publishing PSAs and hosting a zoom webinar with over 10,000 viewers. There are many chapters of the Black Girls Vote organization on college campuses in the DMV including Morgan State University, Howard University and American University.

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#MeToo The #MeToo movement was founded

by Black activist Tarana Burke in 2006.

Burke, who was also a survivor of sexual violence and created this movement to help young people, the LGBQT+ community and all people of color who are survivors of sexual and domestic violence. The #MeToo movement went viral after actress Alyssa Milano accused producer, Harvey Weinstein of sexual assault.

Later, many other actresses would step forward against Weinstein such as model Cara Deleveign and actress Salma Hayek.

Through protesting, connecting individuals, partnering with organizations, and providing resources for healing, the #MeToo movement has made a global impact in eight other countries. MeToo also partnered with an organization known as the Global Fund for Women to effectively provide properly-equipped resources to help eliminate sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) around the world.

#BlackGirlsVote The Baltimore based organization, Black Girls Vote, was founded on Nov. 30, 2015

by Nykidra “Nyki” Robinson. The organization was founded on that day specifically to honor the life and work of Shirley Chisholm, a woman who inspired Robinson. Black Girls Vote supports Black women from all political parties to help them voice their concerns, opinions, be-

#StopKillingUs The movement, #StopKillingUs gained traction in 2015 as a response to the death of 18 year-old Michael Brown who died after being shot by a cop in Ferguson, Missouri. The phrase “stop killing us” became popular through an article by the New York Times titled, “Our Demand is Simple: Stop Killing Us”, by Jay Caspian Kang. The phrase was also posted on social media through paintings, graphic designs and on signs at protests.

The hashtag is usually used along with #Blacklivesmatter and it resurfaced after the deaths of Ahmaud Arbery and George Floyd.

Movements like Black Lives Matter, Black Girls Vote, #MeToo and #StopKillingUs have not only stood up against these social injustices but also encouraged others to do the same. With the use of social media, issues like sexual violence, racism and police brutality were able to reach the world. Although these movements have attracted attention, the fight to end these injustices is not over yet.

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS - February 16, 2022 - February 22, 2022

CIAA commissioner talks pandemic pivot, importance of tournament

By Micha Green, AFRO D.C. and Digital Editor

In a few short weeks Charm City will host the 76th Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Tournament, ushering in important athletic, political, career and social events for young people to seasoned adults. While the celebration’s official kickoff date is Feb. 22, CIAA Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams told the AFRO there will be events to get the CIAA party and tournament started a whole week before any institution will be going toe-to-toe for the coveted championship trophy. After missing a year of an in-person tournament, McWilliams, the CIAA team, hundreds of thousands of fans and supporters and, most important, the student athletes, are ready for the week of basketball, educational opportunities, service projects, performances and fun.

“It’s 365 days of planning, but really it’s been more than that because we hadn’t been able to get to Baltimore. Last year we had the virtual tournament so that we can stay connected to the community and relevant and continue to tell our stories, and the team has been working diligently since then to get ready for the tournament that’s coming up in less than 20 days,” Commissioner McWilliams said. “We’re all anxious, everybody’s excited. We have concerns in the sense of, we want to make sure that we put in the proper protocols to put this tournament on and make people feel good about coming,” she added.

Despite optimistic thoughts of a COVID-free tournament in 2022, after vaccinations and lowering coronavirus rates, Omicron reared its highly contagious head, requiring some changes to the original plans.

“Now that Omicron came, we’re having to shift a little bit,” McWilliams said.

CIAA Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams speaks with AFRO D.C. Editor Micha Green on AFRO Live about the CIAA Tournament 2022 in Baltimore, Md. (Courtesy Photo)

“We work in sports, so we can change the play however we need to,” the former CIAA athlete-turned-president aptly added.

For McWilliams, the first priority in pivoting has been the students who spend their whole lives prepping for their CIAA moment.

“Most important to me has been the student athletes, the venue is ready for them to play, that we put in the protocols that they are safe, and we put the right people around them to make sure that they’re safe so that they can have a great experience. The Championship means everything to every student athlete that plays in the CIAA. I played in the CIAA. If you can’t win a CIAA Tournament, it’s like

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disappointing for life, so at the end of the day we start in the venue and move out to all the spectacular things that are going on,” the Commissioner said.

Having accounted for the players’ and venue safety, updated protocols and mandated masks, the Commissioner said the week is fun-filled with several daily activities that will allow for Tournament attendees to safely attend the games as well as engage with the packed programming that offer tools, outlets and resources important to the Black community.

“To engage our community, knowing that we’re in Baltimore, the virtual pivot was huge for us,” she said. “What’s going to happen if we can’t be in person?

The relevancy in making sure that people feel connected to something. It’s Black History Month. Our tournament is at the end of the month, where people can come celebrate and reconnect. It’s a family reunion. So you had all these spaces in the virtual tournament, still allowing for connections, but not in the same way.

We’ll do a hybrid this year. We’ll have the virtual platform, but we’ll also have in-person events. There’ll be a lot of inperson events, but we’ll also pipe those into the virtual.”

In addition to the basketball games, performances and parties, the CIAA will be offering educational resources for physical, mental and women’s health, Hall of Fame celebrations, the Career Expo and its annual service project.

“With Samaritan’s Feet, we’ll do the community work and deliver shoes at a local elementary school not too far from downtown Baltimore. We did that last year with Bowie State University, we distributed 500 shoes within the community, working with Samaritan’s Feet as our partners,” Commissioner McWilliams said.

“The things that are important to us will never end,” she emphasized. “We’ll keep doing it, even if we have to do it differently. We’re very good at pivoting. Is it a lot of work? Absolutely.”

However, the hard work of changing the play, still can lead to a big win, at least

that’s what McWilliams expects from this year’s tournament.

