INNER-CITY NEWS

Housing Tops May Day Rally Cry

by NORA GRACE-FLOOD

Hundreds of activists took to the streets to commemorate International Workers’ Day and to celebrate local strides taken to solidify people power not just across jobs, but within New Haven apartments, homeless encampments, and shelters.

New Haveners have formed a tradition of marking that worldwide May 1 labor day each year by embarking on a march for justice throughout downtown after gathering on the Green for hours of music, maypole dancing, and speeches spanning issues from worker protections to healthcare access to immigrant and indigenous rights to environmental action.

On Monday, that standard scene saw activists newly emboldened by a string of recent gains and losses in another foundational fight which New Haveners have largely been leading throughout the state, around affordable housing.

In addition to passing out fliers championing progressive causes and running ribbons around a post, organizers of Monday’s event added some flair to this year’s rendition by pedaling a quadricycle with an effigy of Mayor Justin Elicker strapped into the passenger’s seat over to City Hall where they blasted the administration for bulldozing a West River homeless encampment and sought to stir up more support for tenants’ rights.

While May Day is centered around the dignity and collective potential of workers, the city’s rally recalled a special 12 months and change spent legitimizing the unionization of renters a New Haven-led effort that is spreading across the state and drawing attention not just to substandard living conditions in steeplypriced apartments, but to a broader housing stock shortage, packed shelters with impenetrable waitlists, and a growing number of faces with nowhere to sleep except the street.

“Housing is a human right, that is why we have to fight!” Democratic Socialists of America organizer Luke MelonakosHarrison chanted into a megaphone outside of City Hall.

“Here in New Haven and across Connecticut,” he declared, tenants are unionizing, “costing landlords a lot in court,” and “putting rent control on the table in Connecticut for the first time in fifty years.”

Although the state legislature ultimately dumped a proposal to establish a rent cap, Melonakos-Harris said that “all they did was piss off a lot more people. We know our movement is growing. We know tenants have the power.”

“Down with the landlords!” organizers shouted, to which the crowd responded

“Boo, boo!”

“Up with the tenants!”

“Yeah, yeah!”

That cheer evolved to include: “Up with the workers, up with the students, up with the teachers!”

“Down with the bosses!”

New Haven Federation of Teachers President Leslie Blatteau was one of several speakers to take the stage on the Green and name different pathways towards housing justice.

In Boston, she noted, the city’s teachers union crafted a contract with the school system that included a pilot program to house the families of up to 4,000 students without housing.

“We’re bargaining for the common good,” she said of New Haven’s teachers union. “We’re fighting for Husky for immigrants, we’re fighting for rent caps, we’re fighting for higher wages for our low-wage union siblings, paraprofessionals, we are fighting for people to make sure that they can organize unions.”

“We can do it when we come together, when we demand enough is enough.”

7-year-old Board of Education Representative and Wilbur Cross junior Dave Cruz-Bustamante said that just as the United States fails to recognize International Workers’ Day as a federal holiday, only one of their teachers mentioned the occasion during his school day.

Cruz-Bustamante attended the event on the Green to remind himself of another life lesson: “It’s a reminder of our duty to each other, of the joy in solidarity,” they said of May Day and the way New Haveners come together to celebrate the holiday.

Soon, they, too, will have to join the workforce and pay rent. “I can’t just remain a Bohemian intellectual my whole life,” they lamented.

Bustamante-Cruz, however, was one of few not to raise their hands when Melonakos-Harrison requested members of Monday’s audience indicate whether they paid rent to a landlord.

“Too many of us have been divided and isolated just trying to get our rent paid,” Melonakos-Harrison said. “Imagine what we could do if just half the renters in New Haven were in a tenants’ union.”

The growth of tenants rights in New Haven and beyond has developed in tandem with the expansion of communal organization and speak-outs by New Haveners without any housing whatsoever.

“Mayday is an international distress call,” Arthur Taylor, an organizer with the Unhoused Activist Community Team

(U-ACT) who has been finding refuge at a warming center for months while looking for housing, said to the crowd convened on the Green Monday afternoon. “We’re in an emergency here in New Haven.”

Tammy Imre, another U-ACT member who said she just found an apartment in Cedar Hill after 13 years without consistent housing, read a list of demands drafted by those living without shelter in the city, such as: No evictions from public lands, no police involvement in encampment sweeps “except in last resorts,” permanent public bathrooms for all, and no legal charges for public urination or defecation until bathrooms are provided.

“We’re tired of being criminalized for things like eating, sleeping, using the bathroom,” Taylor asserted. “We shouldn’t have to be begging for shelters… The emergency is tonight. The time to act is now.”

He remembered the bulldozing of an encampment of ten people living just off Ella Grasso Boulevard this past spring as “a cruel inhumane act against people who were very vulnerable,” a city intervention that later prompted the crowd to flood the inside of City Hall and shout “shame” at Mayor Elicker from the city’s steps.

As the crowd later moved on from City Hall to a Chapel Street Starbucks and Howe Street Pizzeria to protest alleged worker abuses, Melonakos-Harrison told the Independent as he marched that the housing focus of this year’s celebration was an inevitable reaction to an ever escalating housing disaster.

“Without housing you can’t do anything else – without a stable place to live, how are we gonna address every other issue coming up today?” he questioned. Just like labor unions, he said, tenants unions “are challenging the balance of power.”

“It’s really encouraging that many more people are able to understand that the homelessness crisis is part of the housing crisis. Turning homelessness into an issue of substance abuse or mental illness… I think that perspective is starting to shift in New Haven.”

“We keep building,” he said of New Haven’s organizers, tenants, and community members without housing, “because the crisis keeps growing.”

“As long as they let the crisis deepen, this crowd is gonna grow,” he said, looking over at the tens on tens of walkers dialoguing back and forth: “Whose streets? Our streets!”

Through unionization, he said, the chaos of the crowd “will turn into organization, into change.”

NORA GRACE-FLOOD PHOTOS Paul Boudreau and Greta Blau, left, founders of the first tenants' union in Hamden.

Luke Melonakos-Harrison speaks outside City Hall.

Arthur Taylor and Tammy Imre.

New Haven Independent

Alders Approve Renewed Q House-LEAP Contract

by LAURA GLESBY

A local youth tutoring and recreation nonprofit won final approval to run the Dixwell Q House community center for at least the next five years.

The Board of Alders unanimously approved that contract Monday between the city and LEAP, or Leadership, Education & Athletics In Partnership., which has helmed the 197 Dixwell Ave. community center since its reopening two years ago. That ensures that LEAP will lead the Q House for another five years starting this coming July. They took that vote during the local legislature’s latest full board meeting in the Aldermanic Chamber on the second floor of City Hall.

Per the now-approved contract, the city will pay LEAP up to $350,000 each year — including $100,000 per year in management fees, and up to $250,000 each year to reimburse for operating expenses at the Q House..

The contract’s initial term runs from July 2023 to July 2028. After those first five years, the contract provides an option for the city and the Q House Advisory Board to jointly renew LEAP’s role an-

nually for an additional five years, paving a path for the organization to run the Q House for another ten years in total. (Read more about the contract here.)

Dixwell Alder Jeanette Morrison, who championed the Q House’s revival through its reopening in 2021, spoke up in support of the contract Monday before her colleagues took a final vote on Monday evening.

She touted the myriad of programs that LEAP has operated in the gleaming Q House building over the past couple of years, including dance, music, and theater activities; GED classes and job training; and themed family-friendly events.

Morrison noted that over 800 people utilize the Q House building each week, demonstrating “how needed the Q House building is.”

Also on Monday night, alders also unanimously approved a one-year contract renewal with Worldwide Travel Staffing Inc., a travel nursing agency that currently provides registered nurses to New Haven Public Schools (NHPS) and the Health Department clinics.

The contract will cost the city a maximum of $400,000 for one year, beginning

on July 1, 2023.

According to Health Director Maritza Bond, who presented on the contract at an April Finance Committee meeting, Worldwide Travel Staffing Inc. assesses

the need for temporary nurses on a week to week basis, depending on the availability of the city’s staff nurses. The city compensates the agency depending on the calculated need.

The nursing agency allows the city to provide a nurse in every school, according to Bond.

Alders also approved on Monday $517,204.60 in legal expenses for the Board of Education. That money will compensate the education-focused law firm Shipman and Goodwin for representing the Board of Education in labor and civil matters over the course of the past year.

Alders have to approve NHPS-related professional services that go beyond $100,000. The school system’s original 2022 – 2023 agreement with Shipman and Goodwin called for $80,000 of expenses; at an April Finance Committee meeting, alders reprimanded NHPS Chief Operating Officer Thomas Lamb for not coming before the board immediately after the fees surpassed $100,000, and for initially presenting a vague proposal to alders. Despite these bumps in the road, Finance Committee Chair Adam Marchand called on alders on Monday to support the legal fees, praising the law firm’s “expertise in education law.” The alders approved the expenses unanimously.

Kali Akuno to Receive Gandhi Peace Award at New Haven's Q-House

On Saturday May 13 Kali Akuno, cofounder of Cooperation Jackson, will be given the Gandhi Peace Award in a ceremony at the Q-House in New Haven (197 Dixwell Avenue) at 2 p.m. The Gandhi Peace Award has been presented since 1960 by the Connecticut-based organization Promoting Enduring Peace (PEP). Cooperation Jackson was created in Jackson, Mississippi in 2013 to foster a solidarity economy in Jackson anchored by a network of cooperatives and workerowned, democratically self-managed enterprises.

Michael Mills' "Rhythm's from the Heart" will provide music. There will be no admission fee to the ceremony and there will be free refreshments. Register at PEPeace.org to attend or to view online.

Laura Schleifer Program and Development Officer of the Promoting Enduring Peace said. “Kali Akuno of his fellow members of Cooperation Jackson are creating a model for how we might be able to transform our communities on the local level and then linking them together to create a new system that both provides for human and ecological needs, and also

recognizes the interdependence between the two.”

Stanley Heller, PEP Administrator said, “We also admire Akuno’s writings, how he developed ideas on worker self-management and strategy on how to move the cooperative movement forward. He wrote ‘Jackson Rising: The Struggle for Economic Democracy and Black SelfDetermination in Jackson, Mississippi’ in 2017 and this month released a book he co-edited ‘Jackson Rising Redux’. We also admire his bold ideas on the climate crisis and his call for ecosocialism”.

The Gandhi Peace Award has been given since 1960 by the Connecticut-based organization Promoting Enduring Peace. The peace and environmental organization was founded in 1952. Recent laureates of the award are: Syrian-American Dr. Zaher Sahloul, Syrian rescue worker Mayson Al-Misri, musician and activist Jackson Browne, Ralph Nader, Omar Barghouti and Tom Goldtooth and Kathy Kelly. Well-known laureates in the past include Martin Luther King Jr., Daniel Ellsberg, Dorothy Day and Eleanor Roosevelt.

Immigrant Activists Rally for Health Care, Stable Scheduling

by Hugh McQuaid

A group of immigrant activists marched Monday to the state Capitol where they rallied for passage of legislation including an expansion of Medicaid eligibility for undocumented children and stable scheduling requirements for service industry workers.

Dozens of people gathered to mark International Workers Day in Hartford’s Bushnell Park. ey shouted, alternatively in Spanish and English, slogans of solidarity for the state’s immigrant workforce and demands for state policymakers as they marched from the muddy turf of the park, across Trinity Street and assembled in front of the Capitol’s south-facing portico.

“We are here as organizations, residents of Connecticut, and elected o cials to demand better policies that guarantee the basic human rights of Black, brown, immigrant and working class communities,” said Veronica Ubaldo, a Mexican immigrant and member of the advocacy group Make the Road Connecticut.

On the group’s agenda were legislative proposals requiring many larger employers to publish work schedules two weeks in advance and compensate employees if their shi s are changed on short notice.  Another bill attempts to ensure access to translation services for English language learner students and their families. e group pushed for a ordable housing and rent cap policies that have since been defeated. ey also called on legislators to expand Medicaid eligibility to otherwise

eligible undocumented immigrants beyond the state’s current threshold at 12 years old.

e immigrant workers’ push comes at a critical time for the legislature, where leaders are in the midst of negotiating a state budget for the next two years. e success or failure of most bills depends on whether a concept can secure funding

in that eventual budget document, which despite an expected surplus, will be tightly constrained by scal constraints.

