INNER-CITY NEWS

INNER-CITY NEWS July 27, 02, THE INNER-CITY NEWS - March 25,2016 2020- August - March 31,2016 2020

Financial Justice Key FocusForatRemote 2016Learning NAACPDuring Convention Hillhouse Lends StudentsaChromebooks COVID-19 New Haven, Bridgeport

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Volume 27 . No. 2379 Volume 21 No. 2194

Malloy Malloy To To Dems: Dems:

“DMC” Due To Covid-19

Ignore Ignore“Tough “ToughOn OnCrime” Crime” Grant St. Shelter Emptied March Is Women History Month

Black Women Scientists

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Westport Museum

THE INNER-CITY NEWS -

March 25, 2020 - March 31, 2020

Grant St. Shelter Emptied Due To Covid-19

by PAUL BASS & THOMAS BREEN New Haven I ndependent

Cornell Scott Hill Health Center has removed all patients from its Grant Street inpatient addiction-recovery facility after two people there tested positive for Covid-19. It has also taken steps at all its facilities to enable people to get health care without getting sick.

That update comes from Cornell Scott Hill Health CEO Michael Taylor.

Taylor told the Independent Tuesday that all 25 patients at the residential treatment center on Grant Street have been relocated. Some are homeless, and are being put up in motel rooms.

Some had a place to go and are staying in isolation. All are being treated remotely.

Hill Health took that action in consultation with the city Health Department after first a Grant Street staff member, then a patient, tested positive for the coronavirus. They are both now being treated at Yale New Haven Hospital.

Then a third person, who was visiting Hill Health’s Columbus Avenue facility, displayed possible symptoms. That person has been tested and is currently at the hospital as well.

“We were having one person after another. We knew we had a situation on our hands,” Taylor said.

“We are taking every precaution to protect both staff and our patients.”

No one else associated with the Grant Street shelter has tested positive, according to Taylor.

Now Hill Health is making sure at all its facilities that anyone arriving staff as well as patients is screened for symptoms before going inside.

The center has set up tables outside each facility to do that.

The centers continue to see patients, although “people are justifiably reluctant” to come in for preventive care appointments, Taylor said.

Hill Health operates 11 locations in New Haven County.

During a press briefing Monday, Mayor Justin Elicker and city Health Director Maritza Bond alluded to the cases at the rehab facility, though they did not identify it.

Two patients at a local substance abuse recovery program have either tested positive or are suspected of having Covid-19, while around 15 fellow patients in that same shelter have gone into self-isolation as they

too are tested for the novel coronavirus.

Mayor Justin Elicker delivered that update Monday afternoon during his latest virtual coronavirus-related press conference, which was held via the Zoom online video-sharing app.

Elicker and city Health Director Maritza Bond said that a total of three people affiliated with a small local substance abuse recovery program—which they refused to identify by name—have either tested positive or are strongly suspected of having Covid-19.

Two of those people are patients who stay in one of the program’s shelters, while one is an employee who works in a separate facility that is part of the same local healthcare system. All three are currently hospitalized and in stable condition, Bond said.

Elicker and Bond said that one of those patients tested positive Monday morning, marking the 13th confirmed positive covid-19 case in the city.

The second patient’s test results have not yet come back, Elicker said, though that patient does have symptoms that correspond with the respiratory illness caused by the novel coronavirus and the city strongly suspects that that patient does have Covid-19.

The employee, meanwhile, tested positive for Covid-19 on Saturday.

Elicker and Bond said that employee works in a separate program that is affiliated with the same local substance abuse recovery program that operates the shelter with the two symptomatic patients.

“All of the other [patients] are being tested right now and are in self-isolation,” Elicker said about the roughly 15 fellow patients who share the same shelter space as the patient who tested positive and the other patient suspected of having Covid-19.

“We have to not compromise the confidentiality,” Bond said about the city’s decision not to share the name of the substance abuse recovery program. “We do not want to stigmatize, and we want to preserve the privacy of those infected.”

Elicker defended the decision not to share the name of the facility by saying that his administration does not want people to panic and unduly fear an organization that is still providing safe healthcare services just because several people there have tested positive for Covid-19 and are now selfisolating.

THOMAS BREEN PHOTO

CEO Taylor: Precautions taken.

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“Part of our concern is that we’re protecting the integrity of organizations from misinformation or misunderstanding of the actual significance of small pieces of information,” he said.

Other updates Monday included: • Elicker said that the Southern Connecticut Regional Water Authority donated 200 N95 masks to the city at a time when governments, emergency responders, and hospitals around the country are desperately in need of such protective equipment.

Police Chief Otoniel Reyes reported that Walmart and a small construction company from Litchfield also donated N95 masks to the city.

• The homeless individual who tested positive for Covid-19, escaped quarantine at Yale New Haven Hospital on Sunday, and made his way to Milford is being monitored by the Milford Health Department.

• The city has not yet opened at Career High School the planned 75-bed shelter for homeless people who test positive for covid-19 but do not require hospitalization. “We’re working very hard to get this site online,” Elicker said. When asked about Yale’s new shelter at Payne Whitney Gymnasium for Yale staff, students and faculty who test positive for covid-19 but do not require hospitalization, the mayor said, “I think its a positive step that we have more facilities in the city that can alleviate pressure on the hospital. I think we all need to work together.”

• When asked about his message for local business owners who will have to close up their physical offices Monday night to comply with the governor’s latest emergency executive order, Elicker said that the restrictive orders, as difficult as they may be, have an economic as well as a public health justification.

“While this is going to have a deep toll on our businesses in New Haven and other communities,” he said, “the economic impact if we don’t take action now will be much much more significant. Even though there’s a very, very strong justification from a health perspective for what we’re doing, there’s also a strong economic reason for experiencing some pain now so that we don’t have incredible amounts of pain in the future economically.”

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - March 25, 2020 - March 31, 2020

Correction Department Held Back Info On Infected Employee

by Lisa Backus Ct. News Junkie

State Department of Correction officials are under fire after failing to announce a potential case of the coronavirus among prison staff despite questions posed by legislators.

DOC officials announced Monday that a correction employee assigned to the Garner Correctional Institution in Newtown has tested positive for COVID-19, the quick-spreading disease caused by the coronavirus.

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The person last entered the prison on March 17 — the day Sen. Gary Winfield, D-New Haven, the co-chair of the Judiciary Committee, sent a letter to DOC Commissioner Rollin Cook questioning agency policies on preventing the spread of the disease and asking if a release of some of the prison population was imminent to keep inmates safe.

Cook did not mention the potential that an employee could be infected with the virus in his response to Winfield’s questions sent late Friday.

“I am extremely upset about this,” Winfield said minutes after the DOC released the information about the positive test Monday. “At this point, no matter what happened, the fact that there isn’t a plan to deal with this and there will be no way to explain it. On top of that, my job is to make sure there is oversight. I asked specific questions. I don’t even know what we’re doing. It may be too late, but I need answers.”

DOC officials stalled throughout the weekend in responding to questions about potential positive test results

at the prisons. Agency spokesperson Karen Martucci said information would be coming out Monday. The employee, who has not been named, has been selfmonitoring at home since Wednesday, she said.

As of Monday, anyone entering the state’s prison will undergo a “wellness” check, including having their temperature taken, Martucci said. It is unclear if incoming inmates from the state’s courts were having their temperature checked or any medical assessments before being processed into a state prison.

DOC officials said previously that incoming inmates would be screened with “questions.”

Winfield had sent Cook a letter March 17 seeking answers on the agency’s policies regarding the virus including the potential early release of prisoners to ease overcrowding with the onset of COVID-19 in Connecticut.

The response he received five days later was inadequate and didn’t provide the answers he was seeking, Winfield said Saturday. “My concerns are that the answers that I have gotten weren’t the answers to my questions,” said Winfield who is now seeking clarification from both Cook and the office of Gov. Ned Lamont.

Statewide there have been 10 fatalities and 415 people with positive test results for COVID-19 as of Monday, according to Lamont who has been issuing executive orders limiting large groups, closing businesses and encouraging people to stay home. The elderly and those with prior health conditions are the most likely to develop serious complications or death. The virus causes fever, cough

and difficulty breathing.

Advocates who called for the release of inmates last week contend that state prisons are a ripe environment for the easy spread of the highly communicable disease among a vulnerable population that is already prone to health issues including opioid use disorder, hepatitis C and other conditions.

But it didn’t appear that DOC officials were making a move to get low-level offenders out before the virus could take hold in the state’s prisons. Cook did shut down volunteer and community visits to cut down on the potential introduction of the virus into the prison system.

But many say it’s not going to be enough to quell the spread of the disease in tight quarters.

Carmen Nieves has been protesting live on Facebook for nearly a week from outside the Bridgeport Correctional Center where her husband, Juan Rivera, is being held, to seek his release before the virus blows through state prisons.

“They are scared,” Nieves said of her husband and the men she can hear calling out to her as she speaks to Rivera on a daily basis. “They are getting depressed. The government doesn’t care about our prison system.”

She’s been standing across the street from the BCC facility every day since Tuesday in an attempt to draw attention to what she calls inaction on the part of the DOC and the state Judicial Branch.

“I’m seeing the judicial marshal trucks bringing in more people every day,” she said. “I saw one marshal who crossed the street and went into a store and then came back and went inside without any protective equipment.”

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Carmen Nieves and her husband, Juan Rivera. Nieves has been protesting live on Facebook for nearly a week from outside the Bridgeport Correctional Center.

Rather than a massive emptying of the prisons, Winfield and community re-entry officials are asking for a measured response that would release offenders who have a place to go and supports.

“I’m not advocating for the release of someone who doesn’t have a home,” said Daryl McGraw, a Senior Re-Entry Analyst with the Institute for Municipal and Regional Planning at Central Connecticut State University.

McGraw instead suggested opening up state college campuses, which are now empty, to house low-level offenders who are being held on low bonds to spread

out the rest of the prison population in individual rooms instead of dormitories that house dozens at a time. “DOC also has some closed facilities,” he said. “You could open partial areas of the buildings to quarantine people at least. They do have the buildings, they do have the space.”

As a former inmate who now works in re-entry McGraw said “it’s impossible” for prisoners to practice “social distancing” while incarcerated. “Short of a lockdown, it is impossible,” he said. “And anybody who is in a dorm setting can’t do that.”

Westport Museum & Portraitist Jerri Graham Partner to Document Westporters’ Corona Virus Response Long-Lens Oral History Project from Connecticut’s hardest hit town to be archived for future generations.

Westport Museum for History & Culture launched Westport In Focus today, an online exhibit collaboration between the museum and Westport photographer, Jerri Graham. The exhibit which will be appear on social media platforms, will allow Westporters from all walks of life to tell their own stories about living in the Connecticut town considered “ground zero” for the Corona virus epidemic in the state.

The project can be viewed on Instagram @WestportFocus and Facebook @ WestportInFocus and on the Museum’s e-newsletter with signups on the home page of Museum website westporthistory.org.

“History happens every day and all around us,” said Ramin Ganeshram, Westport Museum, Executive Director.

“Sometimes that fact is more apparent than at others in our lives but this is one of those times when it is crystal clear.