“CIAA is of value to the economics in Baltimore. We can’t put our hand or finger on what we think those numbers will be this year, but we have people coming to the community, folks who’ve never been there, who want to come to the Tournament. It’s great exposure for the city, it’s great exposure for the community, and the way that we engage in the community, it allows for people to value all 12 of our member institutions,” McWilliams said.

“And most definitely we want to recruit in Baltimore and the DMV area. We want these students to see CIAA as a platform.

We’re a platform for 12 member institutions, and really for HBCUs. Anytime any of our Conferences that hold big events, like the Celebration Bowl, we’re all tapped into that. We support each other, we celebrate each other and it really gives us an opportunity to really gain exposure for HBCUs across the world. CIAA has that platform.”

In addition to the important public exposure gained through the CIAA offers, the Tournament is often a moment to offer opportunities for the next generation of basketball stars, CEOs and thought leaders.

“You talk about Sports, and politics, and community. Sports have always been an avenue, throughout the history of this country to lead, and HBCUs have been always in this country to lead in sports. And CIAA has left great impressions, we have Earl “The Pearl” Monroe, that played at Winston Salem State on the first Division II National Championship Team, he will be part of the experience. He’s been part of the experience since Day one, when Baltimore came to take the Tournament, and same thing with Bobby Dandridge.

We’ll do a Sports Clinic the Saturday prior, so that we can speak to these youth, give life to these youth, give them all these opportunities and accesses that they have, not just in the CIAA, but throughout life,” McWilliams said. “We all did it, we used the CIAA to get us there. I was a CIAA athlete, I played in the game, and here I am some years later, since 1991 when I graduated, now the Commissioner. So I think CIAA is important for jobs, access, and opportunity.”

Finally, with COVID-19 still plaguing the world and hitting Black communities hard, the Commissioner emphasized that it is up to all Tournament attendees to do their due diligence to keep others safe.

“We’ll be wearing masks and that’s not an option. People will need to wear masks at all of our events. We take it very seriously. Our community is impacted by COVID at the highest rates, so we have a responsibility,” she said. “If we’re going to have an event of this magnitude, then we need to make sure that people are following the protocols and being good players. We need everybody to be a part of the team so we can win.”

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - February 16, 2022 - February 22, 2022

Cheslie Kryst & High-Functioning Depression: What Is It & How to Spot It by by Christian Carter, BlackDoctor.com

Cheslie Kryst was the beautiful former Miss USA who’s death came as a surprise to nearly everyone when she leapt off her apartmaent building to her death. The former Miss USA’s death was ruled a suicide, the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner confirmed.

Kryst’s mother is opening up about losing her daughter.

“I have never known a pain as deep as this. I am forever changed. Today, what our family and friends privately knew was the cause of death of my sweet baby girl, Cheslie, was officially confirmed,” her mother, April Simpkins, said in a statement obtained by PEOPLE. “While it may be hard to believe, it’s true. Cheslie led both a public and a private life. In her private life, she was dealing with high-functioning depression which she hid from everyone — including me, her closest confidant — until very shortly before her death,” Simpkins continued.

Kryst joins a long list of other highprofile people whose high-functioning depression tragically ended in suicide.

Kryst, designer Kate Spade, fashion icon Alexander McQueen and actor Robin Williams are all perfect examples of what

high functioning depression is.

“These people are incredibly successful, famous, rich,” explains board-certified psychiatrist, Dr. Yalda Safai. “To the outside world, they are on top of the world.

They’ve already achieved everything that we all aspire to achieve. Yet they have been battling with depression their entire lives. It does not matter whether you’re successful, rich or famous. Mental illness does not discriminate. And I think it’s incredibly dangerous when a person is high functioning and depressed at the same time, because like I said, those people are least likely to seek help.”

ATLANTA, GEORGIA – DECEMBER 08: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY) Miss USA Cheslie Kryst competes in the swimsuit competition during the 2019 Miss Universe Pageant at Tyler Perry Studios on December 08, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia.

(Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images) What Is High-Functioning Depression?

High-functioning mental illness is a term to describe those living with a mental illness that most people don’t detect. It covers a broad spectrum; they might have a job, be studying, dress well, or even have the ‘perfect’ family lifestyle.

Some symptoms manifest themselves physically with aches and pains or changes in sleeping and eating patterns. Other times, people may seem disengaged from

things that once made them happy.

You May Also Like 11 Foods that Unclog Your Arteries-FAST! According to a 2015 report by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, an estimated 6.1 million adults aged 18 or older in the United States had at least one major depressive episode in the past year. This number represented 6.7 percent of all U.S. adults.

What’s more, anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the United States, affecting 40 million adults in the aged 18 and older, or 18 percent of the population.

But many mental health experts are quick to point out that, while these numbers show the commonality of depression and other conditions, the way in which people experience symptoms is varied.

Depression may not always be obvious to those around you, and we need to talk about the implications of this.

Signs You May Be Dealing with HighFunctioning Depression So, how do you know if you or someone you know may be hiding behind highfunctioning depression? Here are some signs that you may be dealing with it: • People tend to describe you as gloomy or a downer. It may be hard for you to see the bright side of any situation.

17

• Some may describe you as lazy because you find it difficult to muster the energy to accomplish basic tasks.

• It’s hard for you to feel good about

yourself, even when given a compliment.

You may continuously look for ways to Con’t on page 18

Terrorists Won’t Stop Our HBCUs THE INNER-CITY NEWS - February 16, 2022 - February 22, 2022

Op-Ed:

By Congressman Kweisi Mfume In order to ensure the safety of all Americans, it is essential that we reshape how we view and approach the growing threat of terror to our nation.

In 1995, we were shocked at the gruesome nature and carnage left behind by the Oklahoma City Bombing. Six years later, on that horrific day of September 11, 2001, nearly three-thousand Americans lost their lives as terror took the form of nineteen hijackers who penetrated the country that we call home. These individuals were driven by hate to carry out those horrific deeds. Decades later, hate towards our country and all we stand for as Americans has evolved into a new form of terrorism; one that is bred from within our borders and often over the internet.