One of the nal pieces of the budget picture, updates on the state’s projected revenues, was expected to fall into place later Monday.

Some of the proposals sought by the advocates seem unlikely to make much

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headway in the remaining ve weeks of the legislative session. For instance, policies capping increases in rent amounts already failed to advance out of the legislature’s Housing Committee this year.  Other bills remain in play. e legislature’s spending committee was expected to consider a version of the predictable scheduling requirements as one of 95 items up for review during an a ernoon meeting. If advanced by the Appropriations Committee, the bill would return to the House, where lawmakers declined to vote on a similar proposal last year.

e House will also consider the “English Learners’ Bill of Rights,” which was proposed this year by Gov. Ned Lamont.  Meanwhile, a version of the expansion of Medicaid for undocumented people has already been included in the Appropriations Committee’s spending recommendations. e panel called for spending $3 million to increase eligibility for otherwise eligible children from the age of 12 to 15. Leaders of the panel argued the state had not yet been able to gauge the scal impact of the last expansion, which went into e ect earlier this year.

During Monday’s rally, advocates said the contemplated expansion did not go far enough.

As parents, we want it expanded for all ages, but we learned that they only want to expand to age 15 this year. For shame,” said Guadalupe Escamilla, a 37 yearold mother from Mexico who is now a resident of Hartford. “For us, who have worked so hard, to be given this news at this point with all that we have fought.”

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Kali Akuno, co-founder of Cooperation

Advocates march to the state Capitol on May 1, 2023 Credit: Hugh McQuaid / CTNewsJunkie

New Haven Independent

Giles Reappointed To Board of Pardons and Paroles

by Hugh McQuaid

Carleton Giles, a former chair of the state Board of Pardons and Paroles and author of a controversial policy on sentence commutations, won final approval Thursday from the House to return as a member of the board.

The House approved Giles’ nomination on a close 79-67 vote following a heated debate. His nomination cleared the Senate after similar deliberations earlier this month.

A retired police officer, Giles served as chairman of the Board of Pardons and Paroles from 2014 until April 10, when Gov. Ned Lamont announced he would be replaced by another board member, Jennifer Medina Zaccagnini.

In demoting Giles, the governor yielded to weeks of controversy over an eligibility policy change which was followed by a sharp spike in the number of sentence commutations granted by the board.

The panel has since halted commutations while it reconsiders the policy. Stakeholders including advocates, the governor’s office and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have met to plan adjustments to state law, which currently allow the board’s chair to set its policy on commutations.

Some argued Thursday that the state should take its reassessment of the policy a step further by removing Giles from the board. Linda Binnenkade, a Windsor resident whose brother-in-law was murdered in 2003, was among a group of surviving family members of homicide victims at

the state Capitol lobbying legislators to oppose his confirmation.

“This is not political,” she said during a press conference outside the House chamber. “This is about your public safety. We carry the burden of ensuring those people stay in jail and stay in prison where they

can’t hurt your families. Giles created a very flawed and dangerous policy and we’re here today to urge our legislators to vote ‘no’ on his reinstatement to the parole board.”

A majority of lawmakers opted instead to support Giles, even if the resolution did receive ‘no’ votes from every Republican and 15 Democrats.

It also stirred emotions during a closed door meeting on the subject, according to House Speaker Matt Ritter. Although House Democrats expressed varying points of view on Giles, Ritter said the legislature’s focus was more appropriately placed on Connecticut’s commutation policy going forward.

“The focus on this gentleman [Giles] is — I get it. He was the chair — but I think the focus really should be on us because we passed that law and our job is to change it,” Ritter said. The policy allowed offenders to apply for a sentence commutation if they had served at least 10 years of their sentence. Denied applicants could reapply after at least three years if new evidence surfaced in their cases.

Rep. Steve Stafstrom, a Bridgeport Democrat who co-chairs the legislature’s Judiciary Committee, told reporters he expected his panel would take action

codifying and, in some places, modifying the process outlined in the board’s policy. For example, Stafstrom spoke of tailoring notification requirements to ensure that victims and state prosecutors were notified at the appropriate times when offenders apply for commutations. However, he was not inclined to support broadbased restrictions on which offenders may apply for those sentence modifications.

“You can’t pigeon hole every case into the same sort of policy,” Stafstrom said. “That’s why you allow folks to apply, you do an initial screening review, and certain cases are just summarily rejected before they even get to a full-blown hearing.”

Last year, the board denied hearings to 212 of the 310 offenders who applied for commutations. It ultimately granted commutations to 79 of the applicants, many of them serving lengthy sentences for crimes they committed when they were in their early 20s.

Stafstrom suggested that Giles had been unfairly maligned for “doing his job,” and was often more conservative with his use of sentence modifications and early release policies than the Judiciary Committee’s leadership would have liked. Despite the controversy, members on both

Audrey Carlson, one of several crime survivors at the Capitol on April 27, 2023 Credit: Hugh McQuaid / CTNewsJunkie

New Haven Independent

“Amazing 8” Open New Promise Chapter

by PAUL BASS

Eight high schoolers made hopeful history Monday and in the process helped New Haven confront historical wrongs.

In a ceremony held at Cooperative Arts & Humanities High School, the students (pictured above) were named the first recipients of James W.C. Pennington scholarships. New Haven Promise is administering the Yale-funded four-year $20,000-a-year scholarships to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) including Morgan State, Howard, Spelman, Hampton, and North Carolina A&T. The winners competed with more than 100 students for the scholarships, the first in New Haven Promise’s 12-year history for schools outside New Haven.

Yale expects the program to grow to 40 to 50 scholarships a year for New Haven public school students. The university said it formed the program in part to address “historical disparities in educational opportunities for Black citizens.”

Those “disparities” include the rejection by New Haven leaders in 1831 of an effort by Black and white abolitionists to create the country’s first HBCU here in town.

The scholarship’s eponymous James Pennington, a fugitive former slave who came North, himself got a raw deal from Yale. He audited classes at the divinity school, the first-ever Black student on campus. But was not allowed officially to register because of his race. He went on to “a noteworthy career as a minister, antislavery organizer, scholar, and speaker” who wrote “the first African American history textbook,” according to an ac-

count by the university, which now plans to grant him a posthumous degree.

Proud parents filled the room at Coop for the ceremony, in which the mayor and members of a selection committee urged “the Amazing 8” to return home after college to, in the words of former Coop Principal Dolores Garcia-Blocker, “make New Haven a better place for everyone.”

Recipients like Laniyah McNeil, at center above, repeatedly thanked their mothers for being their rocks of support through their public school journeys, in some cases raising them on their own.

“She’s been there since day 1,” tearyeyed Spelman-bound Tiara Walters said of her mom.

Laniyah’s mom Ernestine Giles phonecaptured the day for posterity.

Morgan State-bound graduating Coop senior Trinity Ford (in above video) spoke of how her mom helped “push me and inspire me to figure out everything I want to do in my life.”

“She’s been there for my entire ride and always been by biggest supporter,” Skye Williams said of her mom Casey, who sat in the front row (above) with potential 2036 Pennington scholarship recipient Chase.

Scholarship winners and the HBCUs they will attend: Trinity Ford (Morgan State), Migdalia Marquez (Howard), Anaya Moye (Morgan State), Tiara Walters (Spelman), Brianna Lane (Hampton), Laniyah McNeil (Morgan State), Antoine Pittman (Morgan State), Skye Williams (North Carolina A&T).

Senator Tackles Loneliness “Epidemic”

by PAUL BASS

Can we talk? About how lonely and disconnected so many of us feel?

Chris Murphy hopes so. Otherwise, he worries, we won’t be able to come together as a nation to tackle challenges ranging from mass shootings to opioid addiction to teen suicide and social-media bullying to political polarization.

Murphy, one of Connecticut’s two U.S. senators, has embarked on a mission to ignite that conversation. He has written articles and done interviews about the need to tackle America’s “loneliness epidemic” in publications ranging from Time and the Atlantic and the liberal New Republic to the conservative Bulwark. He spoke about it as well the other day during an interview on WNHH FM’s “Dateline New Haven” program.

We have “an unmistakable crisis in this country,” Murphy said. “If you look at the number of teenagers that are feeling lonely or alone, the number of teenagers that are contemplating doing harm to themselves, it’s at real epidemic levels. But you also see elevated levels of loneliness amongst adults, as well, especially adults who are living further away from population centers.”

In one survey, by the Centers for Disease Control, 57 percent of high school girls reported feeling “persistently sad or hopeless,” Murphy noted in one recent article, and 22 percent of high schoolers reported having seriously considered suicide.

If we can have “a metaphysical conversation” about loneliness and hopelessness, he said, “we’ll find that the way that we’re feeling on both the right and the left is strikingly similar. We’re feeling alone and lonely. Often, that has nothing

to do with your politics. We’re feeling frustrated that we have less economic control, we’re working harder and getting less. That exists on both sides of the debate. We’re feeling kind of frustrated by the commodification of everything, the way that Amazon and Google have just turned everything into a commodity and put a price on everything in our lives.

“So I think all those feelings unite us. And if we spent some time just talking about that, then maybe it’s easier for us to create a common political and policy agenda.”

Murphy, a progressive Democrat, is testing his proposition by seeking to work with conservative Republicans on common-ground legislative responses to the “unhealthy behaviors” and “toxic anger and hate” arising from all this ennui and despair.

Last year he forged a bipartisan compromise to advance gun safety in response to mass shootings. (Read about that here.) This past week Murphy introduced a Protecting Kids on Social Media Act in conjunction with Democratic Sen. Brian Schatz and Republican Sens. Tom Cotton and Katie Britt. The bill would ban kids under 13 from using social media and require parental permission for 13 to 17-year-olds. It would also bar Facebook or Twitter or TikTok et al. from using algorithms to push users under 18 toward recommended content.

“For a long time, we thought that online connection was going to be just as fulfilling as in-person connection our ability to find new communities and new

PAUL BASS PHOTO

Inaugural HBCU-bound Pennington Scholarship recipients, from left, Anaya Moore, Skye Williams, Tiara Walters, Laniyah McNeil, Antoine Pittman, Trinity Ford, Brianna Lane, and Migdalia Marquez at Monday's event with Promise President Patricia Melton.

PAUL BASS PHOTO Sen. Murphy: "The way that we're feeling on both the right and the left is strikingly similar.”

New Haven Independent

New Haven Independent

Committee Advances Constitutional Amendment on Bail

by Hugh McQuaid

Legislators seeking to reform Connecticut’s criminal bail system are advancing a resolution asking voters to remove constitutional language that currently prevents a criminal defendant from being held without bail in virtually all cases.

Under the state constitution, the only defendants who can be denied bail are those accused of committing crimes classified as “capital offenses,” a term that is now obsolete under state law.

On Tuesday, the Government Administration and Elections Committee took a largely party-line vote to advance a resolution allowing some exceptions. Sen. Doug McCrory, D-Hartford, joined Republicans in opposition.

The committee’s co-chair, Rep. Matt Blumenthal, D-Stamford, said the resolution would allow the legislature to pass laws giving courts more flexibility.

“No matter how dangerous the individual is, no matter how much of a flight risk the individual is, no matter how much of a risk to the administration of justice the individual is, that person has a right to

bail,” Blumenthal said. “On the flip side, it means that no matter how little a risk the individual is, if the person cannot afford to make bail, then they will be subject to pretrial detention.”

During the meeting, Sen. Rob Sampson, R-Wolcott, said he was sympathetic to the purpose of the resolution, but opposed the amendment because it did not state what changes the legislature’s Democratic majority would adopt if voters choose to remove constitutional barriers.

Sampson said that other states had used bail reform as an opportunity to make statements on racial justice or equity.

“I worry that if we enact something that may be well-intended that it is going to be co-opted for political purposes,” Sampson said.

“I just fear because the details are not here, that it’s the General Assembly that is going to set those terms and conditions via what is currently a Democrat majority.

I can’t trust it,” he said. “I just can’t trust what those blanks will be filled in with.”

The legislature’s Judiciary Committee advanced the resolution last month on a vote that included support from Rep.

Craig Fishbein, R-Wallingford. During that meeting, members contemplated scenarios where courts would currently be required to grant bail to perpetrators ac-

cused of shocking crimes.

“At one end of the spectrum, we have the tragedy at Sandy Hook and currently, under our laws, if that was to happen to-

morrow, which we all pray that it didn’t, the perpetrator, if they lived, would be entitled to bail,” Fishbein said. “Under our current system, that bail cannot be punitive.”