Our hope is that we can record history

for posterity and for the knowledge of future generations.”

Graham’s brainchild, Westport in Focus marries the skill of the experienced portraitist with the curatorial and oral history expertise of the museum. The goal is to create a living history of the town’s experience as “ground- zero” for Corona-Virus in Connecticut. Westporters—and those who work in Westport— are encouraged to participate and share their stories of living in this new and discomfiting reality.

“In an effort to remain connected as a community, our mission is to show our faces to our neighbors,” said Jerri Graham. “We can’t forget who we are behind the closed doors during this pandemic.

Partnering with Westport Museum to create a living history to be archived for future generations will demonstrate how we survived, thrived, and maintained our humanity as a town in this unprecedented time.”

Graham is United States Navy-trained professional photographer and the cre-

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ative and business force behind the popular food brand Nothin’ But granola. For twelve years she was a writer and editor, in Asia and the US. She’s lived in Westport for 13 years where she has built a business as a portraitist who captures unique aspects of her subjects. Graham’s recent exhibition Hope Starts Here 2020 raised awareness and funds for Stage 4 Metastatic Breast Cancer through a partnership with AWARE, a local nonprofit that highlights a different charity each year.

“My father always emphasized the importance of telling a story through your images,” said Graham of her dad who owned his own medical lab where she grew up in Ohio and was also a dedicated amateur photographer. “His advice resonates more than ever right now and I consider it a duty to document this critical time in our town and nation’s history.”

The virtual living history exhibit has already garnered interest from those who

want to mark special occasions or life events in a meaningful way now that social gatherings are discouraged. Others feel the project gives voice to feelings and concerns that are difficult to share.

In all cases, participants have noted that the project allows them to feel connected to community.

The museum intends to continue this mode of oral history well after the immediate crisis has passed.

“Our intent is that this project will be the foundation of the museum’s new approach to the medium of oral history—one that uses visual storytelling and social media platforms to make an immediate connection with others now and tomorrow,” said Ganeshram Contact: Mariet Griffiths, Marketing Manager marketing@westporthistory. org 203-918-1802

THE INNER-CITY NEWS -

March 25, 2020 - March 31, 2020

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

Financial Justice a Key Focus at 2016 NAACP Convention New Haven, Bridgeport

INNER-CITYNEWS Volume 21 No. 2194

A Message from The Inner City Newspaper As a news media outlet we are aware of the magnitude of these times with Covid-19.

During these extraordinary and unprecedented times, we remain steadfast and committed as a platform to educate our Community and readership on the precautions needed to combat the spread of the Coronavirus as it remains virulent.

Malloy Malloy To To Dems: Dems:

Our messaging is a vital component in the fight to mitigate the effects of this outbreak, bringing accurate information and facts to the communities we serve. We know that businesses, education institutions, municipalities and everyday citizens depend on us to provide facts.

“DMC”

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As the most trusted print platform targeting The African American Community in Southern Connecticut, we continue to serve our readership with the most current information updates during this pandemic.

Our weekly publication schedule will run as normal, including the distribution of our paper at our regular drop off locations.

Our distribution points are in key vital areas of foot traffic that have not been effected; Grocery Stores, Pharmacies, Banks and other retail locations which continue to remain open.

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Be assured we will continue to serve your business and our community readership during these challenging times. For 30 years we have provided a solid vehicle for branding, messaging and information sharing. We have garnered the support and trust of our communities allowing The Inner-City News to be a steady and trusted voice. We move forward through these 1 difficult times. We are here for you and your business needs. We are here for your news and information needs.

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We are here for the long haul.

John P. Thomas Publisher & CEO Penfield Communications, Inc. The Inner-City News

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS - March 25, 2020 - March 31, 2020

Hillhouse Lends Students Chromebooks For Remote Learning During COVID-19

by MAYA MCFADDEN New Haven I ndependent

James Hillhouse High School parents and students responded on short notice Monday to pick up Chromebooks to gain access to online schoolwork while New Haven Public Schools remain indefinitely closed due to the spread of COVID-19.

Hillhouse Principal Glen Worthy said families were given a notice via email, robocall, and text on Sunday that laptops would be lent out.

Other schools in the system were making similar loans.

About 10 Hillhouse administrators managed the scene at the high school, which first required the students and parents to come into the school lobby one family at a time. A security guard remained at the door letting people in from the light snowfall and rain outside.

As families waited outside, security reminded families that a phone and their student ID numbers would be needed to get a laptop.

The school administration was able to arrange the handouts today from 8 a.m until 3 p.m.

Hillhouse sophomore Regina Santana,

15, came to pick up a laptop with her mother. After receiving the email notice on Sunday, Santana’s mother said she decided to use her hour break to pick up her daughter and get the laptop. After picking the laptop up, Santana’s mother headed back to work.

In passing, one parent said to her daughter, “Your aunt can’t even get off of work today to get a computer.”

Families were then asked to sign a contract made up by the school requiring they keep the computers in good condition and return them by June. Worthy said if the contract is broken by students their grades and transcripts will be withheld. Hand sanitizer was offered to each person after using the provided pencils to sign the contracts.

Next families were directed down the hall to wait to pick up the computers. A line for computer pick up was strategically laid out in the hall to keep each group at least six feet apart from each other while waiting in line. The tiles on the floor were labeled with tape and classroom chairs to indicate where each person was to wait.

One parent, Shantell Warren, said Monday was her first time leaving her home

since March 16. After picking up a laptop, Warren picked up a work packet for her son that the teacher, Ms. Celentano put together.

While in line students were asked to text their student ID numbers to a school phone number provided for administration to organize and track which computer each student got.

Once receiving the laptop and charger, families were offered sanitizer again and left through a side entrance of the school.

As families exited a security guard reminded each person to “be safe.”

During the temporary closing, teachers will continue courses through Google Classroom which many but not all teachers used throughout the school year. The teachers that didn’t use Google Classroom in the past were trained and offered the choice between recording and posting their lessons or hosting them live for students.

After hearing families’ concerns about not having access to Google Classroom, Worthy joined other admin in an online meeting on Zoom Video Communications on Friday and decided to give the laptops out today. Parents were also asked to do a survey for the district to

MAYA MCFADDEN PHOTOFamilies wait outside as school administration keep the amount of people

in the lobby area limited.

learn households’ access to technology and the internet.

Worthy said the school has 1,200 computers. which are enough for all students to get one to complete the online work.

By 1 p.m Worthy said about 400 laptops were picked up.

“I know that most of my students don’t have computers and some internet,” Worthy said.

Sophomore Tanasia Quicksey walked ten minutes with her brother to pick up a computer she is familiar with to complete the work for her six classes online.

“Sister Soup Kitchen” & Crew Adapt

by MAYA MCFADDEN New Haven I ndependent

“People’s need for a meal isn’t going to change just because of this crisis,” Immanuel Missionary Baptist Church soup kitchen head Bethany Watkins said as volunteers helped her to put on a version of the church’s weekly soup kitchen modified to keep people safe, and fed, amid the spread of Covid-19.

Watkins is a deacon and is in charge of the church’s soup kitchen, which provided the public with warm to-go meals on Sunday.

Like other congregations, Immanuel Baptist was not holding in-person public prayer services, in keeping with measures to avoid the spread of the coronavirus. (Deacon Bill Batts conducted Sunday school over the phone for families.)

But Watkins and her team from the church was still making sure that people who needed food would get fed.

On Sunday the team made 65 to-go plates filled with steak tips, stuffing, green beans, bread, and Oreos.

A small volunteer team made it happen on Sunday by starting prep at 7:30 a.m. Watkins’ close friend and neighbor, Dwyane Brooks has been volunteering in the soup kitchen for about 14 years.

It was the second consecutive Sunday the church has altered the soup kitchen to only offer to-go meals to minimize contact during the Covid-19 pandemic.

In the 14 years that Watkins has been in charge of the soup kitchen, she said, it has closed only once on a Sunday.

Watkins said the soup kitchen is a direct extension of her devotion to her faith.

“This is not community service. This is ministry,” she said.

In the years when holidays like Christmas and Mother’s Day fell on a Sunday, Watkins and volunteers kept the soup kitchen open. “It says a lot if there is a snowstorm outside or it’s Christmas and you still got dozens coming to get food.

That’s why we do this,” Watkins said.

Before contact concerns were an issue, the soup kitchen would normally operate by inviting the visitors inside to eat the hot meal.

Sunday’s shift started with the preparation and cooking of the food, then packaging, then distribution at the church’s side door.

Watkins recalled a memory from some years ago while hosting the soup kitchen.

One Sunday as she was cleaning up and putting away the tables, as visitors left after eating, one visitor asked that Watkins clean up her table last. “I never have a place to just sit and eat,” the visitor told Watkins. Watkins described the necessary change from in-person to to-go meals as a somber decision.

Watkins was born and raised in New Haven alongside church soup kitchen volunteers like George Strong. Watkins’

Guest arrives for a meal.

daughter also joined the team to help on Sunday. Watkins raised her daughter in the church; she always helped her in the soup kitchen.

The Rev. Samuel Ross-Lee joined the team on Sunday, helping with prep and distribution of the meals. Rev. RossLee nicknamed Watkins, “Sister Soup

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Kitchen.”

As the volunteers prepped and packaged, they took extra cleaning precautions and washed their hands after coming in contact with each food item.

Watkins said she worries about the future of the soup kitchen, as the status of supplies at the CT Food Bank remains

unknown.

“It’s nerve-wracking being so unsure because the kitchen is necessary to this community,” she said.

Passing on the Values Watkins’ daughter, Namandje Wali, 21, said growing up in the church and soup kitchen helped her to challenge the idea of volunteer work.

“The soup kitchen was a norm to me, so I don’t like to call it helping it’s just what I should be doing,” she said.

Wali, now a senior at the University of Connecticut, often volunteers at local food banks.

When asked if she had any concerns about possible exposure to Covid-19 while in a public place, Wali said: “There’s always going to be concerns about exposure. But I think as long as precautions are taken, being here is like going anywhere you need to go. It’s like going to the grocery store.”

Theresa Ervin, a member of the church and a soup kitchen volunteer, said while she too has concerns about Covid-19, the community’s need for food supersedes her fears. “It’s a part of our Christian duty,” she said.

Like Watkins, Ervin grew up at Immanuel Church and raised their kids in the church and soup kitchen.

“I wanted my kids to understand to love Con’t on page 08

THE INNER-CITY NEWS -

March 25, 2020 - March 31, 2020

"Porch-Ritz" Shift The Lens On Social Distancing

by Lucy Gellman, Editor, ARTS Paper www.newhavenarts.org

Chris Randall leaned out of the passenger side of his car, a viewfinder and huge lens fixed over his face. Fifteen feet away, postal worker Mitchell Daniels looked up from a Lawrence Street porch and grinned. He dropped the letters in the mailbox and jogged down the steps.

Back in the car, Randall snapped photos with a methodical click. The camera purred and chattered.

For the few people on the block—all standing at least six feet from each other—it may have been the first sign of human life they’d heard all day.