Running parallel to the threat of foreign actors, there is a modernized breed of evil our intelligence agencies must combat – the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) identifies them as domestic violent extremists (DVEs) and homegrown violent extremists (HVEs). Both foes formulate from within our own borders to endanger the lives of Americans.

Look no further than the attacks on the Capitol Building, just a year ago, to see

the very real effects of this modern caliber of terrorism. With the connectivity of the internet and social media fostering misinformation and hate, and an ability to organize like never before, we should all be weary of what is lurking in the online world, and its capability to spawn realworld violence.

It is time for these “Americans,” who fit the mold of what a modern-day terrorist has become, to be condemned as no different than the nineteen hijackers who forever ruined almost 3,000 families on 9/11. And the threats they pose should receive a response just as consequential as the one taken by our government following the tragedies that shook our nation to its core in 2001.

As we try to understand and decipher the danger Americans face today, I want to pinpoint what U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland shed light on as the top domestic violent extremist threat facing the United States: “racially or ethnically motivated violent extremists, specifically those who advocate for the superiority of the white race.”

On Tuesday, January 5, 2022, at least eight historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), institutions that represent a beacon for Black culture, received bomb threats. Spelman College, the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, Florida Memorial University, Howard University, Norfolk State University, North Carolina Central University, Prairie View A&M University in Texas, and Xavier Universi-

ty of Louisiana were the schools targeted by these threats. Fortunately, no explosions were carried out.

However, just a few weeks later, more than a dozen HBCUs braced for cover as threatened lives hung in the balance.

The FBI made known that “hese threats are being investigated as racially or ethnically motivated violent extremism and hate crimes.”

As the calendar transitioned from January to February, it marked our country’s observance of Black History Month, a tradition with roots dating back to the earlier

1920s. I wrote on this subject at the start of the month, commenting that in order to carry on the legacies of African Americans who came before us, it essential to continue the fight they began.

The timing of this year’s terrorists is probably not a coincidence. They targeted institutions heralded for their academic prestige and ability to nurture African Americans who will pen the next chapter of Black history.

The FBI currently has narrowed its search to six “tech savvy” juveniles following further investigation into these

Wondry Cocktail Wines swaps out grapes for unique organic fruits to produce a more approachable and stronger wine

By Megan Sayles, AFRO Business Writer, Report for America Corps Member, courtesy of The Afro.com Dallas resident Whitney Gates’ prowess in winemaking was passed down to her.

Her uncle was famous in his Nashville community for his barbecue and homemade wine. However, his recipe differed from the traditional wines at local liquor stores and restaurants.

Instead of grapes, Whitney’s uncle used an array of fruits and vegetables, including peaches, pears and even corn on the cob. Even at the age of 10, she knew her uncle was onto something special because it was a catalyst for fellowship.

“Whenever he would make wine, family members and friends would flock to his home just to get a taste because the wine that he created was not only unique in that it was developed from non-grape fruits, but it also had a higher alcohol content,” said Whitney. “I really admired seeing that because not only was the wine unique but it inspired these moments of unity and also just enjoyment and escape.”

When it came time for Whitney to choose a career path, she decided to emulate her uncle’s winemaking. She began

Whitney Evans and Chazmon Gates

by teaching herself about the winemaking process, relying on cues from her uncle, and eventually, she studied viticulture at Grayson College in Texas, one of the topranked institutions for the subject.

Whitney and her husband, Chaz, launched Wondry Cocktail Wines in August 2020. The organic fruits used in the wine range from peaches to watermelon to apples, and the it has an alcohol content

of 13.9% ABV. On each bottle of Wondry Cocktail Wines, there is a recommendation for which mixer to pair it with. At the end of each year, Whitney and Chaz have committed themselves to donating a portion of their profits to underrepresented entrepreneurs.

As Black entrepreneurs themselves, the couple has been met with surprise from

18

the customers who purchase their wines.

“Less than 1% of American winemakers are Black. When we are out and about stocking shelves and things, it’s funny because people will walk past us and simply think that we are sales associates,” said Whitney. “When we tell them that we own, we bottle, we produce and we label every single bottle of Wondry Wine, they literally stop in their tracks because there is not a lot of representation within the wine industry.”

According to Chaz, there is a high barrier to entry in the wine business, which can lead to exclusivity. Fortunately, he and Whitney found time during the COVID-19 pandemic to locate a facility and purchase the necessary equipment for wine production.

While Wondry Cocktail Wines is available for purchase online, Chaz and Whitney are looking forward to expanding their retail presence. Currently, their wines are carried at Total Wine and Target in Dallas and across North Texas.

“Neither of us came from a family of great means or wealth, so this is our opportunity to build for us, and this will be a legacy that we are creating for our children,” said Chaz.

most recent threats made in early-February. These terrorists exemplify the evergrowing presence of the new breeding ground for racist terror the internet presents.

No longer do these white supremacists only meet in fields, cloaked in sheets to conceal their identities, but they also hide behind the cowardly anonymity of the internet. To those who posed these threats, wishing death upon innocent students, you may feel protected behind that screen, but know that you are not. Our intelligence communities are evolving alongside of you.

If centuries of Black history have taught the world anything, it is that African Americans will not sway nor be deterred on our path towards equality, even when a loaded gun gripped by racism is indiscriminately pointed in our direction. As the battlegrounds shift from the ones my ancestors fought on over the course of two centuries, our resilience will never quiver.

I have faith that one day this country will have racism eradicated from its soil, and these sinful individuals will merely be a footnote in our story. But until then, we must continue to fight back.

I will do everything in my power to put the force of Congress behind the efforts of our intelligence and law enforcement agencies to bring forth justice and restore safety as a freedom Americans are promised.