The committee’s co-chair, Rep. Steve Stafstrom, D-Bridgeport, also pointed to other types of violent crime.

“If someone brutally raped someone, was released on bail, brutally raped someone again, they would still be entitled to bail, to be out for the third time,” he said. Stafstrom said it was past time for the legislature to evaluate whether Connecticut’s current bail system was working at the high end, where wealthier residents could afford both to pay bail and potentially flee, and at the low end where poorer residents lacked the means to post bail.

“I don’t have the magic bill that says this is how we’re going to fix it because, frankly, we can’t propose that bill under our current construct because this legislature and this committee’s hands are tied by an outdated constitutional provision that needs to be updated,” he said. “This resolution is the first step in that process.”

Rep. Matt Blumenthal, D-Stamford Credit: Hugh McQuaid / CTNewsJunkie

A Hustler’s Vibe” Comes To Dwight

by PAUL BASS

Rashaan Boyd has returned to the corner of Edgewood Avenue and Day Street to reclaim a piece of the block.

Boyd has transformed a vacant storefront the former home of A Walk In Truth Christian bookstore into a storefront for his luxury streetwear brand A Hustler’s Vibe. He plans a grand opening event Saturday, May 13.

Boyd, 27, grew up across the street at 99 Edgewood when it was a housing coop. His grandmother, Rosalie Givens Towers, who raised him, served a stint as coop president. The coop failed a decade ago. Now a Fairfield developer owns and manages it.

As a kid, Boyd hung out at the old Antillean Manor complex on the property abutting the storefront on Day Street. They called it The Castle. The Castle, too, was a housing coop. That, too, failed. That, too, has fallen into the hands of a private company, Carabetta Companies, which tore it down and is now in the process of rebuilding it as its own development.

Boyd left the neighborhood after graduating Hillhouse High School. A friend named Ricardo Steele suggested they design clothing. “He had the idea,” Boyd said. “I had the brains to do it.” And the hustle.

For the past four years Boyd has filled his Grand Cherokee with enough jackets and shirts and sweatshirts and hats to leave just enough room to drive. Then he’s traveled to different states, hit popup events, communicated with potential customers through his website and Instagram and Facebook sites.

Now he has parked his Cherokee on Edgewood and set down commercial roots on the block of his residential roots.

He has the A Hustler’s Vibe logo up

above the front door

… and is finishing up the inside in advance of the grand opening.

Boyd said when asked about the business name. “My logo is a hand holding money. But the slogan is, ‘All hustle, no luck.’ You’ve got to hustle for everything you want in life. Luck doesn’t come too often. How many of us have hit the lottery? But most of us get up each and every day and go meet with like-minded individuals, have conversations, build re-

lationships, and make money.”

Memories haunt the block. Especially Sean Reeves Jr.’s ghost. In 2011, a bullet meant for someone else ended Sean’s life at 16 years old at the other end of Day Street.

“That’s my beloved friend, best friend. Everything I do is for him. Hopefully he lives through me,” Boyd said. He tattooed Sean’s name on his arm. He plans a mural in his memory for the new store’s exterior wall facing Day.

Find out more about A Hustler’s Vibe at its website, here on Instagram, or here on Facebook.

Connecticut Completes Hero Pay Program for Essential Workers

by Staff Report

State Comptroller Sean Scanlon announced that the Premium Pay program, also known as Hero Pay, has concluded after providing one-time payments of up to $1,000 to 157,811 essential workers. The program, which was approved by the Connecticut General Assembly in 2022, aimed to provide support to the critical workforce that kept the state operational during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Expressing gratitude towards the essential workers, Scanlon stated, “I, along with many others, am extremely grateful for our essential workers who were on the frontlines during the early days of the pandemic. They kept our grocery stores open, our hospitals operating, and our communities safe. My office has been working diligently to administer this program—the first of its kind—and we are

proud to have awarded more than 157,000 essential workers with payments. This is just one small way we can show our appreciation for all they do.”

The application window for the Premium Pay program closed on October 1,

2022, and in November, applicants were notified of their approval or given the opportunity to address errors in their application through a reconsideration process.

Upon taking office in January, Scanlon expedited the timeline for payments to go out from six to two weeks and extended the reconsideration window to March 1, 2023, instead of the original 20 days from the time of notification.

Over the last four months, the Comptroller’s office and Public Consulting Group have worked together to help thousands of applicants correct errors in their applications to ensure that they receive their payments. In February and March, a total of 152,692 payments were sent out, and over the next three days, 5,119 final payments will be sent to applicants who submitted an appeal after being notified of their initial decision prior to the March 1 deadline.

PAUL BASS PHOTO Boyd outside his new storefront.

“‘Hustler’s Vibe’ is self-explanatory,”

New Haven Independent

Comptroller-elect Sean Scanlon Credit: Hugh McQuaid / CTNewsJunkie

Ct. News Junkie

Attendance Update: More Students Showing Up

by LAURA GLESBY

How does an elementary school more than halve its chronic absenteeism rate, down to 25 percent, in a year?

John C. Daniels School leaders had one answer for City Hall public-education watchdogs: supplement district-wide support services with a series of homeroom attendance contests that get kids to cheer on one another for showing up to class.

John C. Daniels Principal Yesenia Perez and Assistant Principal Robert Manghnani appeared at the Board of Alders Education Committee meeting at City Hall on Wednesday evening to share their strategy for building school spirit and encouraging attendance this spring. They did so as school district leaders touted the success of chronic absenteeism interventions in the New Haven Public Schools (NHPS) over the past several months.

The Education Committee hearing took place roughly four months after the state’s top education official and New Haven state lawmakers convened an online meeting with city public school district leaders about how to curb the city’s high chronic absenteeism rate. It also follows two previous Education Committee meetings — one in December, one in February – dedicated to uncovering the root causes of kids not going to school, and trying to find a way, or many ways, to improve attendance.

These months later, according to data presented Wednesday night, NHPS student attendance is on the rise.

Across the district, 36.9 percent of students are currently considered “chronically absent” — meaning that they have missed 10 percent of the school days for which they have been enrolled students. That number is down from 45.8 percent in December 2022, which in turn marked a decline from 60.2 percent last June.

At John C. Daniels, one quarter of students are classified as chronically absent, compared to 54 percent last school year, according to Perez.

After NHPS Chief of Youth, Family and Community Engagement Gemma Joseph-Lumpkin met with school principals to warn of an anticipated “spring slump” in attendance from March through June — a product of warmer weather and school-weary students eager for summer break — Perez and Manghnani got to brainstorming. They decided to create a school-wide “March Madness” contest between homerooms at John C. Daniels, organizing brackets and offering rewards to the classes who reached the highest attendance rates.

Each day at 2:30 p.m., the school would announce that day’s attendance winners. Teachers started sending out photos of the brackets to absent students, encouraging them to come to class in the middle of the school day to boost their homeroom’s attendance.

When one eighth grade classroom

showed far more enthusiasm for the contest than the other, the school leaders decided to combine those two homerooms’ statistics for the purposes of the competition. They saw students from one classroom urging their peers to show up, and the attendance rates across both classrooms climbed.

At the end of March, the classrooms with the top three attendance rates received pizza, ice cream, and cookie parties. The school decided to keep the contest going, with a springtime bunny theme of “hop to the top” for the month of April. So far, “Our first graders are crushing it,” said Manghnani.

Since March 13, Perez said, only two students at Daniels have missed 10 percent of the school days in that time period.

Outside of City Hall’s second-floor Aldermanic Chamber Wednesday, Perez spoke to a change in school culture that the contest has sparked. She recalled that one child started coming in to school more often because of the contest — “and his peers were like, ‘We’re so glad you’re here!’ ” The contest isn’t just rewarding students for coming to school, she said — it’s “building that sense of belonging” and encouraging students to help one another reduce absenteeism rates.

Other schools have used games and spirit-building activities to encourage attendance, according to administrators. Wilbur Cross High School, for instance, has been handing out raffle tickets and offering gift cards at random to students who show up to school.

Joseph-Lumpkin, NHPS Assistant Superintendent Viviana Conner, and Dropout Prevention Coordinator Charles Blango attributed much of the school system’s progress on Wednesday to the door-to-door parent and student engagement efforts, which have ramped up in the last several months.

The school system’s Dropout Prevention Specialist team increased to 20 full-time

people in January, and NHPS ramped up partnerships with the teachers’ union and 14 community organizations, including Abundant Harvest and Urban Community Alliance. Those groups are collaboratively knocking on families’ doors, visiting homes, and offering support services to families whose kids are either already chronically absent or at risk of becoming chronically absent. When Hill Alder Kampton Singh asked for an example of a phone call an administrator might make to a parent, Blango explained that the dropout prevention staff and partners are trained to lead with students’ strengths rather than starting off with accusations.

“We don’t ask why they’re absent first,” Blango said. “We say, ‘How are you?’ ” and praise something that a student has done well — a class they’re excelling in, an after-school activity they have a passion for. Then, they ask about potential challenges the kid may be facing at home: “Is there anything we can do?”

This approach is intended to foster positive cooperative relationships between parents and schools, rather than taking a punitive or judgmental approach that might put both parents and students on the defensive.

Other strategies that NHPS has employed to boost attendance include increasing after-school and Saturday programming to encourage kids who are more motivated by non-academic activities; hosting back-to-school canvasses and rallies over the summer; encouraging big celebrations and school-wide traditions; emphasizing the importance of pronouncing kids’ names correctly and greeting them warmly as they walk through school doors; and giving more attention to advisory and homeroom meetings, where kids have an opportunity to check in about their lives and hear important an-

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Ms. Colon's 2nd grade classroom takes home the John C. Daniels first place March Madness prize.

41 High-Schoolers LEAP Into College Tour

by NICOLE JEFFERSON

The following writeup was submitted by Leadership, Education, Athletics in Partnership Inc. (LEAP) Communications Coordinator Nicole Jefferson, with excerpts from LEAP counselors, about a college tour of D.C. and Georgia recently led by the local youth services nonprofit.

In mid-April, the New Haven education nonprofit Leadership, Education and Athletics in Partnership (LEAP) took 41 of their high school students on a college tour to Washington D.C. and Georgia. All costs including transportation and lodging were free of charge for the students.

Over the week-long trip, students visited nine colleges including six HBCUs: Howard University, Fort Valley State University, University of Georgia, Clark Atlanta University, Georgia State University, Clayton State University, Emory University, Morris Brown College, and Morehouse College. Two of the tours were led by LEAP senior counselors who currently attend Howard University and Clark Atlanta University.

For Wilbur Cross High School sophomore Nyree Lawson, the LEAP college tour was the first time she had visited a college campus. She said her favorite school on the tour was HBCU Morris Brown College: “You have Black excellence left and right. Being there was very empowering!” Though only a sophomore, Lawson has already been thinking about her college applications and major. Her work at LEAP mentoring children has informed her desire to be a nurse practi-

tioner working with children. Before the college tour, she had not considered going to school outside of Connecticut.

LEAP junior counselor and Amistad High School junior Johnae echoed Lawson’s enthusiasm for Morris Brown College. She said, “I loved the overall environment there! I learned about how the films ‘Stomp the Yard’ and ‘Drumline’ were both filmed at the college. I want to create soundtracks for movies and I know that if I came here, they would help a lot with that.”

LEAP’s commitment to helping young people explore their passions is reflected in the diverse interests of the students we work with. Many LEAP counselors go on to be teachers, social workers, or psychologists. But we also have counselors who are interested in law, journalism, medicine, and more. Kaiden says that Fort Valley State University “offers the undergraduate law and journalism programs that [she’s] looking for.”

For many of the students on the tour, the fact that they visited so many HBCUs

was personally impactful. Hillhouse High junior and LEAP junior counselor Tariq reflects on his experience touring Morehouse:

“When we arrived at Morehouse, we were brought into this room where the introduction was being held. Right off the bat I felt welcomed. The people who were leading the introduction presented themselves as approachable and you could tell that they were authentic. They didn’t try to put on this facade as if they were better than us but treated us like their broth-

ers. No other college that I went to made me feel like that. I also enjoyed learning about the historical aspect of Morehouse. “Learning about how Martin Luther King Jr. wasn’t the best student but still managed to graduate from Morehouse and became someone great was very inspiring to me. Even the very room where the introduction was held was inspirational. On the walls of that room were multiple quotes from important men in history that went to Morehouse. Every freshman that goes into that room is asked to choose a quote from that wall that they want to remember going into their college career. Then when they’re about to graduate, they would go back into that room and reflect on their college experience based on the quote they chose. You can tell that when going to Morehouse, excellence is expected.”