Randall has launched New Haven Porch-ritz, a documentary series of New Haveners seen from their porches in a time of social distancing. As much of the city takes its meetings, performances, school and extracurricular lessons, and small business online, Randall is using the time to connect with residents at a safe distance—and remind them of how connected they still are to each other and to the city around them.

Portraits from the series will be posted on I Love New Haven, which Randall co-founded with photographer Jeffrey Kerekes in 2012. He said that all of the images will appear in black and white.

He has stuck with porches not only for their convenience, but for their position as gathering spaces that are now largely empty.

“I was at home and going stir crazy,” he said Wednesday, on his first day of shooting around town. “I was not doing well on my own. And when I go out and work, I feel so much better. I’m amazed … like, the moment I decided to do it, I felt better.”

The idea for the series came to Randall earlier this week, after watching his income stream dry up by the week, then by the month. As a professional photographer, Randall relies on his craft as his livelihood. He and his partner, Teresa Joseph, run The Notorious P.I.C. out of their home in New Haven.

It’s a story that artists have been telling some version of across the country.

He had “a strong” and financially sound January and February. The year was shaping up to be a good one economically. There were weddings, parties, and private events on the horizon. And then, everything came to a screeching halt.

“There’s a lot of fear,” he said. “The first fear is health. Am I and my family and our community going to be okay? And then the second fear is financial.”

At home, Randall could feel the anxiety of COVID-19 setting in. So he decided to work through it—for free. Just hours after posting a note about the project on social media, over 70 people had signed up using a Google Doc.

Chris Randall with Teresa Joseph. Randall uses a telephoto lens, which allows him to shoot from 15 feet away. Lucy Gellman Photo.

Tracy George, director of the Yale Well Initiative and the Good Life Center at Yale University, balanced on the railings of her porch. Chris Randall Photo.

That was Tuesday afternoon. By Wednesday, the number had exceeded 81 (it is now over 100). With addresses in hand and Joseph at the wheel, he set out to photograph.

As Randall photographed Wednesday, he said he could feel himself relax for the first time in days. On Edgewood Avenue, he pulled up to a home with a banner that read “Beloved NHV, Hang In There!” waving just slightly with the breeze as a sort of hello.

Beneath its neat lettering, the five members of the Armstrong-Crumlish family posed shoulder-to-shoulder, their dog safely in the middle of the group.

In Science Park, he was unexpectedly serenaded by Valerie Rogotzke and Jessy Griz from the second story of a multi-

family home. In East Rock, he pulled over to photograph psychiatry professor Becca Miller, and watched as she pulled her young daughter in close and busted out a huge smile.

Tracy George, director of the Yale Well Initiative and the Good Life Center at Yale University, balanced on the railings of her porch.

“These are normal people, trying to have normal experiences, in totally unprecedented times,” he said Wednesday, shooting from a distance in East Rock.

“I have no idea the next time I’m going to make money, period. But I do know we’re all in this together.”

On Lawrence Street, Daniels made an unexpected Porch-ritz appearance while dropping off the mail. He said he isn’t

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Babz Rawls-Ivy on her porch. Chris Randall Photo.

yet worried about the pandemic and is certain that Americans will get through it together.

“Love conquers all,” he said before heading on to the next house.

As they await the portraits, several New Haveners have already said the project has made them feel calmer and more connected. Babz Rawls-Ivy, who Randall photographed on Thursday, praised the photographer for helping break through the anxiety that she’s been feeling.

In months past, her Ivy Street porch has been a hotspot for social gatherings and happy hours with large groups of friends.

She has “porching” parties that go late

into the night. Now, she’s the only one who sits out there.

“I loved Chris Randall’s drive-by photoshoot,” she said. “I went glam-on-theporch! What a lovely way to capture community! And to feel connected. He’s a photographer. This was a great way for him to get out of the house, bring some joy to folks, and capture this moment for history.”

Porch-Ritz by Chris Randall will be posted on I Love New Haven starting next week. To sign up for a slot, click here. The project is free, but Randall is accepting donations via Venmo at @ christopaste.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - March 25, 2020 - March 31, 2020

NEW SPECIAL ENROLLMENT PERIOD

As the Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to threaten public health, Access Health CT announces that a New Special Enrollment Period is in effect until April 2, 2020 Qualified Connecticut residents who currently do not have health insurance can enroll in a health insurance plan.

To see if you qualify, call 1-855-365-2428 (TTY: 1-855-789-2428) Monday through Friday 8:00AM to 5:00PM Please note: Individuals who experience a Qualifying Life Event (for example, loss of coverage due to job change, move to CT, getting married, having/adopting a child, etc.) OR who qualify for Medicaid/Children’s Health Program (CHIP), can always enroll online, in person or over the phone — and all help is free.

What to know if you are uninsured and need health insurance: What is a Special Enrollment Period?

A Special Enrollment Period (SEP) is a time outside the Annual Open Enrollment Period (Nov. 1 – Dec. 15) when you can sign up for health insurance coverage through Access Health CT.

Is financial help still available during the NEW Special Enrollment Period?

YES, to those who qualify.

Is there FREE help available during the NEW Special Enrollment Period?

YES, all the help available through Access Health CT is free. You can also call us ask to speak to a certified broker who can help you choose the best plan for you and your family.

What is different about this NEW SPECIAL ENROLLMENT PERIOD and Existing Special Enrollment Periods?

Who’s Eligible?

When can I enroll?

How can I enroll?

NEW SPECIAL ENROLLMENT PERIOD

EXISTING SPECIAL ENROLLMENT PERIOD (SEP)

ONLY qualified individuals who are Uninsured, lawfully present and not incarcerated.

Individuals who experience a Qualifying Life Event e.g. loss of coverage due to job change, move to CT, getting married, having/ adopting a child, etc.

From March 19, 2020 through April 2, 2020

PHONE ONLY: 1-855-365-2428 TTY: 1- 855-789-2428 8AM – 5PM, Monday – Friday

When will my coverage begin?

The effective date of coverage for all enrollments during the NEW Special Enrollment Period time is April 1, 2020.

What’s the importance of having coverage year-round?

Access Health CT reminds residents of the importance of maintaining their coverage throughout the year, and not just during this public health crisis. It is critical that uninsured individuals take advantage of this opportunity to protect themselves financially and ensure they have access to necessary services.

You must start your application with Access Health CT within 60 days of your Qualifying Life Event.

Are undocumented individuals able to enroll in coverage through Access Health CT? NO. Only those with a legal status (have permission to live/work/ study in the U.S.) are eligible to enroll in healthcare coverage through Access Health CT.

AccessHealthCT.com In-person PHONE: 1-855-365-2428 8AM–5PM, Monday – Friday

Where can undocumented individuals go for help?

There are Community Health Centers around the state that serve everyone. Individuals can find a Community Health Center near them by calling 211, or go to: CHCACT.org/find-health-center.

Please call first before going into a health center, this is key to managing the spread of this virus.

This information is subject to change. For the most up-to-date information please visit AccessHealthCT.com

Can I change insurance plans if I’m currently insured during the NEW Special Enrollment Period?

NO. Only qualified individuals who are uninsured can enroll.

Do I need to send any type of paperwork to prove I am uninsured during the NEW Special Enrollment Period?

No. You will be asked to attest (swear) that you are uninsured during the enrollment process.

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1-855-365-2428; TTY: 1-855-789-2428 Monday through Friday 8:00AM to 5:00PM AccessHealthCT.com

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3/19/20 2:31 PM

THE INNER-CITY NEWS -

March 25, 2020 - March 31, 2020

Schools To Pay Part-Timers Thru Mid-April Crew Adapt Con/t from page 05

by EMILY HAYS

New Haven I ndependent

While schools are closed to prevent the spread of Covid-19, school employees will continue to get their paychecks. This includes part-time employees, at least through mid-April.

The New Haven Board of Education finalized this decision at its virtual meeting on Monday evening.

The board members had already reached a consensus by text that they wanted to pay non-unionized, part-time employees, like tutors, art teachers and preschool assistants.

“We need to let our people know that our school system is behind them when they need it,” said BOE member Darnell Goldson.

The main disagreement on Monday was over how long the board should guarantee their pay. The governor has suggested schools may remain closed through the end of the academic year.

“How is this going to work if we get locked into this and schools don’t reopen? Can we take this back? I don’t think so,” said Board President Yesenia Rivera.

Many part-timers get paid from specially designated federal funds, like those that run Head Start pre-K programs. The board has permission to pay Head Start part-timers with those funds but does not yet have the same permission from other programs.

New Haven Public Schools Chief Financial Officer Phillip Penn warned that paying part-time workers from the school system’s own pocket would cost $180,000 a week, or $2.2 million for the rest of the school year.

Board member Edward Joyner expressed concern that paying part-timers from the schools’ general fund would put the system in worse financial straits in an already tight budget year.

“If we pay more in one area, we pay less in another area. People are asking for more librarians and teachers. In a crisis, you keep your unionized workers, and the first people you lay off are part-time people,” Joyner said.

In response to questions from Goldson and others, Penn said that closing the schools does not mean NHPS has more money to work with.

Penn estimated that Gov. Ned Lamont’s order to close schools will save NHPS around $1 million in utilities, overtime and substitute teacher pay. The fact that buses are not running does not change the budget, because the contract with the bus service includes a clause that protects the company during governmentordered shutdowns.

Board member Matthew Wilcox asked whether a compromise between the two sides might be to pay part-timers for a few weeks or until the next pay period.

The board could then revisit the conversation when they have more informa-

ZOOMBoard President Yesenia Rivera: Endpoint unclear.

New Haven Board of Education member Darnell Goldson argues on behalf of low-wage workers.

Some of the over 100 community members who joined NHPS on Zoom on Monday evening.

tion from the federal government about whether they can use special funds.

Goldson suggested paying part-timers until the board has more information.

“If we put a time limit on it, we will be putting them under additional stress,” Goldson said.

When Goldson put his suggestion to

a vote, it failed 3-5. Tamiko JacksonMcArthur and Larry Conaway sided with Goldson.

The board then approved Wilcox’s suggestion to pay part-timers through the mid-April pay period by a 6-2 vote. Conaway and Goldson remained opposed while Jackson-McArthur voted yes.

people,” she said.

Watkins even planned her high school prom night accordingly, knowing she was going to have to volunteer at the soup kitchen with her family the following day.

Ervin said the soup kitchen became a family affair. “I get up every Sunday looking forward to the duty,” Ervin said.

Because of her dedication to the soup kitchen, Ervin has developed close relationships with some of the visitors who get meals regularly. She recalled one night that her car had broken down after a night shift at a hospital. While she was waiting for a tow truck, a regular from the soup kitchen stopped for her on the side of the road and kept her company until he knew she was safe and able to get home.

“Whether you’re the volunteer or the one getting a meal, there’s a mutual respect that is formed,” Ervin said.

Rev. Ross-Lee said the soup kitchen began in the 1990s.

Nearly every visitor picking up a meal expressed Sunday thanks with a “God bless you” before leaving.

There has grown to be an expectation for the soup kitchen to be serving the community every Sunday, said Watkins.

The team began handing out meals at 12:45 p.m. offering each visitor one meal. When it came to the last few meals around 2 p.m., the team agreed to give

DJ D-Nice Throws the Virtual Quarantine Party Everyone Needed

by Derrick Lane, BlackDoctor.org “Last night a DJ saved my life.”