Con’t from page 17

Cheslie Kryst & HighFunctioning Depression criticize yourself, either internally or outwardly to others.

• Your weight fluctuates without you being on a diet plan because your appetite grows or recedes depending on your mood.

• You may find yourself crying or experiencing feelings of hopelessness for seemingly no reason.

• Your performance may seem fine at school or work, but you’re struggling to appear normal to peers.

• You find yourself tempted to use substances like drugs or alcohol to make yourself feel better.

If you are struggling with depression, or think you might be, please seek out a mental health counselor. And if someone tells you they are suffering from depression, regardless of their outside success, believe them. And assist them in finding the help they need.

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK. That’s 1-800-273-8255.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - February 16, 2022 - February 22, 2022 Con’t from page 10

3 Things to Consider • Students can’t always understand teachers • Young children, unable to see faces in classrooms, may not be developing emotional skills • Children of all ages are having a harder time making connections.

“They’re not developing empathy,” Stephanie Avanessian, a Los Angeles mother, tells NPR. “It’s taken six months for my fifth grader to make friends because it’s so hard to tell what people are doing.”

That is exactly why Europe’s infectious disease agency does not recommend masking for children under 12, and many countries avoid masking preschoolers, which is much different than the approach to children and masks in the U.S. In schools, the CDC still recommends that everyone wear masks, regardless of vaccination status.

Should you continue to wear a mask?

It depends on your personal beliefs, but Johnson believes people should continue wearing them.

“Removing the mask mandate doesn’t mean that no one should wear a mask,” Johnson adds. “There are definitely people who are maybe at higher risk or may just have a different level of acceptance of risk for whom wearing a mask will make sense. And for those people, they should absolutely continue to wear a mask, and in wearing a mask, it will help protect them from the virus.”

If you have an underlying risk that puts you at high risk for COVID, Johnson suggests basing your decision off the rate of transmission and hospitalization in your community. If these numbers are high, consider wearing a mask when indoors in public.

“We have to watch the infection rates by area. One thing I’ve always said is that understanding the risk of COVID is very much like understanding the risk of weather. You have to know what’s happening in your area,” Professor William Haseltine, an infectious disease expert and the president of ACCESS Health International says.

“I think we just need to assume that the reason to wear a mask is a highly personal one and respect people’s choice around it,” Johnson adds. “People still derive protection from wearing a mask, particularly an effective mask like the N95. They will go a long way in terms of keeping an individual safe.”

Dr. Patty Manning, chief of staff at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, adds that masks also are a good reminder to the wearer.

“When you’re wearing a mask, you’re more cognizant of safe practices,” Manning says. It reminds you that there’s still a virus out there that can make you really sick. So you may be more apt to observe prevention measures like keeping physical distance from others and washing your hands regularly.

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Steel Fabricators, Erectors & Welders Top pay for top performers. Health Benefits, 401K, Vacation Pay. Email Resume: Rose@qsrsteel.com Hartford, CT AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

tory with resume. AA/EOE M/F/Disability/Vet. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourage qualified woman and minorities to apply. Please submit your resume and project history to lreopell@cjfucci.com

NOTICIA

MECHANIC TRACTOR TRAILER

VALENTINA MACRI VIVIENDAS DE ALQUILER PRE-SOLICITUDES DISPONIBLES

ELECTRIC UTILITY ELECTRICIAN

HOME INC, en nombre de la Columbus House y de la New Haven Housing Authority, está aceptando pre-solicitudes para estudios y apartamentos de un dormitorio en este desarrollo ubicado en la calle 109 Frank Street, New Haven. Se aplican limitaciones de ingresos Electric utility seeking a highly skilled maintenance electrician with extensive substamáximos.

Lasis pre-solicitudes estarán disponibles 09 a.m.-5 p.m. comenzando Martes 25 tionjulio, experience to cuando maintain andrecibido repair suficientes transmission and distribution class switchgear, 2016 hasta se han pre-solicitudes (aproximadamente 100) bus-work, lightning arrestors, protective relays, insulators, switches en las oficinas de HOME INC. Las pre-solicitudes serán enviadas por power correo transforma petición ers,llamando data circuits, controls and other related components.

Must be a high school/trade a HOME INC al 203-562-4663 durante esas horas.Pre-solicitudes deberán remitirse school and have INC 4 years’ experience in thetercer maintenance operation of eleca lasgraduate oficinas de HOME en 171 Orange Street, piso, Newand Haven , CT 06510 .

tric utility substations and/or utility grade protection and control systems. Completion of a recognized four (4) year maintenance electrician apprenticeship program may substitute for the experience requirement. Two (2) years of college-level education or advanced training in related field may substitute for two (2) years of the experience requirement. Must possess a valid motor vehicle operator’s license issued by the State of Connecticut and be able to obtain with 6 months of hire a valid Protective Switching and Tagging Procedure certification from CONVEX or other approved agency. Wage rate: $37.78 to $41.67 hourly plus an excellent fringe benefit package. Closing date Fairmont AveResources, Town of Wallwill be February 28, 2022. 242-258 Apply: Department of Human ingford, 45 2BR South Townhouse, Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492. will be mailed 1.5 BA, 3BR, 1Applications level , 1BA upon request for the Department of Human Resources or may be downloaded from All new apartments, new appliances, new carpet, close to I-91 /&Fax: I-95(203) the Department of Human Resources Web Page.