Also on the college tour, students visited the Georgia Aquarium, the National Museum of African American History & Culture, and the King Center for Nonviolent Social Change.

Signing Day is coming up on May 1 in which students across the country will formally commit to their college or university. In the summer, LEAP will hold its annual scholarship awards ceremony which recognizes all of the graduating counselors and awards four scholarships to students. This year LEAP is adding a fifth award, the Annie Veale Memorial Scholarship to recognize a student who has excelled in athleticism while in high school. LEAP is grateful to be able to support students in their educational journeys and beyond.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO LEAP counselors in front of the Howard University bookstore.

New Haven Reads For 20 Years & Counting

by ALLAN APPEL

In 2003 Josh Barber was a ninth grader living in a homeless shelter. He had eight younger siblings, a dad in prison, and a mom gravely ill with cancer; he was having serious trouble reading. His mom met Chris Alexander, the founder of New Haven Reads (NHR), which was then still only a book bank, and she helped secure him a tutor and provided endless books on fish, which the budding ichthyologist loved.

Roll the clock ahead 20 years later and the location to Bear’s Barbecue Smokehouse at District at 470 James St. in Fair Haven. Barber today is the senior manager of aquatic and reptilian life at Columbia University’s Irving Medical Center, and he was back in New Haven, NHR’s very first tutee, to help mark the organization’s “One for the Books” 20th anniversary celebration

That was the scene Wednesday evening, when 200 tutors, supporters, and friends, filled the festive outdoor plaza by the smokestack. In an atmosphere of joy akin to a kind of graduation and surrounded by book-laden tables, they were on hand to celebrate the 7,000 kids since Barber whose lives have been transformed and even saved through the structured, science-based one-on-one tutoring programs dedicated to equity in providing reading resources to all.

The organization now has four sites, the latest being at Bishop Woods School, where NHR tutors are in the front lines of deploying phonics training (and fun) to help city kids’ learning, badly thrown off by the pandemic, to catch up and to succeed.

In all 370 kids, 80 percent from New Haven, are currently being served by 400 tutors at the sites, and the need continues to be great, said NHR Executive Director Kirsten Levinsohn; the waiting list for a tutor is 150 kids, and growing. Go here to the NHR site and click on “volunteer” if you’re interested in the kind of enriching interpersonal experiences that were being discussed, very much one-on-one, Wednesday night among the festivities: A burst of joy when a kid lights up from having finally “decoded” a reading technique; or the slow opening up of kid to adult, and the kind of confidence that results and carries over to achievements at school and in family life.

Here are a few brief portraits:

Shemar Williams was an extremely shy middle-schooler when he connected to NHR four years ago. He was tutored in reading and in writing, he said, and now is a successful high school student, one of nine in this year’s group

of NHR’s newer programs, Readers to Leaders. They are former tutees who are now being hired by NHR to be paid tutors themselves (all the adult tutors are volunteers) of kids who are very much like them, and sometimes not much younger.

“The Readers to Leaders are also mentors,” said the program’s director Asia Allen.

“I had a lot less confidence then. And trouble talking to other people,” Shemar reported as he stood at the gate of the restaurant plaza to distribute programs for the evening. “Then I opened up with my tutor, and then to others.”

Stacy Spell, long time and now retired New Haven Police Department detective and founding director of Project Longevity, was hailed in Levinsohn’s presentation to the throng as the longest-

continuously serving tutor.

“It began like this,” Spell recalled. “I brought my son in [to NHR and Chris Alexander)] for help.” He noticed that Alexander, juggling the beginning growth pangs of the organization, looked frazzled. “What can I do for you?” he asked her. “You can sign up as a tutor,” she answered.

And he did.

That was in 2006 and he has been tutoring ever since, two kids, an hour each a week, for the past 16 years. And Spell’s son is now a tutor, and his daughter as well.

Although tutors, as part of their training, are advised to be involved with the kids only on the academic side, that is,

Josh Barber said he could not recall the surname of his tutor (keeping records especially in the early days, said Levinsohn, was not NHR’s strong suit), but he was deeply moved when his tutor, Sam , attended his mother’s funeral. “You may not know what happens to those you tutor,” he said, “but you do have a lasting impact.”

Patricia Thurston is in her sixth year with NHR and she tutors a “very young and very fun” first and second grader at NHR’s Science Park site on Winchester Avenue. It’s across the street from where she works managing a unit of people who provide technical services to fellow Yale librarians, like purchasing and cataloging, works in non-Latin scripts, like Hebrew and Cyrillic. “If you can’t read it, we do it,” is how she describes the mission.

Yet once a week, at 5:00 p.m., she scampers, to use her verb, across the street to the site to meet with her kids. “I love that moment when they see it, they get it.”

A science-oriented coder kind of person, Thurston said she likes the careful way each hour is set up. The first 15 minutes is computer-based exercises with the kids, she explained. The second quarter hour is phonics work on paper and “we get to talking.” In the third segment “they read aloud to us and with us.”

And the fourth is what she said is “choice time.” That’s 15 minutes of whatever the child wants to do. “My kid loves the magna tiles.”

through the hour of tutoring, it seems often to happen that the relationships become a kind of family affair through reading and its challenges.

Spell said among his gratifications has been witnessing several of the “black and brown boys” he worked with gain confidence. They often have talent, but they don’t know it, he said. Through the tutoring he helps them acknowledge that.

There was one child, age nine or ten, whom Spell recalled he tutored for a year. “He was physically as big as me. He had dark skin, many people found him threatening. They didn’t realize he was a little boy.”

When the kids, he said, thank him for the hour of tutoring, he says, “No, thank you.”

When this reporter asked her what prompted her to begin tutoring six years ago, Thurston paused. On the one hand, when her Yale offices were moved from Sterling Memorial Library to the new Science Park location, across from the NHR site, there was convenience. But there was something else, with perhaps a touch of karma, at play.

“I think I had wanted to do this for a long time. My grandmother was a first grade teacher and I may be channeling her.” Her husband Torin also cooks especially good meals for her when she’s through working with the kids. “I volunteer to get dinner,” she joked.

And then there’s this: “I really love it when at times I run into kids (whom I’ve tutored in the past) in (for example) the store. It really is something when a kid recognizes you out of context and runs over and hugs you. I’ve (also) learned so much (especially) about phonics. It’s brought me a lot of joy.”

NHR’s Director of Communication and Engagement Fiona Bradford said the evening’s event and fundraising around it raised approximately $58,000.

ALLAN APPEL PHOTO

Longest serving tutor Stacy Spell and first tutee Josh Barber.

From Hospital Bills to Hunger Pains: The Costly Toll of Medical Care on Food Security

By BlackHealthMatters.com

According to Feeding America, 66% of Americans had to choose between food and medical care. In the same 2014 Hunger in America study, 79% purchase food that is inexpensive and unhealthy over nutritious options. Unfortunately, many of us have hard choices because of medical bills or simply choose not to get the care we need due to the more pressing need to feed our families. Food insecurity is a bigger problem than most realize and, for many families, causes much more than hunger pains.

What is Food Insecurity?

First, we should define food insecurity. The definitions are relatively simple, but the concepts have profound effects on various populations throughout the country. These definitions are provided by the US Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service.

• Low food security is the “reduced quality, variety, or desirability of diet.” There may be “little or no indication of reduced food intake.” This used to be called “food insecurity without hunger.”

• Very low food security is “multiple indications of disrupted eating patterns and reduced food intake.” This used to be called “food insecurity with hunger.”

The Committee on National Statistics recommended the changes to these definitions to better represent the problems many Americans face every day. The committee also helps to oversee the methods used to measure food insecurity. Studies typically consider economic and social factors on nutrition, as well as other factors determined by nutritionists, statisticians, and others who may offer valuable insight.

What Factors Affect Food Insecurity?

The US Department of Health and Human Services promotes Healthy People 2030. This initiative has several objectives, all designed to call attention to issues with the highest public health burden. One of those objectives is food insecurity. They have determined several factors affecting food insecurity and aim to reduce their impact on those most affected by them.

Income

Income affects food insecurity in several key ways, from the inability to afford groceries to lack of access in addition to the stress placed on breadwinners to provide for their families with fewer resources. Let’s take a closer look.

Low-income neighborhoods may not have as many grocery stores that are regularly stocked with fresh produce or larger retail outlets offering a wider variety of affordable food options. With fewer food stores to shop from, prices at such stores are typically higher. They can also force residents to shop at discount retailers that don’t specialize in food sales or conve-

nience stores with higher food prices. Some food support programs like WIC (the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children) only cover specific types or brands of foods. If these are not available, substitutions are rarely allowed.

Transportation also becomes a factor for those with low income. Many families without access to personal transportation rely on public transit, even to get their groceries. This limits the amount of food they can purchase at any one time and also the types of food, as transporting food long distances can take time. Cold foods can easily spoil or melt, especially in warm weather, on a crowded bus. Children may not have fresh milk and other foods recommended for healthy growth and development, both physical and mental.

With lower income comes the stress of stretching the dollar, including paying the bills and feeding the family. Added stress can affect your mental health and mental health struggles can make it harder to manage your money, creating a spiral from which many have a hard time breaking free.

Employment

Employment is a direct reflection of income and therefore has a significant impact on food insecurity. Low-income neighborhoods rarely have enough job opportunities to support the number of working-age residents in the area. The job opportunities that are available rarely pay a livable wage, sometimes requiring multiple members of the same household to work several jobs in order to support everyone in the family. With long hours in jobs that may be hazardous to one’s health, workers feel the effects both short- and long-term, increasing their risk factors for various health conditions.

For example, during the Covid-19 pandemic, many low-wage workers faced some of the most dangerous conditions, frequently working as cashiers, cooks, laborers, or in various healthcare positions. Many of those who lost their jobs worked in such low-wage positions and faced job and food insecurity as a result.

Residents in low-income neighborhoods must travel well outside of their immediate area for work, especially for higher-paying positions, adding to the time spent away from home to earn income. Families affected by food insecurity must spend money on public transportation or ride-sharing, instead of food.

Disability

The CDC is responsible for the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted each year. An analysis of the surveys over a span of six years revealed that women with a disability were more likely to report that they’ve also experienced food insecurity at some point prior or concurrent to their disability. Those that reported disability, as well as a poor diet and low or very low food security, were more likely to receive some type of food assistance.

The connection between food insecurity and disability is not new. However, the extent of the problem and what can be done to correct it are still being evaluated by the CDC and other agencies. This is another objective of Healthy People 2030 and will most likely continue to be a primary goal in the next iteration of the program in 2040 and beyond.

Who is Most Likely to Be Affected?

The disparities in income, employment, and disability disproportionately affect some people with low food security. As

Adults and Seniors

For adults, the risk factors of food insecurity on chronic health conditions are much more wide-ranging and no less profound. This is especially true if food insecurity began early in life as a child and continued for many years. For those populations most at risks, like African Americans, this causes the most health problems.

The conditions most likely to arise because of food insecurity include:

• Poor oral health

• Depression and anxiety

• Iron deficiency

• Poor maternal health

• Diabetes

• Hypertension (high blood pressure)

• Obesity

What Are the Financial Costs of Food Insecurity?

recently as 2020, the percentage of US households experiencing low or very low food security was just over 10 percent. While this is a staggering number of people affected by hunger, 17.2% of Hispanic households experience hunger and the number of Black households is over twice the national average at 21.7 percent.

What Are the Medical Consequences of Food Insecurity?

Hunger and food insecurity go beyond the stress of being unable to afford nutritious food. For children, physical and mental development can be affected. For adults, risk factors for chronic health conditions increase. Hunger affects the mental, emotional, and physical health of anyone experiencing food insecurity.

Children

The odds that a child under 36 months will experience fair or poor health because of food insecurity is 95% higher than in children living in homes reported without hunger. This is a startling statistic and one that must change if we are to give children the best odds at mental and physical health stability as they grow.

Young children may experience developmental delays when not receiving adequate food nutrition. Poorer cognitive function was reported for children in grades 1, 3, and 5 during a study conducted from 1999 to 2003 by the Economics of Education Review. A large part of poor performance in school may be traced to behavioral challenges caused by both lack of nutrition and a more stressful home environment. They may also be affected by the mental health of others in the home, most notably a child’s mother. Higher rates of depression and anxiety in parents have been proven to affect children of all ages, but most especially adolescents between the ages of 14 and 25.