Those aren’t just the words of a 1980’s hit song, those are also the words people partying nowadays during the coronavirus lockdown. But don’t worry, people aren’t partying in a jammed-packed room full of people that could be spreading the virus, it’s actually on social media created by celebrity DJ, producer and photographer Derrick “D-Nice” Jones.

If D-Nice sounds familiar it’s because he has been around for awhile. He’s the DJ behind the 1980s legendary hip hop group Boogie Down Productions and veteran KRS-One. D-Nice also served as the DJ for the afterparty at the final musical event hosted by President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama at the White House in 2016. It was broadcast on BET that same year and we all loved it!

But now, many are discovering D-Nice for the first time due to his desire to gather people to together during this time of “social distancing.”

In March 2020, D-Nice began hosting Homeschool at Club Quarantine

(#ClubQuarantine) on Instagram Live from his home. It was a 9-hour party (yes, nine full hours!) as a way for people to come together and help others cope with the COVID-19 global health crisis. The 3/21 Saturday night dance party ran 9 hours and D-Nice urged people to “take care of one another and wash their hands.” It drew over 100,000 viewers, including notable celebs like Rihanna, Michelle Obama, Lenny Kravitz, Nile Rodgers, Lalah Hathaway, Bernie Sanders, Joe Biden, Dwyane Wade, Janet Jackson, Fab Five Freddy, Mark Zuckerberg, Donnie Wahlberg, Angela Bassett and Sheila E. and others. The following day, 3/22, his stream capped at over 150,000 simultaneous viewers and grew his followers to more than 1.3 million seemingly overnight.

Comments from everyone sharing the virtual party ranged from an abundance of “thank you’s” to sheer euphoria of people happy to jamming to good music together–even if it’s not in person.

Oprah gave the DJ a shoutout on Twitter shortly after, dubbing the livestream “the best party of 1 and 100k I have ever been to.” DJ also opened up about why he started the online Club: “I can’t

believe that I started the Home School social distancing dance party just four days ago and it’s become a place for us to virtually dance together and stay connected. From my kitchen, I’m able to send positive vibrations to each of you.

Thank you for rocking with me.”

“DNice got the hottest party in the world going on right now on instagram.

Oprah, Bernie Sanders, Joe Biden, Michelle Obama in this party. If you’re stuck at home like we all are, join the party and dance and listen to some music. Dwayne Wade in here too” said another partygoer.

People have even started making up stories as if the party was real: “I was up in VIP drinking some Henny VSOP when Angela Bassett walked in.

We locked eyes and I gave her a headnod as we both two-stepped to De La Soul,” said one Instagrammer.

“I sweated my hair out while trying to get over to the bar and order my drink. #ClubQuarantine rocks!” another virtual partygoer exclaimed.

This just goes to show you that life can still be a party if we all just come together. This is heartfelt in the midst of heartbreak. Love you all. Keep dancing!

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photos:

Babz Rawls Ivy

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - March 25, 2020 - March 31, 2020

A Choice in Public Education The ACES Choice Program is a free interdistrict program managed

by Area Cooperative Educational Services (ACES).

A P P LY B Y A P R I L 1 , 2 0 2 0 Contact: Lynn Bailey at (203) 498-6843 / lbailey@aces.org www.aces.org/openchoice

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS -

March 25, 2020 - March 31, 2020

Census Bureau Extends Decennial Count

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior Correspondent

notices to participate either online or by mail.

The U.S. Census Bureau announced that it would delay its decennial count by at least two weeks because of the coronavirus pandemic.

In a conference call on Friday, March 20, Tim Olsen, the associated director for field operations at the Census Bureau, noted that the original end date for the 2020 census was in July. However, because of the pandemic and resulting delays, the deadline now extends to the middle of August.

Al Fontenot, the Census Bureau’s associated director for decennial programs, added that 18.6 million households have already answered questionnaires, many of them doing so online. Fontenot stated that the bureau’s website went live a week ago, and residents began receiving

Fontenot did lament the unforeseeable outbreak of the coronavirus.

“Of all of our worst nightmares of things that could have gone wrong with the census, we did not anticipate this set of actions,” Fontenot said. “But our staff has been extremely resilient about looking for solutions.”

During the call, bureau officials noted that field operations had been suspended because of measures taken to protect workers and the public during the pandemic.

The bureau has received over 2.8 million job applicants for temporary positions to help with the count. More than 600,000 applicants had accepted job offers, and officials said they’re seeking to

hire at least another 500,000 people.

The census count determines how much money a community gets from the estimated $675 billion in federal funds distributed locally for the programs that protect the health and overall well-being of citizens.

The results of the census directly determine the amount of funding communities will receive for the next ten years for essential services to senior citizens, public education, heating assistance, road improvements, public transportation, police and fire departments, community block grants, and other services.

For every person who is not counted, the municipality must cover the cost of these essential programs without the benefit of federal dollars.

To respond to the census, visit www.2020Census.gov.

Diabetes and Covid-19:What You Need To Know

by Constance Brown-Riggs, MSEd, RD, CDE, CDN

According to the CDC, older adults and people who have serious chronic medical conditions like heart disease, lung disease, and diabetes are at higher risk of getting very sick from Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).

People with diabetes are NOT more likely to get COVID-19 than the general population. However, people with diabetes face a higher chance of experiencing severe complications from COVID-19.

In China, where most cases have occurred so far, people with diabetes had much higher rates of severe complications and death than people without diabetes.

The seasonal flu and COVID-19 are both respiratory illnesses caused by viral infections. While they share many of the same symptoms, such as fever and body aches, COVID-19 is different from the seasonal flu. The main symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, tiredness, dry cough, and shortness of breath.

If you have diabetes, it is extra important for you to take action to reduce your risk of getting sick with the disease.

Even a minor cold can make your diabetes harder to control and lead to serious complications. Illness is stressful to the body. Your body releases hormones to deal with the stress and to fight the sickness. Higher hormone levels can also cause high blood glucose or blood sugar measurements.

Viral infections can also increase inflammation, or internal swelling, in people with diabetes. High blood sugars

Have a Plan For If You Get Sick • The first step is to consult with your health care provider for more information about monitoring your health for symptoms suggestive of COVID-19.

• Stay in touch with others by phone or email. You may need to ask for help from friends, family, neighbors, community health workers, etc. if you become sick.

• Determine who can provide you with care if your caregiver gets sick.

also cause inflammation, and both could contribute to more severe complications such as diabetic ketoacidosis or DKA. Most common in people with type 1 diabetes, DKA can make it challenging to manage your fluid intake and electrolyte levels, which is vital in managing sepsis.

Sepsis is a severe body-wide response to a bloodstream infection. Sepsis and septic shock are two of the serious complications some people with COVID-19 have experienced.

People with type 2 diabetes can also develop DKA, but it is less common and less severe. It is usually triggered by prolonged uncontrolled blood sugar, missing doses of medicines, or severe illness or infection such as COVID-19.

When you get sick, it’s more important to keep your blood sugar in control—but

it’s also harder to do. That’s why it’s important to have a plan for those sick days.

Have Supplies on Hand • Contact your healthcare provider to ask about obtaining extra necessary medications to have on hand in case there is an outbreak of COVID-19 in your community, and you need to stay home for a prolonged period of time.

• If you cannot get extra medications, consider using mail-order for medications.

• Be sure you have over-the-counter medicines and medical supplies (tissues, etc.) to treat fever and other symptoms.

Most people will be able to recover from COVID-19 at home.

• Have enough household items and groceries on hand so that you will be prepared to stay at home for some time.

10

Watch for Symptoms and Emergency Warning Signs • Pay attention to potential COVID-19 symptoms, including fever, cough, and shortness of breath. If you feel like you are developing symptoms, call your doctor.

• If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19, get medical attention immediately. In adults, emergency warning signs include difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion or inability to arouse, and bluish lips or face.

Know What To Do When Sick The American Diabetes Association suggest the following tips for sick day management: • Drink lots of fluids. If you’re having trouble keeping water down, have small sips every 15 minutes or so throughout the day to avoid dehydration.

• If you are experiencing a low (blood sugar below 70 mg/dl or your target range), eat 15 grams of simple carbs that are easy to digest (honey, jam, Jell-O,

hard candy, popsicles, juice or regular soda). Re-check your blood sugar in 15 minutes to make sure your levels are rising. Check your blood sugar extra times throughout the day and night (generally, every 2-3 hours; if using a CGM, monitor frequently).

• If your blood sugar has registered high (BG greater than 240mg/dl) more than two times in a row, check for ketones to avoid DKA. • Call your doctor’s office immediately if you have medium or large ketones (and if instructed to with trace or small ketones).

• Be aware that some CGM sensors (Dexcom G5, Medtronic Enlite, and Guardian) are impacted by Acetaminophen (Tylenol). Check with finger sticks to ensure accuracy.

• Wash your hands and clean your injection/infusion and finger-stick sites with soap and water or rubbing alcohol.

Remember, having COVID-19, or other infections, can make diabetes symptoms worse. The sick day management tips above are general guidelines. Work with your health care provider to develop a personalized sick-day plan to help you cope with illness without neglecting your diabetes.

Constance Brown-Riggs, is a registered dietitian, certified diabetes educator, national speaker and author of the Diabetes Guide to Enjoying Foods of the World, a convenient guide to help people with diabetes enjoy all the flavors of the world while still following a healthy meal plan.

Follow Constance on social media @eatingsoulfully

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - March 25, 2020 - March 31, 2020

March Is Women History Month: Black Women Scientists

Dr. Shirley Jackson A theoretical physicist, Shirley Jackson was the first black woman to graduate with a Ph.D. from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in any field (Her Ph.D. is in Theoretical Elementary Particle Physics) and also just the second African American woman to earn a doctorate in physics in U.S. history.

During her tenure at what was formerly known as AT&T Bell Laboratories’ Theoretical Physics Research Department in the 1970s and 1980s, she has been credited as helping develop the technology that enabled caller ID and call waiting.

President Barack Obama selected Jackson, a onetime chair of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, to receive the National Medal of Science in 2015. She currently serves as the president of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, also making her the first African American woman to lead a top-ranked research university.

Dr. Patricia Bath The first female African American medical doctor to complete an ophthalmology residency and also the first to receive a medical patent, Patricia Bath invented a laser cataract treatment device called a Laserphaco Probe in 1986. (The co-

founder of the American Institute for the Prevention of Blindness patented her invention in 1988.)

Dr. Marie M. Daly After receiving her B.S. and M.S. in chemistry from Queens College and New York University respectively, Marie Daly went on to complete her Ph.D. at New York City’s Columbia Universi-

ty. Upon graduating in 1947, she earned the distinction of being the first African American woman to receive a chemistry Ph.D. in the U.S. Daly’s groundbreaking research included studies of the effects of cholesterol on the mechanics of the heart, the effects of sugars and other nutrients on the health of arteries and the breakdown of the circulatory system as a result of advanced Lyman_InnerCity_5.472x5.1.qxp_Layout 1 1/10/20 12:11 PM Page 5 age or hypertension.