Phone: (203) 294-2080 highways, near bus stop & shopping center 294-2084. EOE

NEW HAVEN

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

The Housing Authority of the City of Bridgeport

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

Request for Proposal (RFP) Physical Needs Assessment St. New Haven, CT Solicitation Number: 203-MD-22-S

The Housing Authority of the City of Bridgeport d/b/a Park City Communities is currently seeking proposals from qualified consultants to conduct a Physical Needs Assessment (PNA), inspections of PCC’s development portfolio, in accordance with applicable regulations issued by the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban DevelSealed bids are invited by the Housing Authority of the Town of Seymour opment (HUD). A complete set of RFP documents will be available on January 31, untilTo3:00 pma on Tuesday, August 2,you 2016 its office at 28 Smith Street, 2022. obtain copy of the solicitation mustatsend your request to bids@parkSeymour, CT 06483 for Concrete Sidewalk Repairs and Replacement at the citycommunities.org, please reference the solicitation number and title on the subject line.

A Pre-proposal conference call will be held on February 15, 2022 @ 10:00 Smithfield Gardens Assisted Living Facility, 26 Smith Street Seymour. a.m.

Although attendance is not mandatory, submitting a proposal without attending the pre-proposal conference may not be in the best interest of the Offeror. Additional A pre-bid conference willonly be held at the Housing Authority Office Smith questions should be emailed to bids@parkcitycommunities.org no28 later than Street Seymour, CT at 10:00 am, on Wednesday, July 20, 2016.

February 23, 2022 @ 3:00 p.m. Answers to all the questions will be posted on PCC’s Website: www.parkcitycommunities.org. Proposals shall be emailed, mailed, or hand delivered March 3, 2022 @ 3:00 p.m., Ms.Seymour CarolineHousing Sanchez,Authority Chief ProcureBiddingbydocuments are available fromtothe Ofment Officer, 150 Highland Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06604, or bids@parkcitycommunifice, 28 Smith Street, Seymour, CT 06483 (203) 888-4579. ties.org. Late proposals will not be accepted.

SEYMOUR HOUSING AUTHORITY

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

Full Time, Benefits, Top Pay Apply:Pace, 1425 Honeyspot

Rd. Ext., Stratford, CT EOE

Listing: Accounting Accounting Department has an immediate opening in Accounts Payable for an AP Operations Specialist. This full time position in a fast-paced office requires good computer and organizational skills, attention to detail, and multi-tasking. Benefits include health, dental & LTD insurance plus 401(k).

Send resume by email to: HRDept@eastriverenergy.com or send resume to: Human Invitation to Bid: Resource Dept. P O Box nd 388, Guilford CT 06437.

2 Notice

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

SAYEBROOKE VILLAGE

ASSISTANT TECHNOLOGY COORDINATOR

Full-time position Go to www.portlandct.org for details

Old Saybrook, CT (4 Buildings, 17 Units) Tax Exempt & Not Prevailing Wage Rate Project

DISPATCHER POLICE OFFICER Town of Wallingford is seeking responsible candidates to perform 911, police, fire New Construction, Wood Framed, Housing,The Selective Demolition, Site-work, Castand EMS emergency dispatching duties. Must be able to work under stressful condiCity ofin-place Bristol Concrete, Asphalttions Shingles, and beVinyl ableSiding, to type information with a high rate of speed and accuracy. Must be

Flooring, Painting, Division 10 Specialties, Appliances, able to work allResidential three shiftsCasework, including weekends and holidays and be able to work ad$69,017 - $83,893/yr. ditional shifts beyond the regular shift schedule. Requires a H.S. or business school diMechanical, Electrical, Plumbing and Fire Protection.

Required testing, with courses in typing and 2 years of responsible office work experience. Wages: This contract isinfo, subject and to state set-aside ploma and contract compliance requirements. registration apply $ 23.72 ~ online: www.bristolct.gov $28.28 hourly plus shift differential and excellent fringe benefits. Closing date is FebruaryAugust 16, 2022, or the date of receipt of the 50th application, whichever occurs first.

Bid Extended, Due Date: 5, 2016 Apply: 15, Department DEADLINE: 02-25-22 Anticipated Start: August 2016 of Human Resources, Town of Wallingford, 45 South Main St., Wallingford, CT 06492. Forms will be mailed upon request from the Department of EOE Project documents available via ftp link below: Human Resources or may be downloaded from the Department of Human Resources http://ftp.cbtghosting.com/loginok.html?username=sayebrookevillage Web Page. Phone: 203-294-2080, Fax: 203-294-2084. EOE.

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

ASSISTANT

Legal Notice Request for Proposals The South Central Regional Council of Gov-

HCC encourages the participation of all Veteran,ernments S/W/MBE & (SCRCOG) Section 3 CertifiedisBusinesses seeking the services from a qualified consultant(s) with Haynes Construction Company, 32 Progress Ave, Seymour, CT 06483 expertise in Hazard Mitigation Planning to update the South Central Region: AA/EEO EMPLOYER Multi-Jurisdiction Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP). Disadvantaged Business En-

Full-time position Go to www.portlandct.org for details 20

terprise firms are strongly encouraged to respond as a prime contractor or to play a significant role within a consultant team. Responses are due by March 8, 2022 (2:30 p.m. local time). The full RFP document can be viewed at SCRCOG’s website: www.scrcog.org or can be made available upon request.

INNER-CITY NEWS July 27,162016 - August 02, 2016 THE INNER-CITY NEWS - February , 2022 - February 22, 2022

NOTICE VALENTINA MACRI RENTAL HOUSING PRE- APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE HOME INC, on behalf of Columbus House and the New Haven Housing Authority, is accepting pre-applications for studio and one-bedroom apartments at this development located at 108 Frank Street, New Haven. Maximum income limitations apply. Pre-applications will be available from 9AM TO 5PM beginning Monday Ju;y 25, 2016 and ending when sufficient pre-applications (approximately 100) have been received at the offices of HOME INC. Applications will be mailied upon request by calling HOME INC at 203-562-4663 during those hours. Completed preapplications must be returned to HOME INC’s offices at 171 Orange Street, Third Floor, New Haven, CT 06510.