. 0Feeding America has calculated the additional healthcare costs associated with hunger. Through their own research and by compiling data from Medicaid/Medicare and other sources, they have been able to accurately map the annual costs at the county and state level and per adult. For example, the lowest increase in healthcare costs due to low food insecurity is in North Dakota with $57 million, but the highest is in California with just over $7 billion. This is a large disparity in cost increase and the size of the population alone is not enough to explain the difference.

Another study compiled data from the Survey of Income and Program Participation in two statistical models to determine the probability of medical debt. Nearly 20% of households carry some form of medical debt. Of those, around half had private insurance. The average amount of that medical debt was nearly $22,000. The highest risk factors for medical debt were having no health insurance, a private health insurance with a high deductible, or a disability. Carrying medical debt, especially high medical debt, was found to contribute to low food security, especially for those who are already at risk, such as the Black population and others who live in low-income areas.

Conclusion

While anyone in the US can be affected by food insecurity, some populations are more at risk than others. African Americans struggle more than most and Black Health Matters helps to raise awareness by sharing the disproportionate effects that many face every day. If you experience hunger and food insecurity, know that there is access to food resources and education about support systems near you. Reach out to healthcare providers, case workers, and other social supports to learn more about what services are available in your area.

Should Black Women Be Screened Earlier For Breast Cancer?

by Cara Jones, BlackDoctor.org

Experts recommend that women at least consider starting breast cancer screening once they turn 40. Now a new study suggests that is especially critical for Black women.

Looking at data on U.S. breast cancer deaths, researchers found — as other studies have — that Black women in their 40s were substantially more likely to die of the disease than other women their age. The disparity was seen between Black women and women of all other races and ethnicities studied.

That racial divide is a known one. This study took another step, trying to estimate the best starting age for breast cancer screening for women of different races and ethnicities.

When should you be screened?

The upshot was that Black women should start sooner — a full eight years earlier than now recommended by guidelines from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF).

Those guidelines say that women at average risk of breast cancer should start mammography screening at age 50. Based on the new findings, age 42 would be a better starting point for Black women.

Experts said the results are not enough to change breast cancer screening guidelines — which actually vary based on the group issuing them.

But they do emphasize that there’s “no one-size-fits-all” for every woman, according to Dr. Arif Kamal, chief patient officer for the American Cancer Society (ACS).

The society’s own recommendations differ from those of the USPSTF — a government-funded panel of medical experts. The ACS recommends yearly mammography screening starting at age 45 for all average-risk women. It also says that women between the ages of 40 to 44 should have the option to start yearly screening.

For its part, the USPSTF says women in their 40s should have the choice to start mammography screening if they want it.

Kamal said the new study findings largely align with the ACS recommendations for average-risk women — though they do not give separate advice based on race or ethnicity.

“We strongly recommend that all women consider mammography screening from age 40 onward,” Kamal says.

For the study — published April 19 in JAMA Network Open — research-

ers analyzed U.S. government data on breast cancer deaths between 2011 and 2020.

They found that among women in their 40s, deaths from the disease were

nearly doubled among Black women, compared with white women: The yearly death rate from breast cancer was 27 per 100,000 Black women, versus 15 of every 100,000 white women.

Death rates were lowest among Asian, Hispanic and Native American women, at 11 per 100,000.

According to the researchers’ calculations, the average 42-year-old Black woman has already reached the same risk of dying from breast cancer as the average 50-year-old woman in the U.S. population as a whole.

So for Black women, it makes sense to start screening by that age.

The results won’t shake up any guidelines. Clinical trials are the best way to make any new screening recommendations that take race and ethnicity into account, says senior researcher Dr. Mahdi Fallah of the German Cancer Research Center in Heidelberg.

But that would take years, he notes. In the meantime, Fallah says, doctors can use this information when talking to patients about screening decisions. He pointed to the USPSTF recommendation that women in their 40s make that decision after discussing the risks and benefits with their doctor.

“This study provides the precise information that [doctors] would need for a race- and ethnicity-tailored starting age of breast cancer screening,” Fallah adds.

Family history matters

Kamal says relatives’ history matters, too.

“We agree that screening should be individualized,” Kamal says, adding that family history is a key to that. He recommends that women of all races be aware of their family history of cancer — not only breast cancer — and share it with their doctor when talking about mammography screening.

To close the nation’s racial disparity

in breast cancer deaths, though, Kamal says it’s important to look beyond screening.

“The completion of the screening mammogram is not where the disparity is,” he shares. Instead, Kamal says, Black women tend to face barriers in “what comes after screening” — including access to timely surgery and other treatments.

There are downsides to cancer screening, Fallah points out: A major one is that it can yield false-positive results that lead to unnecessary, sometimes invasive, follow-up tests, as well as anxiety.

And earlier or more frequent screening raises the odds of those downsides.

But the risk should also be seen in context, says Dr. Kathie-Ann Joseph, a surgical oncologist at NYU Langone’s Perlmutter Cancer Center in New York City.

Women undergoing screening mammography, she says, “get recalled for additional imaging about 10 percent of the time, and biopsies are needed in one to two percent of cases, which is quite low.”

“This has to be compared to the lives saved from earlier screening mammography,” says Joseph, who was not involved in the study.

She adds that “earlier screening can have other benefits, by allowing women of all racial and ethnic groups to have less-extensive surgery and less chemotherapy, which impacts quality of life.”

Your risk for developing breast cancer can differ from other women and also change over time no matter your age, so it is best to consult with your doctor.

After hauling trash and cleaning dumpsters, Rehan Staton is set to graduate from Harvard

by Abu Mubarik Face2FaceAfrica.com

At the tender age of eight, Rehan Staton was abandoned by his mother and single-handedly raised by his father, who worked three jobs to take care of him and his brother, Reggie.

“I was probably too young to notice some of the things that happened, but I know it was bad,” the 24-year-old who grew up in Bowie, Md., told The Washington Post.

“Things just kept falling on us,” Rehan said. “My dad lost his job at one point and had to start working three jobs in order to provide for us. It got to the point where I barely got to see my father, and a lot of my childhood was very lonely.”

To support the family and their education, Rehan and his brother worked for

Bates Trucking & Trash Removal in Bladensburg, Md., where he hauled trash and cleaned dumpsters.

Staton recalled how they often went without food and how he received no support at school with his teachers showing little faith in his academic capabilities.

He began working at Bates Trucking & Trash Removal following his college rejections in 12th grade. Downhearted and disappointed, his colleagues at Bates encouraged him to keep applying; he did and got enrolled into Bowie State University with his brother, Reggie, 27, who later dropped out to support Rehan.

Rehan later transferred to the University of Maryland after two years at Bowie State to complete his undergraduate degree, graduating in December 2018.

In 2020, he got accepted into Harvard

Law School and credited his brother for every sacrifice he made to ensure he got a quality education. Three years down the lane, Rehan is preparing to graduate in May this year. After graduation, he will take the bar exams and start work at a New York City law firm.

He recently co-founded the non-profit called, The Reciprocity Effect, with a focus on giving back to support staffers in Harvard and other schools. According to him, the initiative became “they were not getting the recognition they deserved for helping the school to run smoothly.”

According to Essence, he has purchased 100 Amazon gift cards to give out to the school’s support staff, using his savings from his summer associate job at a law firm.

Rehan Staton. Photo credit: Rehan Staton (Twitter handle)

Tree Plantings Honor Beloved Educators

by NORA GRACE-FLOOD

Riverside Academy senior Davon Hardgrove shoveled dirt over the roots of a Zelkova tree planted in memory of a late principal who led his school through tough times — and pledged to continue her legacy of community service throughout his own life.

A crowd of city officials, school administrators, students like Hardgrove and community members convened outside the transitional school at 103 Hallock Ave. Friday morning to plant the Zelkova and a budding Japanese tree lilac not just in observance of Arbor Day, but in tribute to two recently passed educators, former Principal Wanda Gibbs and chemistry teacher Marites Siervo.

“We will never forget them,” said Riverside Principal Derek Stephenson of Gibbs and Siervo. “As those trees grow, they grow in our hearts, too.”

Those gathered for the ceremony agreed that the services provided by the saplings — from producing oxygen to filtering water to shading students, passerby and sidewalks — mirrored the kind of care offered by Gibbs and Siervo to Riverside, the last transitional school in New Haven which provides a destination for students struggling in traditional classrooms, as well as the broader New

Haven community. Read more about Wanda Gibbs, who grew up in New Haven and served the New Haven Public Schools (NHPS) system for years including in her capacity as Riverside principal beginning in 1994, here. She passed away at 70 years of age

last July due to cancer.

Gibbs’ family sat beside the children and husband of Marites Siervo, a beloved Riverside chemistry teacher who passed away in June 2020 in the early months of the Covid-19 pandemic, as attendees took turns remembering both educators Friday.

“Siervo, affectionately known as Tess, was more than a teacher — she was a friend, a family member and a phenomenal cook,” Stephenson said. He recalled how Siervo would often cook up delicious Filipino dishes to share with her pupils and colleagues.

Gibbs, meanwhile, was a “tough New Havener that shielded her students,” just like the “urban tree that provides shade,” Stephen analogized. “She never swayed in her service to the Riverside community,” he said, and neither would the newly planted Zelkova.

When it comes to planting trees, Mayor Justin Elicker (pictured below) said, “the most important thing to do is to find someone to steward that tree.”

“If you don’t care for it, it won’t survive. That’s such a metaphor for the work you’re all doing here — you’re all people in our community focusing on stewarding young people so they can grow, so they can blossom, so they can reach their full potential.”

The trees were provided by the Urban Resources Initiative (URI) — read more about that environmental nonprofit here. Renters, homeowners and businesses can all request free trees from URI by calling 203 – 432-6189, so long as they’re willing to water the trees during their first three years.

The students of Riverside will work together to take care of the two toddler Japanese trees during that vulnerable time period.

Relatives and friends of the late Wanda Gibbs take a photo of a commemorative plaque of the late principal made by members of the Riverside community.

ment of Defense organizations to begin

ommend names that are ‘inspirational to the Soldiers and civilians who serve on our Army posts, and to the communities

“They delivered exactly that with these dous accomplishments – from World War II through the Cold War – speak to the important history of this installation and to the courage, dignity, and devotion to dier training here at the home of the Army

From a 4-year-old orphan to an international award-winning actress

The inspiring story of Thuso Nokwanda Mbedu

by Ben Ebuka, Face2FaceAfrica.com

Growing up in the early 1990s, Thuso Mbedu never dreamt of being an entertainment figure. At a very young age, she wanted to be a dermatologist, but after taking a dramatic arts class in the 10th grade, she became interested in acting.

Her acting career has earned her fame and fortune locally and internationally, rising to become one of the most sought after actresses from South Africa. At 27, she was named in the 2018 Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 List, and one of the 100 Most Influential Africans by New African Magazine.

Born on July 8, 1991, at the Midlands Medical Center in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa, to a Zulu mother and Xhosa and Sotho father, she never enjoyed the care of her parents who died when she was barely four years old. She was raised by her grandmother, a very strict school principal in school and at home. Her name reflected the multicultural tribes of her parents – Thuso is a Sotho name, Nokwanda is a Zulu name, and Mbedu is Xhosa.

Mbedu went to Pelham Primary School and Pietermaritzburg Girls’ High School and graduated from the University of Witwatersrand in South Africa in 2013, where she studied Physical Theatre and Performing Arts Management. Earlier in 2012, she took a summer course at the Stella Adler Studio of Acting in New York City.

Career

Her acting career began in 2014 when she played a minor role of ‘Nosisa’ in the popular South African Soap Opera ‘Isibaya’ from Mzansi Magic. In 2015, she played a guest role as ‘Kheti’ in the Second Season of the SABC 2 youth drama series ‘Snake Park.’

Friday, May 12 7:30p.m.

‘Black Reel Awards’ (Outstanding Actress – TV Movie / Limited Series), the ‘Hollywood Critics Association TV Awards’ (Best Actress in a Limited Series, Anthropology Series or Television Movie), the ‘Gotham Awards’ (Outstanding Performance in New Series), the ‘Hollywood Critics Association TV Awards’ (TV Breakout Star), and the ‘Critics Choice Television Awards’ (Best Actress in a Miniseries or Television Movie), all for her role ‘Cora Randall’ in the 2021 TV series ‘The Underground Railroad.’