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS -

COMMENTARY:

March 25, 2020 - March 31, 2020

Panic buying adds additional stress in COVID-19 pandemic

You don’t need a year’s supply of toilet paper

By Merdies Hayes, Managing Editor, Our Weekly News

Panic buying has been rife around the globe in wake of the coronavirus pandemic. Customers have been stockpiling goods like hand sanitizer, bottled water, canned goods, paper towels and toilet paper.

The trend has seen stores in some nations ration products. The U.K. is limiting sales of hand hygiene products. Australians have seen restrictions on paper goods. Americans now have to wake before dawn to purchase cases of bottled water, which are now limited to two per customer.

America not alone in frenzy America isn’t alone in experiencing empty shelves. Mass demand for rice and noodles in Singapore prompted Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong to assure the public that there was enough to go around. In Auckland, New Zealand, supermarket spending shot up 40 percent in about 72 hours. Shoppers in Malaysia wanting to pad their “pandemic pantries” have driven an 800-percent increase in weekly hand sanitizer sales. All of these places have confirmed cases of coronavirus.

Psychologists explain this phenomenon as “retail therapy,” defined as when, where and what we buy to better manage our emotional state. Experts suggest that the answer may lie in a fear of the unknown and believing that dramatic events warrant a dramatic response — even though in this case, the best response is something as mundane as washing your hands for 20 seconds.

In some ways, the trend of panic buying is a way for people to take back control in uncertain times. Many psychologists have suggested that panic buying can be understood as playing to our three fundamental psychology needs in (1) autonomy—as in the need for control; (2) relatedness—better defined as “we shopping,” rather than “me shopping,” and (3) competence—whereby a level of accomplishment is achieved and making a purchase gives people a sense that they are “smart shoppers.”

Conflicting messages add to uncertainty In the U.S., people initially received conflicting messages from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and President Donald Trump. It was no surprise that people were worried when one organization says the matter is urgent, and another says it’s under control. With the virus present in all 50 states, and

daily life has been altered from coast to coast, an unexpected “fear contagion” has taken hold.

Often in times of uncertainty, people can enter a “panic zone” that makes them irrational and—in rare cases—borderline neurotic. In other disaster conditions like an earthquake, tornado or hurricane, people tend to prepare because they know how many supplies they will need. It’s hard to do that with a virus that scientists around the world are still learning about.

Peter Noel Murray, a New York-based member of the American Psychological Association and the Society for Consumer Psychology, is uncertain that persons in authority have the power to calm the panic-buying trend.

“On the emotional side, the answer is self-affirmation,” he said. “In our minds, we know one day we are going to be dead, and the mind deals with it through [seeking] control.” He said there is an “over-estimation” of fear and people’s minds need to respond to those kinds of feelings.

A need for ‘self-affirmation’ “The need for self-affirmation is triggered and that drives us to do unreasonable things like buying a year’s worth of toilet paper,” Murray explained. “It overwhelms the knowledge that we don’t need to be doing that.”

There is a difference in disaster panic and general panic. Toilet paper has become the symbol of the latter. For instance, weather forecasters are able to predict with much greater certainty that

a hurricane is barreling toward a certain region. They can provide more information about a cluster of tornadoes about to come your way (though warning times are uncertain at best). With an earthquake, of course, there is little way of predicting that. In these cases, you know it is going to happen and you usually know ahead of time that the emergency will last a couple of days. You’re able to prepare yourself by being somewhat rational with what you buy.

In public health issues we have no idea about the duration and or intensity.

Therefore, the messages we receive daily may encourage some to go into panic mode and purchase far more than needed because it’s often the only way to maintain a sense of control.

But why purchase huge amounts of toilet paper? Dr. Dimitrios Tsivrikos, an expert in consumer and behavioral science at the University College London, has for the past few months witnessed this phenomenon and offered an unexpected assessment: “Because toilet paper has a longer shelf-life than many food items,” he said. “And it’s prominently featured in aisles and is big in size. We’re psychologically drawn to purchasing it in times of crisis. It’s in big colorful packages; the bigger they are, the more important we think they are.”

Take precautions, but don’t panic While the threat is very real and all precautions should be taken to stay healthy, some shoppers may overestimate the risks of dying from coronavirus. Katha-

12

rina Wittgens, a psychologist with the behavioral strategy agency Innovation Bubble, suggests that shoppers are creating too much anxiety in themselves, which is never good during either clear or uncertain circumstances.

“Far more people die in car accidents or household accidents per year, but we don’t panic in the morning before we go to work about these things,” Wittgens said. “It’s hard to convince our brains of facts, hence why statistics often don’t work.” Wittgens said the surge in panic buying will probably decline after a month when people have had time to think more rationally.

“When we stand in front of empty shelves, people fear that stocks will run out, so they buy far more than they need,” she said. “This becomes dangerous as some goods such as soap, medicines and sanitizers become unavailable for those in immediate need.” And because it is more obvious when the paper goods aisle is empty—compared to smaller items—this can also lead to craze over the item intensifying.

There have been plenty of examples of price gouging in response to the coronavirus pandemic. There have been reports of a 20-pack of face masks costing more than $100 on e-commerce sites like eBay and Esty. These prices have caused companies to put measures in place to stop speculators from taking advantage of a spike in demand. This month, for example, Amazon announced it removed more than a million basic-needs products for misleading claims and price gouging.

Face masks won’t stop infection

The U.S. government has recommended people stop buying face masks, not only because surgical masks aren’t sufficient protection from coronavirus, but because there may not be enough for healthcare professionals who need them to do their jobs.

Americans have witnessed this type of irrational behavior before. In 1962 during the Cuban missile crisis, when nuclear war seemed imminent, American families filled their basements with enough canned food and bottled water to survive an atomic blast. Then there was Y2K at the turn of the millennium. There were widespread fears of a catastrophic glitch when computers’ internal clock reset to “00” for the year 2000. It was believed that the glitch could crash global markets or send missiles flying across the globe.

People just didn’t hoard nonperishables and bottled water, but lots of money: In 1999, the U.S. Treasury was ordered to print an extra $50 billion in the expectation that people would withdraw and stockpile cash.

A better plan than panic buying would be to be prepared year-round for a possible emergency or crisis. It’s also worth keeping everyone else’s needs in mind as these types of events unfold. Stock up on what you and your family need and no more. Avoid the urge to hoard enough supplies to fill a doomsday bunker.

“Anxiety needs to be acknowledged and managed,” Wittgens said. “We do not want complacency, but high levels of anxiety are not useful to prepare [or] prevent catching it.”

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - March 25, 2020 - March 31, 2020

Celebrating Diversity Daily J O I N T H E T E A M T H AT T R A N S F O R M S L I V E S

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Join us ONLINE for an opportunity to learn how Southern’s graduate programs can uniquely align with your career goals. Chat with faculty from over 45 programs, consult with admissions staff on how to assemble the ideal application, and learn how to best achieve your career goals with the right graduate degree.

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS -

March 25, 2020 - March 31, 2020

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Commits Millions to Speed Treatment, Research and Development

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior Correspondent

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has joined two other companies to commit as much as $125 million in seed funding to speed-up the response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Gates Foundation has joined forces with Wellcome and Mastercard in hopes of identifying, assessing, developing, and scaling-up treatments.

The Gates Foundation and Wellcome are each contributing up to $50 million, and the Mastercard Impact Fund has committed up to $25 million to catalyze the initial work of the accelerator.

The Gates Foundation’s funding is part of its up to $100 million commitment to the COVID-19 response announced last month.

The partners are committed to equitable access, including making products available and affordable in low-resource settings, according to a news release from The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Currently, there are no broad-spectrum antivirals or immunotherapies available for the fight against emerging pathogens, and none approved for use on COVID-19.

“Viruses like COVID-19 spread rapidly, but the development of vaccines and treatments to stop them moves slowly,” Mark Suzman, chief executive officer of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, mentioned in the news release.

“If we want to make the world safe from outbreaks like COVID-19, particularly for those most vulnerable, then we need to find a way to make research and development move faster. That requires gov-

ernments, private enterprise, and philanthropic organizations to act quickly to fund R&D.” The COVID-19 Therapeutics Accelerator will work with the World Health Organization, government and private sector funders and organizations, as well as the global regulatory and policy-setting institutions.

Officials at The Gates Foundation noted that the COVID-19 Therapeutics Accelerator will play a catalytic role by accelerating and evaluating new and repurposed drugs and biologics to treat patients with COVID-19 in the immediate term, and other viral pathogens in the longer-term.

As noted in the news release, the Accelerator will have an end-to-end focus, from drug pipeline development through manufacturing and scale-up.

By sharing research, coordinating investments, and pooling resources, these efforts can help to accelerate research.

Officials said this kind of collaboration was a key lesson from the 2014 Ebola outbreak.

By providing fast and flexible funding at key stages of the development process, the Accelerator will de-risk the pathway for new drugs and biologics for COVID-19 and future epidemic threats, ensuring access in lower-resource countries.

The COVID-19 Therapeutics Accelerator will operate jointly as an initiative of the funders, drawing on expertise from inside and outside their organizations.

The Accelerator will pursue several aspects of the development cycle to streamline the pathway from candidate product to clinical assessment, use, and

manufacturing.

To identify candidate compounds, the Accelerator will take a three-pronged approach: testing approved drugs for activity against COVID-19; screening libraries of thousands of compounds with confirmed safety data; and considering new investigational compounds and monoclonal antibodies.

Drugs or monoclonal antibodies that pass initial screening would then be developed by an industry partner.

The biotech and pharmaceutical industries will be critical partners, bringing their compound libraries and clinical data to the collaboration and lending commercialization and other expertise that will be required to scale up successful drugs and monoclonal antibodies.

In parallel to the development of the

COVID-19 drug pipeline, the Accelerator will work with regulators to align criteria and develop manufacturing capacity with industry.

An accelerated pathway to bringing effective treatments to patients is around one year for products that have current regulatory approval or candidates with existing clinical data.

The timeline would be longer for compounds further upstream in the pipeline that have limited existing clinical data.

“This virus is an unprecedented global threat, and one for which we must propel international partnerships to develop treatments, rapid diagnostics, and vaccines,” Dr. Jeremy Farrar, director of Wellcome, noted in a statement.

“Science is moving at a phenomenal pace against COVID-19, but to get ahead

of this epidemic we need greater investment and to ensure research co-ordination. The Therapeutics Accelerator will allow us to do this for potential treatments with support for research, development, assessment, and manufacturing.

COVID-19 is an extremely challenging virus, but we’ve proved that through collaborating across borders we can tackle emerging infectious diseases.

“We must strive to strengthen efforts in the face of COVID-19, and in doing so, continue to make sure advances are accessible and affordable to all. Investing now, at scale, at risk and as a collective global effort is vital if we are to change the course of this epidemic. We welcome others to join us in this effort.”

POLL: Biden-Abrams Ticket Beats Trump-Pence

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior Correspondent

A Democratic ticket of Joe Biden and former Georgia Rep. Stacey Abrams would beat a Republican pairing of Donald Trump and Mike Pence, according to a progressive think tank whose polls of presidential primary contests have earned high marks for their accuracy.

