THE INNER CITY NEWS

Neighbors Turn Out For “Dr. Robinson Way”

by LAURA GLESBY

Dr. Ann Garrett Robinson knows how to advocate for a street corner name. In 2022, she made sure that New Haven’s first known Black resident, Lucretia, would have a place among official city signage.

On Monday, she returned to City Hall to join 20 friends and neighbors in calling for a corner of her own.

Robinson’s alder and Dixwell Avenue neighbor, Ward 21’s Troy Streater, is championing an effort to name the corner of Dixwell and Argyle after the neighborhood stalwart.

On Monday, the City Services and Environmental Policy (CSEP) alder committee issued a unanimous favorable recommendation for the approval of “Dr. Ann E. Garrett Robinson Way”; the street corner name will go before the full Board of Alders for a final vote in September.

The corner naming effort has received enthusiastic support from Robinson’s former students, longtime friends, and family members both official and unofficial.

At Monday night’s CSEP meeting, speaker after speaker had signed up to testify in support of the corner name. One friend of Robinson’s, political organizer Cordelia Lewis-Burks, offered words of support from Indiana, by way of Zoom.

They heralded Robinson as a volunteer local historian who herself has made history throughout her 89 years of life.

In a presentation to colleagues, Streater cited Robinson’s accomplishments as a psychologist and the first Black woman

to join the Trinity College faculty, one of the first Black women to be a researcher at Yale, and the first Black certified psychological examiner in the New Haven Public Schools system.

He also celebrated her everyday impact

as a “pillar of our community” a mentor and neighborhood convener passionate about simple acts of kidness who has “worked to instill a culture of care and mutual respect” in Dixwell and Newhallville.

Robinson’s street corner would be a “symbol” of how “it is important to be accomplished and accessible,” said Hillhouse Assistant Principal Johnathan Berryman.

One mentee of Robinson’s, Tomeka

Vinston, offered a short history of Robinson’s life in her public testimony. “She grew up in a segregated Black town in Pitt County, North Carolina,” Vinston said. “She was a protected little girl who lived in the library.”

According to Vinston, Robinson grew up in a family of educators and librarians. Her grandparents, once enslaved, “purchased a 15-acre farm during the Great Depression, where they grew cotton, sweet potatoes, and pecan trees,” Vinston said. “Today, Dr. Robinson is still paying taxes on that property.”

Meanwhile, City Historian Michael Morand pointed to Robinson’s work to unearth forgotten stories of New Haven’s past, both through her former column in the New Haven Register and through her effort to recognize Lucretia’s contributions to the city.

“She’s the historian’s historian,” said Morand.

When Robinson herself had a chance to address alders she began by handing a Dixwell Avenue-themed bookmark to each of the four alders on the committee. “Hello. I don’t know the rules, but I brought you a present!” she said. Robinson reflected on her writing in the New Haven Register and her effort as a mentor both to students and to young people throughout Dixwell. “Our city needed mending, as cities do,” she said. “I’m blessed and I’m humbled,” she added. She spoke of a sense of responsibility she would feel if a corner were to bear her name: for “those to whom much is given, much is expected.”

Blumenthal: Unite Against Political Violence, Keep Supporting Biden

by ALLAN APPEL

new haven independent

U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal declined to speculate how the attempted assassination of former President Trump might affect the ongoing campaigns or the roiling issue of whether President Joe Biden should remain the Democratic Party’s flag-bearer.

He did say, “We need to come together to condemn all political violence and to stop it.”

He made those brief remarks Monday morning during a stop at a happy occasion the celebration of the building of a new house at the pioneering “teachers’ village” of the Friends Center for Children in Fair Haven Heights.

That’s a verdant compound of houses on Howard Street, nearby the East Grand headquarters of the center where free hous-

ing as a salaried benefit for its teachers is making them more secure financially. It is also a financial creative template, a model, the senator added, for the state and nation to make the crucial early child care industry able to pay its teachers more equitably, and make the industry more sustainable.

Blumenthal said way too many incidents of violence, such as what unfolded over the weekend in Butler, Penn., are committed by lone gunmen, particularly by young, disenchanted males.