Price, Bonds & Hagan

She won the ‘TV Breakout Star’ award from the Hollywood Critics Association TV and won the ‘Outstanding Performance in New Series’ award from the Gotham Awards.

Lyman Center for the Performing Arts

SCSU | New Haven, CT

She got her first starring role in the teen drama television series ‘IS’THUNZI’ from Mzansi Magic where she played ‘Winnie.’ Her international debut was in ‘The Underground Railroad’ an American fantasy historical drama series based on the novel ‘The Underground Railroad’ written by Colson Whitehead.

New Haven Symphony Orchestra

Alasdair Neale, music director

Michelle Cann, piano

In 1912, a New Haven resident – the first Black woman to earn a degree from Yale University –took the stage with the New Haven Symphony Orchestra to premiere her Piano Concerto. 111 years later, New Haven audiences will once again have the opportunity to experience Helen Hagan’s music live in a concert hall. This program will also include Florence Price’s stunning First Piano Concerto, Margaret Bonds’s Montgomery Variations - a musical depiction of the historic Civil Rights events of Montgomery, Alabama - and contemporary composer Quinn Mason’s A Joyous Trilogy

In 2022, she starred in her first film ‘The Woman King’ an epic historical drama about Agosie, where an entire female warrior unit protected the West African Kingdom of Dahomey in the 17 – 19th century. She played ‘Nawi’, a zealous recruit in the military unit.

In 2017, Mbedu was nominated for the ‘DSTV Viewers Choice Awards’ and the ‘International Emmy Awards for the ‘Best Performance by an Actress’ for her role ‘Winnie Bhengu’ in the 2016 -2017 television drama series ‘IS’THUNZI.’

In 2018, she won the ‘South African Film and Television Awards’ for ‘ Best Actress – TV Drama’ for her role ‘Winnie Bhengu’ in the 2016 -2017 television drama series ‘IS’THUNZI.’ She was also nominated for the ‘International Emmy Awards for ‘Best Performance by an Actress’ for her role ‘Winnie Bhengu’ in the television drama series ‘IS’THUNZI.’

In 2021, she was nominated for the ‘Television Critics Association Award’ (Individual Achievement in Drama), the

In 2022, Mbedu was nominated for the ‘Independent Spirit Awards (Best Female Performance in a New Scripted Series), for her role ‘Cora Randall’ in the 2021 television series ‘The Underground Railroad.’ She won the ‘Critics Choice Television Awards’ for ‘Best Actress in a Miniseries or Television Movie’ for her role ‘Cora Randall’ in ‘The Underground Railroad.’ In her keynote speech at TheWrap’s Power Women Summit, Thuso Mbedu tearfully spoke of how she overcame the loss of her dear parents, grandmother, and aunt. But her role in Amanda Lane’s ‘IS’THUNZI’ gradually renewed her hope in life.

“…my world was that blur, until Amanda Lane happened in 2016. The role that Amanda Lane gave me was the difference between life and death for me. Receiving that audition brief, I told myself that I would audition like it was my last audition. I gave it the last of everything that I had, that at the time I got the callback, I had nothing left. I secretly made the decision not to do the callback because I had nothing left to give. But fortunately, I received the callback. So I didn’t do the callback because the role was mine. I had given up. I was in a very dark place at the time, and the character, the role, the opportunity, was a much needed light. And I told myself that I will act as if it was the last character that I will play. And through a great script and an amazing director, I earned two International Emmy Awards for that role…”

Thuso Mbedu. Photo -IOL

THE GLENDOWER GROUP, INC.

NOTICE

Request for Qualifications

Town of Bloomfield

Salary Range:

241 Quinnipiac Avenue, New Haven

VALENTINA MACRI RENTAL HOUSING PRE- APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE

Architectural Service for the Rehabilitation of Eastview Terrace Phase 1

$87,727

to $136,071

Spacious 2 bedroom townhouse with hardwood floors. Private entrance. Appliances. 1.5 baths with basement and washer/dryer hookups. On-site laundry facility. Off street parking. Close proximity to restaurants, shopping centers and bus line. No pets. Security deposit varies. $1,750 including heat, hot water and cooking gas. Section 8 welcomed. Call Christine 860-985-8258.

The Glendower Group, Inc. is currently seeking proposals for architectural services for the rehabilitation of Eastview Terrace Phase 1. A complete copy of the requirement may be obtained from Glendower’s Vendor Collaboration Portal https://newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/gateway

beginning on Monday, April 24, 2023 at 3:00PM.

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

360 MANAGEMENT GROUP, CO.

NOTICIA

Deputy Finance Director/Controller

Pre-employment drug testing. AA/EOE. For Details go to  www.bloomfieldct.org

Town of Bloomfield Finance Director

246 Fairmont Avenue, New Haven

Large 2 bedroom carpeted unit. Appliances, balcony, private entrance and off street parking. $1,750 and tenant pays all utilities including gas for heat hot water and electric stove. Close proximity to restaurants, shopping centers and bus line. Section 8 welcomed. Security deposit varies. Call Christine 860-985-8258

Invitation for Bids TEMPORARY STAFFING SERVICES

VALENTINA MACRI VIVIENDAS DE ALQUILER PRE-SOLICITUDES DISPONIBLES

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

360 Management Group, Co. is currently seeking bids for temporary staffing services. A complete copy of the requirement may be obtained from 360 Management Group’s Vendor Collaboration Portal https://newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/gateway

beginning on Wednesday, May 3, 2023 at 3:00PM.

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

360 MANAGEMENT GROUP, CO.

Invitation for Bids Tenant and Employment Background Screening Services

NEW HAVEN

Fully Benefited – 35 hours weekly Pre-employment drug testing. For more details, visit our website –www.bloomfieldct.org

Portland

Police Officer full-time

Go to www.portlandct.org for details

SBE/MBE CONTRACTOR OPPORTUNITY – Homes for the Brave Additions and Renovations, Bridgeport, CT. Enterprise Builders, Inc., acting as the Construction Manager, seeks certified SBE/MBE Subcontractors, suppliers and local business enterprises to bid applicable scopes of work for the following construction project: Homes for the Brave Additions and Renovations. This project consists of interior renovations and a new three-story addition with elevator. Subcontractor Bids must be submitted via email to bids@enterbuilders.com no later than 2:00 PM on Tuesday, May 23, 2023. Electronic Plans and specifications can be obtained at no charge by contacting the Estimating Department at Enterprise Builders at (860) 466-5188 or by email bids@enterbuilders.com. A non-mandatory site walkthrough will be held on Tuesday, May 9, 2023 @ 10:00 AM at 655 Park Avenue, Bridgeport, CT. RFI Deadline is Friday May 12, 2023 @ 4:00 PM. Please send all RFI’s to bids@enterbuilders.com. Project is Tax Exempt and will require CT State Building Prevailing Wage Rates. This contract is subject to state set-aside and contract compliance requirements. EBI encourages the participation of certified SBE/MBE contractors. EBI is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

Maintainer II – Collections System

242-258 Fairmont Ave

2BR Townhouse, 1.5 BA, 3BR, 1 level , 1BA

360 Management Group, Co. is currently seeking bids for tenant and employment background screening services. A complete copy of the requirement may be obtained from 360 Management Group’s Vendor Collaboration Portal https://newhavenhousing. cobblestonesystems.com/gateway

All new apartments, new appliances, new carpet, close to I-91 & I-95 highways, near bus stop & shopping center

beginning on Wednesday, May 3, 2023 at 3:00PM.

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

WATER TREATMENT

QSR STEEL CORPORATION

Invitation to Bid: 2nd Notice

SAYEBROOKE VILLAGE

APPLY NOW!

Old Saybrook, CT (4 Buildings, 17 Units)

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

Tax Exempt & Not Prevailing Wage Rate Project

CT. Unified Deacon’s Association is pleased to offer a Deacon’s Certificate Program. This is a 10 month program designed to assist in the intellectual formation of Candidates in response to the Church’s Ministry needs. The cost is $125. Classes start Saturday, August 20, 2016

3:30 Contact: Chairman, Deacon Joe J. Davis, M.S., B.S.

1:30-

(203) 996-4517 Host,General Bishop Elijah Davis, D.D. Pastor ofPitts Chapel U.F.W.B. Church 64 Brewster St. New Haven, CT

SEYMOUR HOUSING AUTHORITY

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

WATER TREATMENT PUMPING OPERATOR I - The Town of Wallingford is seeking qualified applicants to operate and maintain the Town’s water treatment plant, pumping stations, storage tanks, and groundwater well facilities. Requires a High School Diploma or G.E.D with one (1) year of experience in the operation and maintenance of equipment in water supply and treatment; or a technical high school diploma with demonstrated career and technical education related to electronics technology, electrical, plumbing, H.V.A.C or water supply and treatment activities and operations, or completion of a program in water management. Applicants must have or be able to obtain within 12 months, State of Connecticut Department of Public Health Class 1 or higher Water Treatment Plant Operator certification and completion of a program in water management. A valid State of CT motor vehicle operator’s license is required. Wages: $27.49 to $33.40 hourly, plus an excellent fringe benefits package that includes pension plan, medical insurance, life insurance, paid sick and vacation time. Applications may

New Construction, Wood Framed, Housing, Selective Demolition, Site-work, Castin-place Concrete, Asphalt Shingles, Vinyl Siding, Flooring, Painting, Division 10 Specialties, Appliances, Residential Casework, Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing and Fire Protection. This contract is subject to state set-aside and contract compliance requirements.

State of Connecticut Office of Policy and Management

The Town of Wallingford Sewer Division is seeking qualified applicants to perform a variety of skilled tasks in the operation, maintenance, repair and construction of sanitary sewers, including CCTV inspection and high velocity flushing. Requires a H.S., trade school or vocational school diploma or H.S. equivalency diploma, plus 3 years employment in a field related to sanitary sewer construction, operation or maintenance, or 1 year of training in a skilled trade substituted for 1 year of experience up to 2 years plus a minimum of 1 year of employment for a sewer utility or in the construction field with work experience in the installation and maintenance of pipelines, or an equivalent combination of experience and training. Must possess or have the ability to obtain within 6 months of appointment a valid State of Connecticut Class B CDL. Wages: $26.16 to $31.18 hourly, plus an excellent fringe benefits package that includes pension plan, medical insurance, life insurance, paid sick and vacation time. Applications may be downloaded from the Department of Human Resources Web Page and can be mailed to the Department of Human Resources, Town of Wallingford, 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492, or emailed to: wlfdhr@wallingfordct.gov by the closing date of May 23, 2023. Phone: (203) 294-2080; Fax: (203) 294-2084. EOE

Bid Extended, Due Date: August 5, 2016

Anticipated Start: August 15, 2016

POLICE OFFICER

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

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

The Wallingford Police Department is seeking qualified applicants for Police Officer. $ 1,301.20 weekly plus an excellent fringe benefit package to include a defined benefit pension plan. The written and oral exam processes will be administered by the South Central Criminal Justice Administration. To apply, candidates must register through the South Central Criminal Justice Administration webpage found under the “Associations” menu at www.policeapp.com by the registration deadline of Wednesday, April 5, 2023. The registration requires a fee of $ 85.00. EOE

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

Firefighter/EMT

Project documents available via ftp link below: http://ftp.cbtghosting.com/loginok.html?username=sayebrookevillage

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

The State of Connecticut, Office of Policy and Management is recruiting for a Fiscal/Administrative Officer. Further information regarding the duties, eligibility requirements and application instructions are available at:

https://www.jobapscloud.com/ CT/sup/bulpreview.asp?b=&R1= 230309&R2=1308AR&R3=001

HCC encourages the participation of all Veteran, S/W/MBE & Section 3 Certified Businesses Haynes Construction Company, 32 Progress Ave, Seymour, CT 06483 AA/EEO EMPLOYER

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

The Town of Wallingford is currently accepting applications for the position of Firefighter/EMT. Applicants must possess: a valid CPAT Card (issued within 12 months of the closing date), H.S. diploma/GED, valid driver’s license and hold a valid EMT-A license that meets CT State Regulations. Copies of EMT-A licenses and CPAT certification must be submitted with application materials. The Town of Wallingford offers a competitive wage of $1,150.71 - $1,483.53 weekly. In addition, there is a $1,900 annual EMT bonus plus an excellent fringe benefit package. Application deadline is May 26, 2023 or the date the 40th application is received, whichever occurs first. Apply: Human Resources Department, Town of Wallingford, 45 South Main St., Wallingford, CT 06492. Forms will be mailed upon request from the Department of Human Resources or may be downloaded from the Department of Human Resources Web Page. Phone: (203) 294-2080; Fax: (203) 294-2084. EOE.