Way to Win, a women-led political funding group, commissioned Data for Progress to look into a potential vice presidential pick.

The organization began conducting a new poll after Biden took a commanding lead in the delegate count following a string of primary wins that began in South Carolina and have continued through Super Tuesday and Super Tuesday II. Biden’s best chance to win in November is by selecting Abrams, according to the poll, an online survey of 4,998 likely voters across the country.

Participants in the poll were provided ticket options that included Abrams and Sens.

Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), and Cory Booker (D-New Jersey).

“A Biden–Abrams ticket would beat a Trump-Pence ticket and perform competitively with other hypothetical tickets, while also overperforming with key groups that constitute the Democratic Party’s base,” Data for Progress founder Sean McElwee wrote in an online memo.

Biden, whose most recent primary victories include Florida, Illinois, and Arizona, enjoys a healthy delegate lead with 1,142 to the 824 picked up by his remaining opponent, Sen. Bernie Sanders (D-Vermont).

A total of 1,991 delegates are needed to clinch the nomination.

Biden has pledged to select a woman as vice president should he secure the nomination.

“My cabinet, my administration will look like the country, and I commit that I will, in fact, appoint a, pick a woman to be vice president,” Biden stated during the most recent Democratic Debate in Washington, D.C.

“There are a number of women who are qualified to be president tomorrow. I would pick a woman to be my vice president,” added Biden.

The survey noted that a Biden-Warren ticket did perform slightly better among young voters, a pairing of Biden and Abrams was a close second and tied with a Biden-Klobuchar ticket among indepen-

14

dent voters.

The Biden-Abrams ticket was the strongest of the options among African American voters and women of color.

The Ways to Win memo noted that other hypothetical tickets raise significant concerns about control of the Senate.

“There are even risks for Biden picking

Warren to run as his vice president,” the group noted in the memo. “The governor of Massachusetts is Charlie Baker, a Republican, who will have the power to appoint a replacement for Warren until a special election takes place.”

To view the poll and memo, visit https:// www.dataforprogress.org/memos

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - March 25, 2020 - March 31, 2020

Your Immune System, Autoimmune Diseases and Coronavirus

by Moleska Smith, BlackDoctor.org

Do you wonder why you constantly hear that you need to boost your immune system, especially during this coronavirus crisis? It’s critical for everyone to have the strongest immunity possible because your body’s immune system (it runs throughout your entire body) protects you from pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, and infections. Eating healthy food that include large amounts of fruits and vegetables, getting a good night’s rest (7-8 hours), maintaining a healthy weight, don’t smoke, drink alcohol in moderation (or not at all), frequent hand washing, and exercise can keep your immune system strong.

Even though our survival depends on our immune system, there are nearly 24 million Americans whose immune system is attacking them. They have an autoimmune disease (ADs) which is when your immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells, tissue, and organs. Autoimmune diseases can attack almost any part of your body and some may affect more than one part of the body. They are in a group of more than 80 chronic illnesses. The cause of autoimmune diseases is not known and there are no cures, but some are treated with immunosuppressive medication and corticosteroids which helps to reduce the immune system’s hyperactivity. Research shows that race, genetics and environmental factors are thought to play a role in the development of some autoimmune diseases.

For reasons unknown, more women develop autoimmune diseases than men, and African-American, Hispanic-American, and Native-American women are at a higher risk for some autoimmune diseases.

These diseases are the leading causes of death in women under 65 years. In women, it is believed that hormones may play a role in them acquiring ADs at a higher rate than men.

After cancer and heart disease, autoimmune diseases are the third common category of disease in the United States.

There are some ADs that African Americans develop at a high rate such as Lupus, Multiple Sclerosis, Vitiligo, Crohn’s and Alopecia Areata. These are just a few of the autoimmune diseases that affect African-American.

Vitiligo Vitiligo occurs when skin begins to lose its pigmentation in blotches.

Sometimes it can affect the inside of the mouth and hair. This disease happens when the cells that produce mela-

The 2020 Census is Here!

Completing the census is safe, easy, and important.

nin start to die.

“My vitiligo presented itself about 15 years ago on my legs, says Charla Draper, Chicago Food Expert, Writer, Food Stylist. “I didn’t know what an autoimmune disease was until my vitiligo diagnosis. Doctors were very candid about the challenges of treating it or arresting the progression. All I know is that I was losing the melanin in my skin. Initially, the color loss was gradual, but as time wore on, larger areas of body began to change. Now, the majority of my pigmentation is gone and I’ve come to terms with that. It has been a long journey, but it is important that I remain healthy and in order to do that I must maintain a strong immune system. I watch my stress, eat foods that are high in nutrients and antioxidants, I attend an exercise class twice a week, and I try to get plenty of sleep.”

Lupus Lupus is one of those ADs that affect African-American women more often compared to American women of European decent, usually presenting symptoms between the ages of 15 and 44 years.

Some indicators of lupus include inflammation, swelling, and damage to the joints, skin, kidneys, blood, heart, and lungs.

Crohn’s Disease Crohn’s is one of the inflammatory

bowel diseases that causes inflammation and ulcers in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.

For the past six years, Melodie Narain Blackwell has been dealing with the affects of Crohn’s disease. Initially, she had various symptoms and agonizing pain that doctors could not identify, including bleeding from her colon.

After constantly being misdiagnosed, she become seriously ill and required surgery. After her second surgery, she finally received a correct diagnosis.

Now, in her late 30s, Melodie is an advocate for Crohn’s and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD).

She educates the minority community about this often mis-diagnosed illness, especially with women of color.

Research shows that millions of African Americans are diagnosed with Crohn’s, however, African-Americans have been underrepresented in most large Crohn’s disease trials. Melodie understands how important being healthy is to her survival. Having a strong immune system, getting her rest, exercise, and her relationship with God are the keys to her successful existence with an autoimmune disease.

If you have an autoimmune disease that’s considered an underlying medical condition so you must be extra vigilant about following the guidelines for coronavirus protection and mantain a healthy immune system.

15

Don’t be counted out.

The census determines federal funding for health care and social services and shapes your political representation for the next decade.

Learn more and pledge to get counted at ppsne.org #CountMeIn

DONT LET THEM COUNT YOU OUT!

THE INNER-CITY NEWS -

March 25, 2020 - March 31, 2020

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

Garrity Asphalt Reclaiming, Inc seeks:

DELIVERY PERSON

Construction Equipment Mechanic preferably experienced in Reclaiming and Road Milling Equipment. We offer factory training on equipment we operate. Location: Bloomfield CT We offer excellent hourly rate & excellent benefits VALENTINA MACRI RENTAL HOUSING PRE- APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE Contact: Tom Dunay

NOTICE

NEEDED

Phone: 243-2300 HOME INC, on behalf of860Columbus House and the New Haven Housing Authority, Email: tom.dunay@garrityasphalt.com is accepting pre-applications for studio and one-bedroom apartments at this develWomen Minority Applicants are New encouraged to apply income limitations apopment & located at 108 Frank Street, Haven. Maximum Action/ Opportunity Employer ply.Affirmative Pre-applications willEqual 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 Reclaiming, INC at 203-562-4663 during those hours. Completed preGarrity Asphalt Inc seeks: applications must be returned to HOME INC’s offices at 171 Orange Street, Third Reclaimer Operators and Milling Operators with current licensing Haven, CTbe06510. andFloor, cleanNew driving record, willing to travel throughout the North-

NOTICIA

Contact: Rick Tousignant Phone: 860- 243-2300

One/Two Day a Week,

Must Have your Own Vehicle

Email: rick.tousignant@garrityasphalt.com VALENTINA MACRI VIVIENDAS DE ALQUILER PRE-SOLICITUDES DISPONIBLES

Women & Minority Applicants are encouraged to apply Affirmative Action/deEqual Opportunity Employer HOME INC, en nombre la Columbus House y de la New Haven Housing Authority, está

If Interested call

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 operating heavydeequipment; be willing to travel throughout the por correo a petición llamando&a NY. HOME 203-562-4663 horas.Pre-solicitudes deberán remitirse Northeast We INC offeralexcellent hourlydurante rate &esas excellent benefits a las oficinas de HOME INC en 171 Orange Street, tercer piso, New Haven , CT 06510 .

Union Company seeks:

Contact Dana at 860-243-2300

Email: dana.briere@garrityasphalt.com Women & Minority Applicants are encouraged to apply Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer

HELP WANTED:

NEW HAVEN

(203) 387-0354

KMK1907 Insulation Inc. Hartford Turnpike North Haven, CT 06473

gregate Housing waiting list for Westhill Gardens Congregate. The property consists of 37 1-BRunits designated for frail seniors age 62 or older. Up to 150 applicants chosen by lottery will be entered onto the waiting list. Applications available in person and on the MHA website at http://manchesterha.org and will be accepted by mail or in person at 24 Bluefield Drive Manchester, CT 06040. Applications will be accepted March 2, 2020 8AM – March 31, 2020 at 4PM. FY 2019 Income Limits

Part Time Delivery Needed

east & NY. We offer excellent hourly rate & excellent benefits

The Manchester Housing Authority will open the State of Connecticut Con-

1 person

2 persons

3 persons

4 person

52,850

60,400

67,950

75,500

The Manchester Housing Authority does not discriminate based upon race, color, disability, familial status, sex or national origin.

360 MANAGEMENT GROUP COMPANY Invitation for Bids Landscaping Services

360 Management Group Company is currently seeking Bids for landscaping services. A complete copy of the requirement may be obtained from 360 Management’s Vendor Collaboration Portal https://newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/gateway beginning on

Monday, March 23, 2020 at 3:00PM.

C.J. Fucci, Inc.,

a CT based construction firm has and immediate opening for a Project Superintendent. Applicants must have experience supervising the installation of underground storm, sewer, water piping and structures of all types including Concrete, PVC, Ductile Iron, etc. in the performance of site and road construction. Applicants also must have current OSHA 10 certification; P6/P7 license is Invitationpreferred to Bid: but not required with equivalent experience. Fax Resumes to 203-468-6256 or email vfederico@cjfucci.com. C.J. Fucci, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

2nd Notice

Mechanical Insulator position.

Large CT guardrail company Insulation company offering good pay 242-258 Ave looking for Laborer/Driver with Fairmont valid CT CDL Class and benefits. Please mail resume to above address.

A license2BR and able to get a medical card.

Must be , 1BA Townhouse, 1.5 BA, 3BR, 1 level able to pass a drug test and physical. CompensaMAIL ONLY All new apartments, new appliances, new carpet, close to I-91 & I-95 Old Saybrook, CT tion based on experience. Email resume to dmasThis company is an Affirmative Action/ highways, near bus stop & shopping center (4 Buildings,Looking 17 Units)for a Laborer with experience in Crane/Pile Driving operations. We tracchio@atlasoutdoor.com AA/EOE M-F Equal Opportunity Employer. will consider with no prior experience. Required skills/qualifications inPet under 40lb allowed. Interested parties contact Maria @ 860-985-8258 Tax Exempt & Not Prevailing Wage Ratethose Project clude: OTC 105 OSHA10 hour Certification, Valid Drivers License, Must be Quinnipiac Avenue, New Haven able to lift over 50 pounds, Minimum age of 18, Must Provide personal transpor Spacious bedroom townhouses withtohardwood floors. 1.5 baths. Select with basements CT. Unified2Deacon’s Association is pleased offer a Deacon’s New Construction, Wood Framed, Housing, Selective Site-work, Casttation to andDemolition, from the jobsite.