“We need to be more united against gun violence and violence in general,” he said.

Although a number of the state’s leading Democrats, including Jim Himes of Connecticut’s 4th Congressional District and Governor Lamont, have come out in favor of urging President Biden to step aside, that’s not where Blumenthal lands.

“Right now Joe Biden is the Democratic nominee, and he is very determined and committed and he’s got my support,” Blu-

menthal said.

Blumenthal also said he hoped the president would continue to be effective to dispel concerns.

“The other point is we need to determine the reasons for the security failure and how this shooter was able to climb up to that roof.”

In a larger sense the entire assassination attempt should be investigated, he added. During a separate press conference at Nica’s on Monday morning, U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro provided a similar answer to a question about whether or not Biden should remain the Democratic nominee for president.

“I support President Biden,” DeLauro said. “He can take some time if he wants to reconsider what he wants to do, but I support the president.”

ALLAN APPEL PHOTO U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal (second from left) with teachers benefiting from free housing: Paris Pearce, Eric Gill, and Justin Cross.

The

LAURA GLESBY PHOTO Local historian and history-maker Dr. Robinson.

Tomeka Vinston: Dr. Robinson "inspires me to do the work."

Among the crowd of "Dr. Ann E. Garrett Robinson Way" supporters was Quinn Melton, who helped gather signatures so that "when she looks out her window, she can see her name on her street."

The new haven independent

PAL Kicks Off Soccer In Fair Haven

by ASHER JOSEPH

“What are we?” Fair Haven Patrol Offi cer  and newly minted Police Activity League  (PAL) Soccer Coach Frantzy Toussaint  asked his 15 students.

Having braved drills, laps, and games in  high-80 degree weather, they proudly responded, “Soccer players!”

The students-turned-soccer players are the fi rst participants in a new recreational  soccer program being piloted in Fair Haven by Ward 14 Alder Sarah Miller in collaboration with PAL, a police department  program aimed at providing athletic opportunities to youth and building relationships between law enforcement and the  New Haven community.

PAL’s recent involvement in Fair Haven  was inspired in part by the Clifford Beers  Community Care Center’s Community School Initiative, which places emphasis  on expanding extracurricular opportunities  for New Haven Public School (NHPS) students.

While the program is mainly targeted at 8- to 12-year-olds, PAL currently accepts  students as young as fi ve.

Currently, New Haven hosts one district soccer team for the entire city. While the city also offers basketball through the New  Haven Heat Basketball Family, “they live  and breathe soccer out here in Fair Haven,  so we needed to create an outlet for them to play,” according to Miller.

The program, which started July 9, is set to run every Tuesday through July 30. This

week’s practice was pushed to Thursday  afternoon due to high temperatures earlier in the week. That did not stop a few kids  from still turning up, which Toussaint had prepared for and waited in the parking lot  to deliver the disappointing news.    Toussaint, who is Haitian, has been playing soccer for as long as he can remember.  Growing up in Stamford, he played USYouth 16 before moving on to compete  with Brazil-Youth 16, one of the top international youth soccer teams.

“I started coaching at the Boys & Girls  Club in Stamford. We started with three  kids and grew to about 500. I want to get  these kids busy and out of the house, so  that’s why I worked with the alders to  make this happen,” said Toussaint.

“Also, when I was on patrol out here,  I never saw kids playing soccer. I was surprised, because there are so many Latino  families in Fair Haven, and this is their culture, man!” he said.

He jogged out into the fi eld, giving

his fi rst empowering speech of the day.

“When coach tells you to do something, say ‘I can!’”

“Even I’m feeling inspired,” said Miller,  who watched from the sidelines with Ward 15 Alder Frank Redente.

“Kids need these support fi gures so they  don’t get lost. PAL is actually what got me  involved with youth sports in New Haven,” Redente said. Having raised his son in Fair Haven as a single father, Redente is grateful for the support and resources the nonprofi t provides.

“The only way to keep them off the street  is to keep them active. Unfortunately, the  arts and sports are always the fi rst to get  cut when we lose funding, yet the kids are  the ones who hurt the most. We need to restore funding levels so that more spaces around New Haven can imitate this.”