Garrity Asphalt Reclaiming, Inc seeks:

Construction

Lead Installer

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

NOTICE

VALENTINA MACRI RENTAL HOUSING PRE- APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE

Contact: Tom Dunay

Phone: 860- 243-2300

Seeking to employ experienced individuals in the labor, foreman, operator and teamster trades for a heavy outside work statewide. Reliable personal transportation and a valid drivers license required. To apply please call (860) 6211720 or send resume to: Personnel Department, P.O. Box 368, Cheshire, CT06410.

HVAC department has an opening for an experienced, full time, lead installer for all mechanical systems (Hydronic, Duct-less, RTU’s). Candidate must possess a minimum D2 license, EPA Certificate, and a minimum of 5 years experience. Benefits, 401k, Paid Time Off, Company Vehicle. Send resume to: HR Manager, P. O. Box 388, Guilford, CT 06437 or emailHRDept@eastriverenergy.com

Email: tom.dunay@garrityasphalt.com

Women & Minority Applicants are encouraged to apply Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer

: Reclaimer Operators and Milling Operators with current licensing and clean driving record, be willing to travel throughout the Northeast & NY. We offer excellent hourly rate & excellent benefits

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

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

PVC FENCE PRODUCTION

**An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer**

Maintenance

Garrity Asphalt Reclaiming, Inc seeks

NOTICIA

Contact: Rick Tousignant Phone: 860- 243-2300

Email: rick.tousignant@garrityasphalt.com

VALENTINA MACRI VIVIENDAS DE ALQUILER PRE-SOLICITUDES DISPONIBLES

Women & Minority Applicants are encouraged to apply Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer

Large CT Fence Company looking for an individual for our PVC Fence Production Shop. Experience preferred but will train the right person. Must be familiar with carpentry hand & power tools and be able to read a CAD drawing and tape measure. Use of CNC Router machine a plus but not required, will train the right person. This is an in-shop production position. Duties include building fence panels, posts, gates and more. Must have a valid CT driver’s license & be able to obtain a Drivers Medical Card. Must be able to pass a physical and drug test. Please email resume to pboucher@atlasoutdoor.com.

Immediate opening for a part time maintenance person for ground and building maintenance. Position requires flexible work schedule. Some heavy lifting required. Computer knowledge a plus. Send resume to HR Department, hrdept@eastriverenergy.com, 401 Soundview Road, Guilford, CT 06437.

**An Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer**

Mechanic

Tractor Trailer Driver for Heavy & Highway Construction Equipment. Must have a CDL License, clean driving record, capable of operating heavy equipment; be willing to travel throughout the Northeast & NY. We offer excellent hourly rate & excellent benefits

AA/EOE-MF

Union Company seeks:

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

Contact Dana at 860-243-2300

Email: dana.briere@garrityasphalt.com

Women & Minority Applicants are encouraged to apply Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer

NEW HAVEN

242-258 Fairmont Ave

Full Time Administrative assistant position for a steel & misc metals fabrication shop who will oversee the daily operations of clerical duties such as answering phones, accounts payable purchase orders/invoicing and certified payroll. Email resumes to jillherbert@gwfabrication.com

Immediate opening for a full time mechanic; maintenance to be done on commercial diesel trucks and trailers. Send resume to: HR Manager, P. O. Box 388, Guilford, CT 06437 or emailhrdept@eastriverenergy.com

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

Construction

Seeking to employ experienced individuals in the labor, foreman, operator and teamster trades for a heavy outside work statewide. Reliable personal transportation and a valid drivers license required. To apply please call (860) 621-1720 or send resume to: Personnel Department, P.O. Box 368, Cheshire, CT06410.

Invitation to Bid: 2nd Notice

State of Connecticut Office of Policy and Management

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

SAYEBROOKE VILLAGE

Old Saybrook, CT (4 Buildings, 17 Units)

PROPERTY FOR SALE (SEALED BIDS)

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

The State of Connecticut, Office of Policy and Management is recruiting for a Fiscal/ Administrative Officer position Further information regarding the duties, eligibility requirements and application instructions are available at: https://www.jobapscloud.com/ CT/sup/bulpreview.asp?b=&R1= 230419&R2=1308AR&R3=001

Tax Exempt & Not Prevailing Wage Rate Project

The Housing Authority of the City of Bridgeport is accepting sealed bids for the property listed below.

New Construction, Wood Framed, Housing, Selective Demolition, Site-work, Castin-place Concrete, Asphalt Shingles, Vinyl Siding, Flooring, Painting, Division 10 Specialties, Appliances, Residential Casework, Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing and Fire Protection. This contract is subject to state set-aside and contract compliance requirements.

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

Parcel ID 30/ 606/ 19// | Vacant Multi-Family – 26 Adams St (0.11 Acres) |Minimum Bid: $134,000.00

Property is a three-family home located in the East End of Bridgeport. Built in 1920, has 6 bedrooms, 3 full baths, 12 rooms in total. Living area 3,449 sq. ft. RBB zone. Lot is rectangular in shape with dimensions totaling 4,791.6 square ft. or .11 Acre. House is being sold AS IS.

Bid Extended, Due Date: August 5, 2016

Anticipated Start: August 15, 2016

Project documents available via ftp link below: http://ftp.cbtghosting.com/loginok.html?username=sayebrookevillage

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

Sealed bids for the property will be accepted until 4:00 P.M., Wednesday, May 31, 2023, at the Authority’s Procurement Office, 150 Highland Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06604. At 4:15 P.M., Wednesday, May 31, 2023, all bids received shall be opened in public and the amount of each bid announced and recorded. Submissions must be marked “Sealed Bid” for Parcel ID 30/ 606/ 19// 26 Adams Street On the outside of the envelope should be the Buyer’s name, and contact information.

HCC encourages the participation of all Veteran, S/W/MBE & Section 3 Certified Businesses Haynes Construction Company, 32 Progress Ave, Seymour, CT 06483 AA/EEO EMPLOYER

Each bid must be accompanied by a bid deposit of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid. A bid deposit may take the form of cashier’s check payable to the Housing Authority of the City of Bridgeport. The deposit of the bidder to whom the award is made will be held until sale of the property is closed; if that bidder refuses at any time to close the sale, the deposit will be forfeited to the Authority. The deposits of other bidders will be returned after closing to the highest responsible bidder.

ELM CITY COMMUNITIES

NOTICE

Request for Proposals

QSR STEEL CORPORATION APPLY NOW!

State of Connecticut Office of Policy and Management

Fully Integrated Web Based Housing Authority Software

VALENTINA MACRI RENTAL HOUSING PRE- APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE

Steel Fabricators, Erectors & Welders

Elm City Communities is currently seeking proposals for a full integrated web-based housing authority software. A complete copy of the requirement may be obtained from Elm City Communities’ Vendor Collaboration Portal https://newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/gateway beginning on

Monday, March 13, 2023 at 3:00PM.

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

NOTICIA

Top pay for top performers. Health Benefits, 401K, Vacation Pay.

Email Resume: Rose@qsrsteel.com Hartford, CT

State of Connecticut Office of Policy and Management

The State of Connecticut, Office of Policy and Management is recruiting for an Information Technology Analyst 2 (Confidential) and a Grant Administration Lead Planning Analyst Further information regarding the duties, eligibility requirements and application instructions are available at:

https://www.jobapscloud.com/CT/sup/ bulpreview.asp?b=&R1=230414&R2=0007AR&R3=001 and

https://www.jobapscloud.com/CT/sup/ bulpreview.asp?b=&R1=230413&R2=7615CN&R3=001

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

Project Engineer job opening available for a growing / established Heavy Highway Construction Contractor based out of Avon, CT. Tasks include takeoffs, CAD drafting, computations, surveying, office engineering, submittals, other miscellaneous engineering tasks. Competitive compensation package based on experience. Many opportunities for growth for the right individual. We are an Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer. Please email your resume to Dawn@ rothacontracting.com.

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

VALENTINA MACRI VIVIENDAS DE ALQUILER PRE-SOLICITUDES DISPONIBLES

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

Request for Qualification (RFQ) IT and Computer Support Services The Housing Authority of the City of Bristol

NEW HAVEN

Further information regarding the duties, eligibility requirements and application instructions are available at: https://www.jobapscloud.com/ CT/sup/bulpreview.asp?b=&R1= 230417&R2=6342MP&R3=001

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

POLICE OFFICER City of Bristol

The Housing Authority of the City of Bristol Request for Proposals

Interior Painting Services

The Housing Authority City of Bristol (BHA) is seeking proposals for Vacant/Occupied Apartment Painting Services from qualified vendors for work throughout the Agency.

Bidder Information packets can be obtained by contacting Carl Johnson, Director of Capital Funds at 860-585-2028 or cjohnson@bristolhousing.org beginning Wed., April 26, 2023 through Fri., May 12, 2023 at 2:00pm. A non-mandatory pre-bid meeting will be held Fri., May 12, 2023 at 2:00pm at 164 Jerome Ave., Bristol, CT.

242-258 Fairmont Ave

The Housing Authority of the City of Bristol is seeking a qualified company, firm or team to provide Information Technology and Computer Support Services throughout the Agency. Proposals due by May 18, 2023 at 4:00 p.m.

2BR Townhouse, 1.5 BA, 3BR, 1 level , 1BA

All new apartments, new appliances, new carpet, close to I-91 & I-95 highways, near bus stop & shopping center

$70,915 - $86,200/yr.

Invitation to Bid: 2nd Notice

All proposals should be clearly marked “RFP–Interior Painting,” and submitted to Mitzy Rowe, CEO, Housing Authority City of Bristol, 164 Jerome Ave., Bristol, CT 06010 no later than 2:00 pm, Fri., May 19, 2023 at the office of BHA in a sealed envelope with one original and 3 copies, each clearly identified as Proposal for Interior Painting Services.

SAYEBROOKE VILLAGE

The Housing Authority of the City of Bristol is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. SBE, MBE, W/DBE, and Section 3 businesses are encouraged to respond.

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

A copy of the Request for Qualifications can be obtained at the Bristol Housing Authority, 164 Jerome Ave., Bristol, CT 06010 during normal business hours or by contacting Yvonne Tirado, Director of Accounting & Special Projects, at ytirado@ bristolhousing.org, phone 860-585-2039 or Carl Johnson, Director of Capital Funds, at cjohnson@bristolhousing.org, phone 860-585-2028. Scope and proposal requirements will be available starting April 26, 2023.

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

The Housing Authority of the City of Bristol is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. SBE, MBE, W/DBE, and Section 3 businesses are encouraged to respond.

SEYMOUR HOUSING AUTHORITY

360 MANAGEMENT GROUP, CO.

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

Request for Proposals Benefits Consultant

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

360 Management Group, Co. is currently seeking proposals for a benefits consultant. A complete copy of the requirement may be obtained from 360 Management Group’s Vendor Collaboration Portal https://newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/gateway beginning on

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

Wednesday, March 29, 2023 at 3:00PM.

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

Required testing, registration info, and apply online: www.bristolct.gov

Old Saybrook, CT (4 Buildings, 17 Units)

Tax Exempt & Not Prevailing Wage Rate Project

DEADLINE: 05-04-23

Town of Bloomfield

New Construction, Wood Framed, Housing, Selective Demolition, Site-work, Castin-place Concrete, Asphalt Shingles, Vinyl Siding, Flooring, Painting, Division 10 Specialties, Appliances, Residential Casework, Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing and Fire Protection. This contract is subject to state set-aside and contract compliance requirements.

360 MANAGEMENT GROUP, CO.

Invitation for Bids Landscaping Mill River

Assistant Building Official $39.80 hourly

Bid Extended, Due Date: August 5, 2016

Anticipated Start: August 15, 2016

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

Pre-employment drug testing. AA/EOE. For Details go to www.bloomfieldct.org

Project documents available via ftp link below: http://ftp.cbtghosting.com/loginok.html?username=sayebrookevillage

Monday, March 20, 2023 at 3:00PM.