NOTICIA VALENTINA MACRI VIVIENDAS DE ALQUILER PRE-SOLICITUDES DISPONIBLES HOME INC, en nombre de la Columbus House y de la New Haven Housing Authority, está aceptando pre-solicitudes para estudios y apartamentos de un dormitorio en este desarrollo ubicado en la calle 109 Frank Street, New Haven. Se aplican limitaciones de ingresos máximos. Las pre-solicitudes estarán disponibles 09 a.m.-5 p.m. comenzando Martes 25 julio, 2016 hasta cuando se han recibido suficientes pre-solicitudes (aproximadamente 100) en las oficinas de HOME INC. Las pre-solicitudes serán enviadas por correo a petición llamando a HOME INC al 203-562-4663 durante esas horas.Pre-solicitudes deberán remitirse a las oficinas de HOME INC en 171 Orange Street, tercer piso, New Haven , CT 06510 .

Electric

Apprentice Lineman ‑ Electric is seeking candidates for a paid training NEWutility HAVEN program leading to qualification as a First Class Lineman. Applicants must be a H.S. Fairmont Ave must be in good physical graduate or an equivalent in242-258 experience and training. Also, condition to2BR perform the duties of the position.

Hourly $26.01 to $37.35, plus Townhouse, 1.5 BA, 3BR, 1rate:level , 1BA

an excellent fringe benefit package. The closing date for applications is February 16, All new apartments, new appliances, new carpet, close to I-91 & I-95 2022 or the date the fiftieth (40) application is received, whichever occurs first. Apply: highways, near busofstop & shopping Department of Human Resources, Town Wallingford, 45 center South Main Street, Wallingford,Pet CTunder 06492, Forms will be mailed upon request from the @ Department of Human 40lb allowed.

Interested parties contact Maria 860-985-8258 Resources or may be downloaded from the Department of Human Resources Web Page.

CT. Unified Deacon’sPhone Association is pleased to offer aFax: Deacon’s # (203) 294-2080, 203-294-2084 EOE. Certificate Program. This is a 10 month program designed to assist in the intellectual formation of Candidates in response to the Church’s Ministry needs. The cost is $125. Classes start Saturday, August 20, 2016 1:303:30 Contact: Chairman, Deacon Joe J. Davis, M.S., B.S. (203) 996-4517 Host, General Bishop Elijah Davis, D.D. Pastor of Pitts Chapel U.F.W.B. Church 64 Brewster St. New Haven, CT

State of Connecticut Office of Policy and Management

SEYMOUR HOUSING AUTHORITY The State of Connecticut, Office of Policy and Management is recruiting for a Sealed bids are invited by the Housing Authority of the Town of Seymour Leadership Associate (target class Budget Analyst) and a Procurement Policy Development until 3:00 pmCoordinator. on Tuesday, August 2, 2016 at its office at 28 Smith Street, Further information regarding the duties, eligibilityRepairs requirements and applicationatinSeymour, CT 06483 for Concrete Sidewalk and Replacement the structions are available at: Smithfield Gardens Assisted Living Facility, 26 Smith Street Seymour. https://www.jobapscloud.com/CT/sup/bulpreview. asp?R1=220116&R2=5989VR&R3=001

A pre-bid conference will be held atand the Housing Authority Office 28 Smith https://www.jobapscloud.com/CT/sup/bulpreview.

Street Seymour, CT at 10:00 am, on Wednesday, July 20, 2016. asp?R1=220116&R2=1581MP&R3=001

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer Bidding documents are available from the Seymour Ofand strongly encourages the applications of women,Housing minorities,Authority and persons disabilities. fice, 28 Smith Street, Seymour, CTwith 06483 (203) 888-4579.

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

CITY OF MILFORD

Seeking qualified condidates to fill numerous vacancies to include, Deputy Assessor, Mechanic Sewer Line, Public Health Nurse and more. For information and detailed application instructions, visit www.ci.milford.ct.us Click on SERVICES, JOBS and JOB TITLE.

POLICE OFFICER City of Bristol

Listing: Dispatcher Extremely fast paced petroleum company needs a full time evening (which includes on call and weekend coverage) detail oriented experienced Dispatcher. Must have petroleum experience and a strong logistics background and a minimum of two years previous experience required. Send resume to: HR Manager, P.O. Box 388, Guilford, CT. 06437 ********An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer**********

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR REFUSE REMOVAL SERVICES FOR ALL HOUSING AUTHORITY DESIGNATED PROPERTIES

$69,017 - $83,893/yr.

Required testing, registration info, and apply online: www.bristolct.gov DEADLINE: 02-25-22 EOE

DRIVER CDL CLASS A

THE HOUSING AUTHORITY of the CITY OF NEW BRITAIN (Authority) will receive sealed bids, in TRIPLICATE, for the collection of solid waste at all of its low and moderate income developments within the City of New Britain. Bids will be received until March 04, 2022 at 2:00 PM at the office of the Authority, 16 Armistice Street, New Britain, CT 06053, at which time they will be publicly opened and read aloud.

There will be a pre-bid walk-thru on February 18, 2022 at 10:00 AM at the Authority’s offices.

To obtain a copy of the "Request for Proposal," please visit www.nbhact.org procurement.

Director of Housing Choice Voucher Program

Full Time – All Shifts Top

Pay-Full Benefits

The Housing Authority of the City of Bristol is seeking an energetic individual who has at least three (3) years’ experience as an HCV Program Manager or Supervisor.

Knowledge of HUD-related regulations required. Must be able to work flexible hours.

Must have a valid CT Driver’s License; this position requires occasional in-state travel.