“Are you ready?” asked Toussaint. “Yes, Coach!”

Starting at 4:30 p.m., the next hour and  a half fl ew by as kids ran drills, including  toe taps, dribbling, and weaving soccer  balls through cones.

When asked about their experiences, the  kids were quick to answer so they could  get back to practice.

“Vamanos!” said one, who was eager to  make the fastest lap time during the team’s  cool down.

“Water!” said another, who had given it  her all during the last game. In conclusion, two players agreed that it  was “fantastic.”

From the sidelines, Offi cer Cesar Gutierrez, who played baseball at Wilbur Cross  High School and went on to play for Eastern Connecticut State University, recalled having a keen interest in sports but no  knowledge of PAL until he joined NHPD  six years ago.

“Before Covid, we had, like, 300 kids,  and now we don’t have more than 120

Con’t on page 17

The New Haven Equitable Entrepreneurial Ecosystem (NHE3) is a business-support network partnering with entrepreneurial support organizations (ESOs) to build an inclusive and equitable entrepreneurial ecosystem for historically marginalized entrepreneurs in Greater New Haven.

With a focus on funding BIPOC-and Woman-owned businesses, NHE3 intentionally provides grants to help small businesses thrive.

Grant round dates:

2nd round opens on Dec 1st and closes on Jan 31st (review and awards: end of February)

3rd round opens on Mar 1st and closes April 30th (review and awards: end of May)

4th round opens on June 1st and closes July 31st (review and awards: end of August)

Patricia Lamb, Cesar Gutierrez, Miller, Alethea Moore, and Gabrielle Curtis watched from the sidelines.

The new haven independent

Audubon Arts Springs Into Session

Magda Lena Griffel, The Arts Paper newhavenarts.org

Stars, swirls and polka dots cover the walls of the Neighborhood Music School (NMS) this summer. On slips of paper taped to the walls, kids’ names are carefully spelled out in block letters, surrounded by patterns. Each label reflects their own artistic personalities. Every color of the rainbow is up here.

Welcome to Audubon Arts, a six-week summer arts program devoted to encouraging self-expression and creativity among its young participants. Every weekday, kindergarten through high school students come to NMS’ Audubon Street campus to do visual art, dance, music, and drama. To celebrate its 40th year, the program is mounting The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee for high school participants, and fully devised musicals for the younger students.

Every student is fully involved in their group's production, from designing the set and costumes, to writing the story itself. Here, the arts are interdisciplinary.

“The kids are heard, they’re seen, their ideas are incorporated into everything they’re doing. They have a sense of ownership.” said Anne Tubis, director of the program.

Fifth graders in the “yellow” group— groups at Audubon Arts are named after colors of the rainbow—feel the same. “We combine our ideas to make it better,” said one student, who chose not to give her name, on a recent Friday. “It’s a group that just helps each other.”

Together, the yellow group is working on a production around the theme of the storybooks. After students come up with a concept, the drama teachers write a script, and the music teachers adapt lyrics to contemporary songs for the participants to perform.

Nina, a yellow group member, said Audubon Arts feels more fun and more creative than school. She mentioned the “supernice teachers,” and noted that when kids make mistakes, they’re encouraged to learn from them instead of being punished.

In the visual arts room, members of the blue group were painting costumes for their upcoming show. Sitting cross-legged on a blue tarp, the first graders dipped their paintbrushes in all different colors of fabric paint, intent on covering the entire t-shirt. Next to them were their sketches of the costumes, designed based on the character they were playing in the show. One young girl was painting a dark green stripe, the beginnings of an apron for her character, the rabbit.

“Painters! Brushes up!” called the art teacher in the next room, and older kids— that’s the orange group—began expertly hopping around giant pieces of cardboard and paint containers on their way to wash their brushes at the sink. They stared down at their work: in colorful, cloud-like letters they’d written “The Chore Wars,” the cho-

sen title of their upcoming musical.

The kids at Audubon Arts already proudly consider themselves artists. Whether they prefer the performing arts, or painting, “eventually we all become really good friends,” said Sukih, a student. They find kids with a similar kind of passion for the arts, a similar interest in originality.