Seeking qualified condidates Program.hookups.

This is a 10 month program designed to assist in the intellectual formation of Candidates andCertificate washer/dryer On-site laundry facility.

Off street parking.

Close proximity in-place Concrete, Asphalt Shingles, Vinyl Siding, in response to the Church’s Ministry needs. The cost is $125. Classes start Saturday, August 20, 2016 1:30Please contact: to 3:30 restaurants, shopping centers and on bus line. No pets. Security deposit varies. $1,425to fill numerous vacancies to Contact: Chairman, Deacon Joe J. Davis, M.S., B.S. Flooring, Painting, Division 10 Specialties, Appliances, Residential Eric Casework, Bombaci Bombaci Construction $1,450 includesHost, heat,General hot water and cooking gas.

(203) 996-4517 Bishop Elijah Davis, D.D. Pastor of Pitts Chapel U.F.W.B. Church 64 Brewster include, Director of OperaSection welcome.

Call Christine 860-985-8258.

8605754519 Bombaciconst@aol.com Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing and Fire Protection.

St. New8Haven, CT

SAYEBROOKE VILLAGE Constuction Laborer

CITY OF MILFORD

ELM CITY COMMUNITIES

LEGAL NOTICE

SEYMOUR HOUSING AUTHORITY Request for Proposals for Services

The State of Connecticut, Office of Policy and Management, is seeking proposals

Sealed bidscertain are invited the Housing Authority of Operations, the Town of Seymour to provide servicesby related to Municipal Financial, Policy, and Project Management with theAugust intent of 2, the2016 request to identify individuals or Street, firms until 3:00 pm on Tuesday, at its office at 28 Smith with the necessary expertise to provide the services within a stated timeframe.

Seymour, CT 06483 for Concrete Sidewalk Repairs and Replacement at the The request for proposals is available online at: Smithfield Gardens Assisted Living Facility, 26 Smith Street Seymour. https://biznet.ct.gov/SCP_Search/Default.aspx?AccLast=2 and https://portal.ct.gov/OPM/Root/RFP/Request%20For%20Proposals

AMichael pre-bidP. conference will be held at the Housing Authority Office 28 Smith Walsh Office Seymour, of Policy and Street CTManagement at 10:00 am, on Wednesday, July 20, 2016.

450 Capitol Avenue MS# 55SEC Hartford,documents Connecticut are 06106-1379 Bidding available from the Seymour Housing Authority E-mail: Mike.Walsh@CT.gov fice, 28 Smith Seymour, CT 06483 (203) 888-4579.

Telephone (860)Street, 418-6235 Fax (860) 418-6487

tions Milford Landing Marina, This contract is subject to state set-aside and contract compliance requirements.

Recreation Director, and more.

For information and detailed Bid Extended, Due Date: August 5, 2016 application instructions, visit Anticipated Start: August 15, 2016 Invitation for Bids WWW.ci.milford.ct.us Project documents available via Services: ftp link below:Emergency, On Call and Preventative Maintenance HVAC Click on SERVICES, JOBS and JOB TITLE. http://ftp.cbtghosting.com/loginok.html?username=sayebrookevillage

Of-

Deadline for response submission is 3 right p.m. EST Friday, 17,any 2020.

The Housing Authority reserves the to accept orApril reject 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 Housing Authority.

The Housing Authority of the City of New Haven d/b/a Elm City Communities is

currently seeking Bids for HVAC Services for emergency, on call and preventative Fax or Email Questions & Bids to: Dawn Lang @ 203-881-8372 dawnlang@haynesconstruction.com A complete copy of the requirement may be obtained from Elm City’s HCC encourages the participation of all Veteran,maintenance.

S/W/MBE & Section 3 Certified Businesses VendorAve, Collaboration Portal https://newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/gateHaynes Construction Company, 32 Progress Seymour, CT 06483 way beginning on AA/EEO EMPLOYER

QSR STEEL CORPORATION

APPLY NOW! Steel Fabricators, Erectors & Welders

Top pay for top performers.

Health Benefits, 401K, Vacation Pay. Email Resume: Rose@qsrsteel.com Hartford, CT

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTU-

16

Monday, March 23, 2020 at 3:00PM.

CITY OF MILFORDSeeking qualified condidates to fill numerous vacancies to include,Public Works Office & Administator Operations Manager, Information Technology Manager, and more. For information and detailed application instructions, visit WWW.ci.milford.ct.us Click on SERVICES, JOBS and JOB TITLE.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - March 25, 2020 - March 31, 2020 INNER-CITY NEWS July 27, 2016 - August 02, 2016

LEGAL NOTICE Request For Proposal (RFP) RFP #2021-0902 Community Distribution Center

NOTICE

VALENTINA MACRI RENTAL HOUSING PRE- APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE

The Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH), TB, HIV, STD and Viral Hepatitis Program is seeking proposals from Connecticut public and private organizations and community-based agencies to operate the Community Distribution Center, a public health dissemination initiative and and the Positive CT workgroup.

HOMEinformation INC, on behalf of Columbus House the NewPrevention Haven Housing Authority, An anticipatedpre-applications total of approximately $150,000 annually of state HIV prevention is accepting for studio and one-bedroom apartments at thisfunds develare availa-ble to at support the Distribution additional $100,000 annually opment located 108 Frank Street, NewCenter.

Haven.An Maximum income limitations apof federal Centers for Disease and Prevention (CDC) HIV prevention funds will be ply. Pre-applications will beofavailable from 9AM 5PM will beginning Monday Ju;y earmarked for the purchase male condoms, and TO $21,235 be available for the Positive CT when workgroup.

Funding will be for a two-year period beginning 25, 2016Prevention and ending sufficient pre-applications (approximately 100) have approximately January 1, 2021 through December 30, 2022, subject to the availability been received at the offices of HOME INC. Applications will be mailied upon reof funds.

quest by calling HOME INC at 203-562-4663 during those hours. Completed pre-

The Request for Proposals (RFP) is available in electronic format on the State applications must be at: returned to HOME INC’s offices at 171 Orange Street, Third Contracting Portal http://portal.ct.gov/Services/Working-with-the-State/StateContracting-Portal from the Department’s Official Contact: Floor, New Haven,orCT 06510.

Dante Gennaro CT Department of Public Health TB, HIV, STD & Viral Hepatitis Program 410 Capitol Avenue, MS#11APV Hartford, CT 06134-0308 VALENTINA MACRI VIVIENDAS DE (860) ALQUILER PRE-SOLICITUDES DISPONIBLES Phone: 509-7801 Fax: (860) 509-7853 Dante.gennaro@ct.gov

NOTICIA

HOME INC, en nombre de la Columbus House y de la New Haven Housing Authority, está

The RFP ispre-solicitudes also availablepara on the Department’s website aceptando estudios y apartamentos deatunhttp://www.ct.gov/dph/rfp dormitorio en este desarrollo (Request for Proposals). A printed copy of the RFP can be obtained from the Official ubicado upon en la request. calle 109 Frank Street, New Haven. Se aplican limitaciones de ingresos Contact

máximos.

Las pre-solicitudes estarán disponibles 09 a.m.-5 p.m. comenzando Martes 25 Deadline for submission of proposals to the DPH is: May 1, 2020 by 4:00 p.m. 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 Exp. Lay Out person structural and Misc.

Shop. a las F/T oficinas de HOME INC en 171for Orange Street, tercerSteel piso, New Haven , CT 06510 .

Send resume: hherbert@gwfabrication.com

Town of Bloomfield

NEW HAVENServices (Non-CDL) Vehicle Mechanic Technician/Fleet 242-258 Fairmont Ave $29.59/hourly (non-CDL) 2BR Townhouse, 1.5 BA, 3BR, 1 level , 1BA $30.49/hourly (CDL)

All new apartments, new appliances, new carpet, close to I-91 & I-95 Pre-employment drug AA/EOE. highways, near bus stoptesting. & shopping center For40lb Details to www.bloomfieldct.gov Pet under allowed.go Interested parties contact Maria @ 860-985-8258

Payroll

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

Certificate Program.

This is a 10responsible month program office designedwork to assist formation Payroll ClerkPerforms inin the theintellectual processing of ofallCandidates general in response to the Church’s Ministry needs. The cost is $125. Classes start Saturday, August 20, 2016 1:30government and maintain allM.S., payroll 3:30 Contact: payrolls Chairman, Deacon Joe J. Davis, B.S. records. The position requires a H.S. (203) 996-4517 Host, General Davis, D.D. Pastor Pitts Chapel U.F.W.B. Brewster diploma or G.E.D, plus 5Bishop yearsElijah of experience in of responsible office Church work 64 involving typing, bookkeeping, data entry and payroll processing. $25.72 to $30.87 St. Newaccounting, Haven, CT hourly plus an excellent fringe benefit package. Apply: Human Resources Department, Town of Wallingford, 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492. The closing date will be the date that the 50th application form/resume is received, or March 11, 2020, whichever occurs first. EOE

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 forFacility, Proposals Smithfield Gardens Request Assisted Living 26 Smith Street Seymour.

ELM CITY COMMUNITIE Payroll

Asset Management Consulting Services

A pre-bid conference will be held at the Housing Authority Office 28 Smith The theon City of New July Haven StreetHousing Seymour,Authority CT at 10:00ofam, Wednesday, 20, d/b/a 2016. Elm City Communities is currently seeking Proposals for Asset Management Consulting Services. complete of the requirements may be Bidding documents are A available fromcopy the Seymour Housing Authority Ofobtained fromStreet, Elm Seymour, City’s Vendor Collaboration Portal https://nefice, 28 Smith CT 06483 (203) 888-4579. whavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/gateway beginning on The Housing Authority reserves the 23, right2020 to accept or reject any or all bids, to Monday, March at 3:00PM 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 Housing Authority.

FENCE ERECTING CONTRACTORS

Welder/Helper:

Large CT Fence & Guardrail Contractor is looking for Fence Installer foremen and helpers. Foreman must have at least 5 years’ experience. Helpers-no experience required, will train the right person. Work available 1012 months per year. Valid Ct. Driver’s license required and must be able to get a DOT Medical Card. All necessary equipment provided. Medical, vacation & other benefits included. Must be able to pass a physical and drug test. OSHA 10 training required. Please email resume to rhauer@atlasoutdoor.com AA/EOE – M/F

Large CT fence & guardrail contractor looking for a shop welder/helper. Duties include but are not limited to cutting & notching pipe to build gates, and fabbing, plating posts, truck & trailer repairs. Ability to mig weld steel and aluminum is a plus. Some road work may be required. All necessary equipment provided. Must have a valid CT driver’s license and be able to get a DOT medical card. Required to pass a physical and drug test.