This is a full-time position with excellent benefits; salary is commensurate with experience. Interested candidates should mail a resume and professional references by Friday, InvitationFebruary to Bid: 25, 2022 to:

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

SENIOR ADMINITRATIVE2 Notice Signe Lambertsen, HR Manager, The Housing Authority of the City of Bristol, 164 SAYEBROOKE VILLAGE Jerome Avenue, Bristol, CT 06010 nd

ASSISTANT

Old Saybrook, CT If submitting the required documentation electronically, send to Slambertsen@bristol(4 Buildings,housing.org 17 Units) using “RESUME – Director of Housing Choice Voucher Program” in the subject line.

Full-timeTaxposition Exempt & Not Prevailing Wage Rate Project

Go to www.portland- The Bristol Housing Authority of the City of Bristol is an equal opportunity employNew Construction, Framed, Housing, Demolition, Caster.Selective All applicants will beSite-work, considered for employment without attention to race, color, ct.org forWood details

sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability in-place Concrete, Asphaltreligion, Shingles, Vinyl Siding, status.

Flooring, Painting, Division 10 Specialties, Appliances, Residential Casework, QSR STEEL Mechanical, CORPORATION Electrical, Plumbing and Fire Protection.

Preferred experience – HUD Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Rental Calculation – This contract is subject to state set-aside and contract compliance form 50058 and/orrequirements. form 50059. Also, supervisory experience preferred.

APPLY NOW!

Bid Extended, Due Date: August 5, 2016 Steel Fabricators, Erectors & Welders Top pay for top performers.

HealthStart: here Anticipated Augustye15,here 2016ye, from: the father, the great i am and our lord and savior yehoshua hamashiach, to: the land of canaan, heaven on earth located Benefits, 401K,Project Vacation Pay. documents available via ftp link below:

in the kingdom of thee most high. we, bring good news that a private http://ftp.cbtghosting.com/loginok.html?username=sayebrookevillage covenant between a living man, living woman and the manifested human, woman-child is granted life beyond the reasonable doubt from Fax or Email Questions & Bids to: Dawn Lang @ 203-881-8372 dawnlang@haynesconstruction.com the mother’s womb by the fore-gifted appellation: sheHCC encourages the participation of all Veteran, S/W/MBE & Section 3 Certifiedmemorialized Businesses Haynes Construction Company, 32 Progress Ave, Seymour, CT 06483 neane., “ i formed sheneane in the womb, i knew sheneane. before AA/EEO EMPLOYER she was born, i sanctified her. i have appointed sheneane a diplomatic agent to nations.” born july 28, 1972 , today, she is free, among the Full Time, Benefits, Top Pay living, in the kingdom with eternal security for ever and ever. glory to thee most highest.’ shalom.

Apply:Pace, 1425 Honeyspot (all rights reserved and retained without prejudice) Rd. Ext., Stratford, CT EOE Email Resume: Rose@qsrsteel.com Hartford, CT AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

MECHANIC TRACTOR TRAILER

21

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - February , 2022 - February 22, 2022 INNER-CITY NEWS July 27,16 2016 - August 02, 2016

Construction

Garrity Asphalt Reclaiming, Inc seeks:

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

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

Maximum income limitations apAffirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer ply. Pre-applications will be available from 9AM TO 5PM beginning Monday Ju;y 25, 2016 and ending when sufficient pre-applications (approximately 100) have been received at the offices of HOME INC. Applications will be mailied upon reGarrity Asphalt Incduring seeks: CT Fence quest by calling HOMEReclaiming, INC at 203-562-4663 those hours.Large Completed pre- Company looking for an individual for our Reclaimer Operators and Milling Operators with current licensing PVCStreet, Fence Third Production Shop. Experience preferred but will applications must be returned to HOME INC’s offices at 171 Orange and clean driving record, be willing to travel throughout the Northtrain the right person. Must be familiar with carpentry hand Floor, New Haven, CT 06510. east & NY. We offer excellent hourly rate & excellent benefits & power tools and be able to read a CAD drawing and tape measure. Use of CNC Router machine a plus but not required, will train the right person. This is an in-shop production poContact: Rick Tousignant Phone: 860‑ 243‑2300 sition. Duties include building fence panels, posts, gates and Email: rick.touMust have a valid CT driver’s license & be able to obtain VALENTINAsignant@garrityasphalt.com MACRI VIVIENDAS DE ALQUILER PRE-SOLICITUDESmore.

DISPONIBLES a Drivers Medical Card. Must be able to pass a physical and Women & Minority Applicants are encouraged to apply drug test. Please email resume to pboucher@atlasoutdoor.com.

Affirmative Action/deEqual Opportunity HOME INC, en nombre la Columbus House y Employer de la New Haven Housing Authority, está AA/EOE-MF aceptando pre-solicitudes para estudios y apartamentos de un dormitorio en este desarrollo ubicado en la calle 109 Frank Street, New Haven. Se aplican limitaciones de ingresos máximos. Las pre-solicitudes estarán disponibles 09 a.m.-5 p.m. comenzando Martes 25 Tractor Trailer Driver for Heavy & Highway Construction Equipjulio,Must 2016have hastaacuando se han recibido suficientes pre-solicitudes ment.

CDL License, clean driving record, capable of (aproximadamente 100) en las oficinas HOME INC. Las pre-solicitudes serán enviadas porSeeking correo atopetición operating heavyde equipment; be willing to travel throughout the employ experienced individuals in the labor, foreman, llamando HOME INC alexcellent 203-562-4663 horas.Pre-solicitudes deberánand remitirse Northeast &aNY. We offer hourlydurante rate &esas excellent benefits operator teamster trades for a heavy outside work statewide. a las oficinas de HOME INC en 171 Orange Street, tercer piso, New Haven , CT personal 06510 . transportation and a valid drivers license reReliable

NOTICE

PVC FENCE PRODUCTION

NOTICIA

Union Company seeks:

Construction

Information Technology Police Network Administrator Seeking a highly responsible manager to direct the information technology function of the Wallingford Police Department. Work involves administering LAN/WAN computer networks and planning, scheduling and coordinating the installation of related hardware and software in offices, fleet vehicles and remote sites. The position requires a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field, plus 5 years of progressively responsible experience in all phases of information technology processing of which 3 years must be in the administration of LAN/WAN systems and maintenance in a Windows Server environment, including 2 years of web design and development, or an equivalent combination of education and qualifying experience. Must possess and maintain a valid CT driver’s license. Must obtain COLLECT/NCIC system certification from the State of Connecticut within one year of hire. Salary: $82,968 to $106,151 annually plus an excellent fringe benefit package. Application materials may be obtained at the Department of Human Resources, Town of Wallingford, 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492 or may be downloaded from the Department of Human Resources Web Page.