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

DRIVER CDL CLASS A

HCC encourages the participation of all Veteran, S/W/MBE & Section 3 Certified Businesses Haynes Construction Company, 32 Progress Ave, Seymour, CT 06483 AA/EEO EMPLOYER

Full Time – All Shifts Top Pay-Full

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

The Guilford Housing Authority is currently accepting applications for one bedroom apartments at Sachem Hollow in Guilford, CT. Applicants must be age 62 and over or on 100% social security or federal disability and over the age of 18. Applications may be obtained by calling the application line at 203-453-6262 EXT: 107. Applications will be accepted until end of business day or postmark of March 20, 2023 4PM. Credit, police, landlord checks are procured by the Authority. Smoking is prohibited in the units and building.

Sewer

NOTICE

Town of Bloomfield

Patrol Police Officer

360 MANAGEMENT GROUP, CO.

VALENTINA MACRI RENTAL HOUSING PRE- APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE

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

$37.93 hourly ($78,885 annually) – full time, benefited Pre-employment drug testing. For more details, visit our website – www.bloomfieldct.org

Deadline: Applications will be accepted until position is filled

Invitation for Bids Agency Wide Key and Lock Services

360 Management Group, Co. is currently seeking bids for agency wide key and lock services. A complete copy of the requirement may be obtained from 360 Management Group’s Vendor Collaboration Portal https://newhavenhousing. cobblestonesystems.com/gateway beginning on

Wednesday, April 19, 2023 at 3:00PM.

NOTICIA

VALENTINA MACRI VIVIENDAS DE ALQUILER PRE-SOLICITUDES DISPONIBLES

ELM CITY COMMUNITIES Request for Proposals Payroll Services & HR Management Systems

Town of Bloomfield Finance Director

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

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

Elm City Communities is currently seeking proposals Payroll Services & HR Management Systems. A complete copy of the requirement may be obtained from Elm City Communities’ Vendor Collaboration Portal https://newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/gateway beginning on Monday, March 13, 2023 at 3:00PM.

360 MANAGEMENT GROUP, CO.

Invitation for Bids

NEW HAVEN

Door Repair Replacement Agency Wide

242-258 Fairmont Ave

Fully Benefited – 35 hours weekly Pre-employment drug testing. For more details, visit our website –www.bloomfieldct.org

Portland

Police Officer full-time

Go to www.portlandct.org for details

QSR STEEL CORPORATION

Invitation to Bid: 2nd Notice

2BR Townhouse, 1.5 BA, 3BR, 1 level , 1BA

360 Management Group, Co. is currently seeking bids for door repair replacement agency wide. A complete copy of the requirement may be obtained from 360 Management Group’s Vendor Collaboration Portal https:// newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/gateway beginning on

All new apartments, new appliances, new carpet, close to I-91 & I-95 highways, near bus stop & shopping center

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

Wednesday, April 19, 2023 at 3:00PM.

360 MANAGEMENT GROUP, CO.

Invitation for Bids TRASH REMOVAL ALL SITES

SEYMOUR HOUSING AUTHORITY

SAYEBROOKE VILLAGE

APPLY NOW!

Old Saybrook, CT (4 Buildings, 17 Units)

Steel Fabricators, Erectors & Welders

Tax Exempt & Not Prevailing Wage Rate Project

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

New Construction, Wood Framed, Housing, Selective Demolition, Site-work, Castin-place Concrete, Asphalt Shingles, Vinyl Siding, Flooring, Painting, Division 10 Specialties, Appliances, Residential Casework, Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing and Fire Protection. This contract is subject to state set-aside and contract compliance requirements.

State of Connecticut Office of Policy and Management

Public Health

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

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

Monday, March 20, 2023 at 3:00PM.

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

WANTED

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

Please

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

Bid Extended, Due Date: August 5, 2016

Anticipated Start: August 15, 2016

Project documents available via ftp link below: http://ftp.cbtghosting.com/loginok.html?username=sayebrookevillage

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

The State of Connecticut, Office of Policy and Management is recruiting for a Fiscal/Administrative Officer. Further information regarding the duties, eligibility requirements and application instructions are available at: https://www.jobapscloud.com/ CT/sup/bulpreview.asp?b=&R1= 230309&R2=1308AR&R3=001

HCC encourages the participation of all Veteran, S/W/MBE & Section 3 Certified Businesses Haynes Construction Company, 32 Progress Ave, Seymour, CT 06483

Sanitarian: Professional public health work in the enforcement of statutes and regulations relating to public and environmental health. Applicants should possess a bachelor’s degree in environmental health or closely related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, substituting on a year for year basis. Must possess and maintain a valid State of Connecticut Motor Vehicle Operator’s License. Must be able to obtain within 6 months CT certification as a food inspector. Salary: $63,116 - $80,755 annually plus an excellent fringe benefit package. Apply to: Department of Human Resources, Town of Wallingford, 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492. Forms will be mailed upon request from the Department of Human Resources or may be downloaded from the Department of Human Resources Web Page. Phone # (203) 294-2080, Fax #: (203)294-2084. The closing date will be May 8, 2023 or the date the 50th application is received, whichever occurs first. EOE.

AA/EEO EMPLOYER

Laborer: Involves manual work in construction and general maintenance activities for The Town of Wallingford’s Sewer Division. Operates vehicles, trucks and a variety of power equipment. Must have a minimum of six (6) months experience in performing related manual work at the laborer level and a High School Diploma or G.E.D. Must also possess and maintain a valid State of Connecticut motor vehicle operator’s license. Wages: $20.26 - $24.02 Hourly. Application Forms may be obtained at the Department of Human Resources, Town of Wallingford, 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492. Forms will be mailed upon request from the Department of Human Resources or may be downloaded from the Department of Human Resources Web Page. Fax: (203) 294-2084 Phone: (203) 294-2080. The closing date will be the date the 50th application or resume is received or May 2, 2023, whichever occurs first. EOE WANTED

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

Basic Income Is Coming to America’s Poorest, Blackest Cities

by Alexa Spencer, wordinblack.com

29 mayors are granting residents hundreds of dollars in cash each month. So far, recipients are less stressed and securing better-paying jobs.

Imagine being a mother of teenage sons who beg you to play sports, but you can’t afford to buy them running shoes. Or a father who worries about paying bills while grieving the tragic death of his daughter at the same time.

For many people in situations like that, life feels like a never-ending cycle: payday, bills, stress, payday, bills, stress. It seems as though tough circumstances won’t change — but imagine what it would feel like to receive a letter from your local government guaranteeing you hundreds of dollars each month with no strings attached.

This became the reality in 2019 for 125 residents in Stockton, California, after the city’s now-former mayor, Michael Tubbs, launched a guaranteed income program, SEED (Stockton Economic Empowerment Demonstration).

A final evaluation of the pilot program, published on April 10 in the “Journal of Urban Health” found that Stockton’s Guaranteed Basic Income program was a success. After two years of running the SEED initiative, the recipients’ health improved significantly between 2019 and 2021.

“Despite a global pandemic, I’m heartened that key factors such as no negative employment impacts, lowered income volatility, and improved physical health were consistent over such a tumultuous time period,” Tubbs said in a statement.

The participants were randomly selected from communities in census tracts

at or below the city’s median household income of $46,033.

Each of them was granted $500 per month on debit cards for 24 months. The cash didn’t come with any conditions. They were free to spend the money as they pleased.

This freedom rubbed critics the wrong way.

Some people assumed the money would be misspent, but data shows that less than 1% of purchases were linked to tobacco and alcohol.

Meanwhile, for the recipients in Stockton — a town with a 16% poverty rate — the extra funds meant finally having enough to eat.

This was the case for a recipient named Laura, who said she no longer needed to ask her grandchildren to contribute money for meals.

“Before SEED came along, I was paying a lot of bills and not knowing how I was going to eat,” she told NBC News.

Poverty Is a Public Health Issue

Wealth inequality in the U.S. forces Black and other people of color into poverty.

As a result, these communities access healthcare less, fall prey to medical debt, and go hungry more often.

Data from the USDA revealed that, as of 2021, nearly one-in-five Black individuals lived in food-insecure households. Lack of money or other resources limited their ability to acquire food.

In severe cases, food insecure people will reduce food intake, disrupting their normal patterns and raising the risk for eating disorders.

Claire Gibbons, senior program officer

at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, said everyone should be able to meet their basic needs.

“Every person in the United States, regardless of who they are and where they live, should have the resources necessary to support themselves and their families,” she said in a statement.

In addition to beating hunger, SEED also found that mental health improved among its participants. After one year of funding, they reported experiencing less anxiety and depression — illnesses commonly caused by financial stress.

Overall, participants spent their money

mostly on food, followed by store purchases, utilities, auto care, transportation, and medical expenses. Less than 1% of purchases were linked to tobacco and alcohol.

Contrary to criticism, the program didn’t discourage working. Instead, it provided a financial safety net for participants to redirect their energy from multiple gig jobs to more long-term, sustainable opportunities.

The team saw a jump in full-time employment from 28% at the launch to 40% one year later.

Guaranteed Income Is a Movement

Guaranteed income is not a new concept. During the Civil Rights Movement, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the Black Panther Party, and others supported direct cash payments to address poverty.

“The solution to poverty is to abolish it directly by a now widely discussed measure, the guaranteed income,” King wrote in his 1967 book, “Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community?”

Mayor Tubbs learned about the system from King. Now, he leads Mayors for a Guaranteed Income (MGI), a coalition of over 80 mayors across 29 states advocating for federally-funded payments.

These mayors represent some of the most underserved and Blackest communities: Chokwe Lumumba of Jackson, Mississippi; Aja Brown of Compton, California; and Brandon Scott of Baltimore, Maryland, to name a few.

A total of 28 municipalities have launched pilots, including Compton, which gave 800 residents monthly payments of $300-$600 for two years.

Collectively, the mayors are distributing $200 million in direct, unconditional relief to their communities.

In late April, the team is premiering “It’s Basic,” a documentary about its efforts across the nation, featuring interviews with MGI mayors and program recipients.

“This film explores the power of cash, the importance of dignity, and the ongoing work of providing an income floor,” Tubbs wrote on Twitter.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. viewed basic income as a means for economic freedom. Over 50 years later, Stockton, California’s former mayor Michael Tubbs is bringing his vision to pass.

School Shooter Response Rec: “Fight Back”

by MAYA MCFADDEN

School staff are no longer advised to just hide during active shooter situations, but instead to fight back.

That update was given by Superintendent Iline Tracey at Monday’s hybrid Board of Education meeting, which was hosted both online and in-person in the cafeteria of Barack Obama School at 69 Farnham Ave.

During Tracey’s superintendent report, she shared that the New Haven Public Schools (NHPS) district is rolling out an updated active shooter training for school staff.

“A lot of things we learned about this, we used to say, ‘Hide,’ and now they’re saying, ‘If you can fight back, fight back,’ ” Tracey said.

This updated NHPS policy comes as this country has already suffered from scores of mass shootings so far this year, including in late March at a private elementary school in Nashville.

NHPS Head of Security Thaddeus Reddish will be training school staff onsite, Tracey said. He’ll be starting with school administrators.

Schools spokesperson Justin Harmon added that the updated training procedures were recently presented to the district’s executive team and Tracey in a private meeting. Tracey said she plans to share the presentation with the school board.

Harmon said the district is currently scheduling mandatory hour-long trainings with all teachers and administrators in all city public schools.

“While we perform regular drills, we haven’t done a full training in a while, and we believe we should update our community about common practice in this area,” he said.

Lockdown drills are undertaken every school year at all schools Harmon added.

In response to the announced new training, city teachers union President Leslie Blatteau said the union has been asking

the district for months for the updated crisis training. She said the union is also still requesting that staff also receive updated protocol for debriefing and support services that are necessary after lockdown situations.

“What’s also needed is updated protocol after lockdowns or lockdown drills for staff to get the information of what happened to feel safe again,” she said. Blatteau added that New Haven teachers have expressed recent concerns over active shooter safety when they see a broken door or lock or a lack of security in their school building.

She suggested supports be put in place to help all school staff have conversations and address stress and other mental health issues that come as a result of hearing frequently about school shootings across the nation. “It has to be a trauma-informed approach for us all because that fear is there,” she said.

MAYA MCFADDEN PHOTO NHPS Supt. Iline Tracey at school board meeting: "Now they're saying, 'If you can fight back, fight back.’"

New Haven Public Schools