Medical, vacation & other benefits included. Starting pay @ $17.00 per hour. Please email resume to pboucher@atlasoutdoor.com AA/EOE-MF

HELP WANTED: Large CT guardrail company looking for Laborer/Driver with valid CT CDL Class A license and able to get a medical card.

Must be able to pass a drug test and physical. Compensation based on experience. Email resume to dmastracchio@atlasoutdoor.com AA/EOE M-F

Large CT. Fence Company

is looking for an individual for our stock yard. Warehouse shipping and receiving and Forklift experience a must. Must have a minimum of 3 years’ material handling experience.

Must be able to read and write English, and read a tape measure. Duties will include: Loading and unloading trucks, pulling orders for installation and retail counter sales, keeping the yard clean and organized at all times and inventory control. Individual will also make deliveries of fence panels Large CT Fence & Guardrail Contractor is looking for expe- and products, must be able to lift at least 70lbs. Required to rienced, responsible commercial and residential fence erec- pass a Physical and Drug test, have a valid CT. Driver’s Litors and installers on a subcontractor basis. Earn from $750 to cense and be able to obtain a Drivers Medical Card. CDL B $2,000 per day. For more information email resume to rhauer@ & A drivers a plus. Send resume to pboucher@atlasoutdoor. atlasoutdoor.com AA/EOE/MF com AA/EOE/MF

FENCE ERECTING SUBCONTRACTORS

CITY OF MILFORD Seeking qualified condidates to fill numerous vacancies to include,Public Works Office & Administator Operations Manager, Invitation to Bid: Information Technology Manager, and more. For information and detailed application instructions, nd 2 Noticevisit WWW.ci.milford.ct.us Click on SERVICES, JOBS and JOB TITLE.

SAYEBROOKE VILLAGE

Saybrook, CT Construction Seeking(4toOld employ experienced individuals in the labor, foreman, operator and teamster trades for Buildings, 17 Units)

a heavy outside work statewide. Reliable personal transportation and a valid drivers license required. To apply please call Exempt or & Not Prevailing Rate Project (860)Tax 621-1720 send resume Wage to: Personnel Department, P.O. Box 368, Cheshire, CT06410.

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

New Construction, Wood Framed, Housing, Selective Demolition, Site-work, Castin-place Concrete, Asphalt Shingles, Vinyl Siding, Secretary I: The Town of East Haven is currently conducting an examination for the position of SecFlooring, Painting, Division 10 Specialties, Appliances, Residential Casework, retary I, Grade Level 9. Qualified candidates must possess a Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing and Fire Protection.

Superintendent-Sewer: The Town of Wallingford Sewer School Diploma or GED and two (2) years of experience Division is seeking a highly individual who will ad- High This contract is subject to qualified state set-aside and contract compliance requirements.

Sewer

ministratively plan, organize, and direct the Town's water pollu- with secretarial and office operations or any equivalent comtion control program through the Assistant Superintendent and bination of experience and training. The current opening is in Bid Extended, Due Date: August 5, 2016 staff. Must have a bachelor's degree from a recognized college the Board of Education. The hourly rate for this position is $18.28 per hour, 15 hours per week. The application is availAnticipated Start: Augustengineering, 15, 2016 or university in civil engineering, environmental Project documentsscience, availableorviarelated ftp linkfield below: able at http://www.townofeasthavenct.org/civiltest.shtml or chemical engineering, environmental plus seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in The Civil Service Office, 250 Main Street, East Haven CT and http://ftp.cbtghosting.com/loginok.html?username=sayebrookevillage the waste water treatment field with at least five (5) years of su- the deadline to apply is March 9, 2020. The Town of East Haven is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Minorities, Females, pervisory or &anBids equivalent combination of education Fax orexperience Email Questions to: Dawn Lang @ 203-881-8372 dawnlang@haynesconstruction.com Veterans and Handicapped are encouraged to apply. and qualifying experience substituting on a year-for-year basis.

HCC encourages the participation of all Veteran, S/W/MBE & Section 3 Certified Businesses Must also possess and Construction maintain aCompany, State of32Connecticut Depart-CT 06483 Haynes Progress Ave, Seymour, ment of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Class AA/EEO EMPLOYER IV Operator certification. Must possess and maintain a valid State of Connecticut Motor Vehicle Operator’s License. Salary: $92,405 - $118,227 plus an excellent fringe benefit package.

Apply: Department of Human Resources, Town of Wallingford, Email hherbert@gwfabrication.com 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492 Phone: (203) 294-2080. Applications can also be mailed or faxed (203) 2942084. The closing date will be April 21, 2020. EOE

Experienced DOT certified Welder for Misc/Structural Steel

17

THE INNER-CITY NEWS -

March 25, 2020 - March 31, 2020

OP-ED: New York City is Moving on Up

By Destiny Hamilton, Jamaica Queens NAACP

Every decade since 1940, New York has lost at least one congressional seat due to an undercount in the decennial census.

The census is a survey taken every ten years to count the United States population. The information collected is used to determine the number of seats each state has in the U.S. House of Representatives, and how much federal funding each state will receive.

Crowned “The Melting Pot,” New York City is one of the most diverse places in the world. There are roughly 8.6 million residents in NYC and yet every decade, only a little over half of those individuals are actually counted in the census. This year the New York City Council and the City University of New York (CUNY) has allocated $19 million to communitybased organizations across the five boroughs to mobilize and educate the community about the census. This funding is known as the Complete Count Fund.

No other city in the nation has allocated such a large amount of funding towards census related work. The goal of the Complete Count Fund is to increase the self-response rate for the 2020 Census to ensure that every person residing in New York is accurately counted.

In December 2020, Mayor DeBlasio and the New York City Council announced more than 150 awardees of the Complete Count Fund. Each awardee received from $15,000 to $250,000 to engage in direct mobilization around the Census in their neighborhoods. The awardees and volunteers are known as Neighborhood Organizing Census Com-

COMMENTARY:

mittees (NOCC). The organizations were strategically chosen to serve the most hard-to-count neighborhoods in the five boroughs.

The NAACP Metropolitan Council of Branches, under the leadership of Dr. Hazel N. Dukes, is amongst the many organizations to receive funding. Prior to receiving the funding, the New York State Conference was already organizing for the Census to serve their Civic Engagement Game Changer. Some of their Census engagement initiatives include hosting Census information sessions at local NAACP branches, tabling at events, and hosting workshops about the importance of the Census. Other awardees include, but are not limited to, LIFE Camp Inc., Rockaway Youth Task Force, African Communities Together, and the Black Alliance for Just Immigration.

New York City must overcome many adversities to increase the Census count this year. The idea of strangers going into communities to solicit personal information evokes fear for many residents. For the Black community, this fear stems from millenniums of violence and deception caused by racism and hatred. From slavery to the Jim Crow era, the United States government has proved time and time again that they are capable of manipulating Black people.

Although social conditions for Black people have somewhat improved, there are still systems of oppression such as mass incarceration and police brutality that continue to evoke fear for black and brown people and make them hesitant to willingly share personal information.

Under the Trump administration, deportation has surged in New York City

by 150%. Immigrations and Custom Enforcement (ICE) raids in the city have also significantly increased. These raids and deportation efforts target immigrants of color in mostly Latinx communities.

Once taken by ICE, the families are then placed in detention camps where they wait to face a judge and most likely be deported. Many undocumented immigrants come to the United States to live a better life, and they do not want to sacrifice by giving out personal information to unfamiliar faces.

Many individuals in New York City are also subleasing apartments. Due to family dynamics, there are more people living in their houses than stated on

the lease. This situation causes conflict because those individuals do not want to fill out the Census, fearing that they will be evicted and forced to search for a home during a time where New York City rent is at its highest ever.

These struggles prove why a highly diverse group of individuals are needed to execute the groundwork and persuade unique individuals in New York’s historically undercounted neighborhoods to fill out the Census. The people from NOCCs live in and speak the languages of the communities they are based in.

Therefore, they have the best ability to connect to individuals on a personal level in order to overcome the adversities

that NOCCs have to educate the community about the Census. There are only 10 questions asked in the Census, and under Title 13, your information is not allowed to be shared with anyone. This includes ICE, New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), and the New York Police Department (NYPD). If information is shared, it would result in a fine up to $250,000 and jail time.

Now that you know about New York City’s efforts to ensure a Complete Count, let’s spread the word about the Census to others so NYC can move on up!!! #NYCcounts.

al is easy and innocent; and seems safe.

When my wife was first pregnant, thirty-five years ago, there was nothing that would have led us to believe that there would not be a happy ending. Yes, we knew that there were such things as premature births and other complications.

But we were both healthy and took the pregnancy seriously. With each month, our excitement grew. And then the unexpected happened and our first born emerged alive but too young and too undeveloped in order to survive. Three days later she was gone.

Don’t get me wrong. I am not blaming us for being naïve. I am saying that the shock of reality threw us in ways from which we have never fully recovered. There is a level of insecurity that emerges out of such a crisis that never

completely vanishes because you have faced a disturbing reality: tragedy can hit in the most unexpected ways and the pain is excruciating.

This planet—and not just ‘America First’—is living through yet another crisis. We regularly face wars, poverty and pestilence. But for many of us in the so-called global North—the more developed countries—there is a tendency to believe that immense tragedy is exceptional. Yes, it can happen, but it usually happens to someone else. And even when it is bad, it is temporary and, well, ‘they’—whoever ‘they’is—will get over it.

We are facing a different reality with Covid-19 and economic collapse. Both are affecting everyone, in one way or another. We now know that all of us can

be shaken, very directly, by global tragedies. And, no, this situation is not something that someone can just ‘get over.’

This is a situation that will take time to heal and will necessitate a full break from denial. It will also necessitate, as Senator Sanders and others have so eloquently articulated, solidarity rather than exclusivity.

The pain resulting from fear and loss does not completely vanish in time.

Rather, we get used to it and adjust to it. But it leaves us with a sense of insecurity that also does not easily disappear because we have had to face a daunting fact: it can happen here and, yes, it can happen to us.

Bill Fletcher, Jr. is the executive editor of globalafricanworker.com and a past president of TransAfrica Forum.

Fear and Loss in a Time of Plague

By Bill Fletcher, Jr., NNPA Newswire Contributor The anniversary of the loss of my first born has, by coincidence, landed right in the middle of this time of fear and pandemic. We have witnessed, over the past weeks, a President of the United States who perpetrated denial and lies about the overall situation, allegedly in an effort to calm us; more likely to calm the markets.

Our collective fear rests largely in facing the unknown. We have no idea what

to expect and how severe the situation will become. The results of this plague may ultimately be no worse than a very bad flu, but all indications are that, at a minimum, it will place severe stress on an already problematic medical system.

And, yes, people will die.

For far too long as a country, we have lived in denial regarding the ever-present threat of pandemics. Trump was not alone in that self-deception. Scientists have warned us that these dangers existed and, in the context of environmental catastrophe, the dangers associated with viral pandemics have increased. Yet, too many of us have thought that we personally, or we-the USA, would be immune.

We have assumed that others would suffer and die but that somehow there was a wall or forcefield that protected us. Deni-

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS - March 25, 2020 - March 31, 2020

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS -

March 25, 2020 - March 31, 2020

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