Phone #: (203) 294-2080, Fax #: (203) 294-2084. Applications and resumes can be emailed to: wlfdhr@wallingfordct.gov by the closing date of February 22, 2022 or the date the 50th application is received, whichever occurs first. EOE.

The Housing Authority of the City of Bridgeport Request for Proposal (RFP) Summary Process Counsel Solicitation Number: 204-LG-22-S

The Housing Authority of the City of Bridgeport d/b/a Park City Communities is currently seeking proposals from attorneys/law firms to conduct Summary Process (Evictions) for properties administered by Park City Communities. A complete set of RFP quired. To apply please call (860) 621-1720 or send resume to: documents will be available on January 31, 2022. To obtain a copy of the solicitation you must send your request to bids@parkcitycommunities.org, please reference soliciPersonnel Department, P.O. Box 368, Cheshire, CT06410. tation number and title on the subject line. A Pre-Proposal conference call will be held Email: dana.briere@garrityasphalt.com on February 15, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. Although attendance is not mandatory submitting a Women & Minority Applicants are encouraged to apply Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/V proposal without attending the pre-proposal conference may not be in the best interest Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer Drug Free Workforce of the Offeror. Additional questions should be emailed only to bids@parkcitycommuniInvitationties.org to Bid: no later than February 23, 2022 at 3:00 p.m. Answers to all the questions will be posted on PCC’s Website: www.parkcitycommunities.org Proposals shall be emailed, 242-258 Fairmont Ave State of Connecticut 2nd Notice mailed, or hand delivered by March 03, 2022, at 3:00 p.m., to Ms. Caroline Sanchez, Office of Policy 2BR Townhouse, 1.5 BA, 3BR, 1 level , 1BA Chief Procurement Officer, 150 Highland Ave. Bridgeport, CT 06604, or bids@parkciand Management tycommunities.org.

Late proposals will not be accepted.

All new apartments, new appliances, new carpet, close to I-91 & I-95 Old Saybrook, CT

Contact Dana at 860‑243‑2300

NEW HAVEN

SAYEBROOKE VILLAGE

highways, near bus stop & shopping center Pet under 40lb allowed. Interested parties contact Maria @ 860-985-8258

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

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

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

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

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

The State of Connecticut, Office(4ofBuildings, 17 Units) Policy and Management is recruiting Multi discipline Real estate firm is seeking a Senior manager to overTax Exempt & Not Prevailing Wage Rate Project for a Staff Attorney 1 (confidential) see property management department which includes a portfolio of position.

4M sf. Minimum 7 years of real estate experience, position includes

New Construction, Wood Framed, Housing, Selective Demolition, Site-work, Cast-client relationships, capital budgets Further information regarding the duties, overseeing staff, maintaining eligibility requirements and application in-place Concrete, Asphaltand Shingles, Vinyl Siding, working on new development projects. Competitive salary & instructions are available at: benefi t package.

Flooring, Painting, Division 10 Specialties, Appliances, Residential Casework,

https://www.jobapscloud.com/ Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing and Fire Protection.

CT/sup/bulpreview.asp?R1 Excellent benefits, 401k. Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. =211124&R2=1637CR&R3=001 Please submit resumes to openjobs.group@fusco.com. Phone calls will not be accepted.

This contract is subject to state set-aside and contract compliance requirements.

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encouragesBid the Extended, applications Due Date: August 5, 2016 of women, minorities, and persons Anticipated Start: August 15, 2016 with disabilities.

INVITATION TO BID: LaRosa Building Group invites Site Project documents available ftp link below:to bid 340+ Dixwell Ave in New Haven, CT conworkviacontractors sisting of the new construction of 70 residential units. This project is http://ftp.cbtghosting.com/loginok.html?username=sayebrookevillage POLICE OFFICER subject to CHRO Set Aside requirements and the City of New Haven Fax orCity Email Questions & Bids to: Dawn Lang @ 203-881-8372 of Bristol ¼ and ½dawnlang@haynesconstruction.com Ordinance. Trade contractor bids are due to LaRosa no later HCC encourages the participation of all Veteran, S/W/MBE & Section 3 Certified Businesses than 3PM Thursday, March 03, 2022. Bids can be emailed to Vince Construction Company, 32 Progress Ave, Seymour, CT 06483 $69,017Haynes - $83,893/yr.

Parete vparete@larosabg.com or faxed to 203-599-6210. Plans and Required testing, AA/EEO EMPLOYER specifications are available electronically by contacting Vince Parete registration info, and apply by email or phone 203-235-1770. LaRosa Building Group is an Affironline: www.bristolct.gov mative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer. Small, Minority, WomDEADLINE: 02-25-22 en, Disabled, and Section 3 Businesses are strongly encouraged to bid.

EOE 22

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - February 16, 2022 - February 22, 2022

Merceditas S. Villanueva, MD

Everything we do is with the greatest of care.

It may be treating pre-term babies and their sleep-deprived parents. Using tumor profiling to personalize cancer therapies. Or leading the way in advanced robot-assisted surgeries. Whatever the situation, and whoever the patient, all of our acclaimed doctors, nurses, and caregivers are committed to the same thing: doing their jobs with the greatest of care.

23

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - February 16, 2022 - February 22, 2022

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