Stephen Dest, the drama director, sees Audubon Arts as one of the few “safe spaces for the students to be themselves,” he said. Especially since the pandemic, he said, “there’s not a lot of places where you can feel fully safe, fully heard.”

Drama Counselor Noah Brown, a rising sophomore at Bard College, noticed something similar. Here, “whatever you want to be, you can be,” he said. He takes inspiration from the many different personalities he meets in his work. “These kids grow up, and you literally grow up with the kids.”

After they cleaned up, members of the orange group headed down to join all other groups in the outdoor area behind the school for lunch and Audubon Arts’ open-mic performance. Every day, students can sign up to perform alone or with their friends, while the rest of the program claps, or even dances along.

Sitting on woodchips, students watched, impressed, as a girl with blue streaks in her hair presented a rehearsed dance to “Story of My Life” by One Direction. In the next act, three girls sang “The Nights” by Avicii. Soon, counselors joined them onstage, becoming impromptu background dancers.

“Everyone’s going to cheer and clap like we just watched a Broadway performance,” Creative Youth Development Coordinator Briana Louis said about Audubon Arts Open Mics. Although they brand themselves as mostly a musical theater program, “It’s really so much more than that,” she said.

Louis remembered her own time at Audubon Arts years ago as really encouraging. She was in the indigo group, and performed in their production of Legally Blonde as a high schooler. Now, she’s the assistant director of the program. Here, Louis said, they learn “how to be a collaborator in any sense.”

As the song ended, the girls quickly bowed, then ran off stage with big smiles. In an interview just before the Friday’s open mic began, the counselor of the yellow group, Victoria “Vicki” Kirkland, said Audubon Arts is “a really, really great thing.” She had no idea she’d love working here as much as she did. She wants to come back another year.

“No matter what their talent is, no matter how much experience they have, everyone embraces it.” Kirkland said. “Because, you know, we’re all in this together, and I love that.”

This article comes from the 2024 Cohort of the Youth Arts Journalism Initiative. Magda Lena Griffel is a recent graduate of Wilbur Cross High School, where she edited the school newspaper, and is headed to Columbia University in the fall.

Yellow group participants. Magda Lena Griffel Photos.

Victoria (Vicki) Kirkland, Counselor for the Yellow Group.

Briana Louis, Assistant Director and former Audubon Arts student.

July 30, 2024

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.

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.’

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.

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.

‘Black Reel Awards’ (Outstanding Actress

wood Critics Association TV Awards’ (Best Actress in a Limited Series, Anthropology Series or Television Movie), the ‘Gotham Awards’ (Outstanding Performance in New

tion 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

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

In 2022, Mbedu was nominated for the ‘Independent Spirit Awards (Best Female Performance in a New Scripted Series), for

sion series ‘The Underground Railroad.’ She won the ‘Critics Choice Television Awards’ for ‘Best Actress in a Miniseries or

er 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’

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

da 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 cause 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…”

Ruth T. Henderson Gets Her Corner

by ABIBA BIAO

When Kevin Yarbrough struggled to  wake up for school one morning, his  grandmother Ruth T. Henderson had a surprise. She took a bowl of water,  the very one set out for their house cat Miss Kitty, and fl ung its contents onto  Yarbrough, who jolted out of bed. Sure  enough, it was just the trick.

Yarbrough cited that memory as his favorite of his grandmother, whose legacy was commemorated by way of a street  sign at the corner of Dickerman and Sperry streets.

The sign, unveiled on Saturday, was followed by a tribute to Ruth from her loved  ones and was organized by her daughter  Mignone Henderson.

Ruth passed away at the age of 87 in July 2022.

Born and raised in Washington D.C., Ruth made her way to New Haven in 1955 after marrying her husband Larry  Henderson. Here, she made her home on 26 Dickerman St. and never left, even becoming president of the Dickerman Street  Block Watch.

She was involved in community organizations like the Dixwell Community  Management Team, the Police Review  Board, and the Wexler Grant Grandparent  Program. Her daughter Mignone praised  her for her community spirit.

Ruth had a long list of accolades. She graduated from Grace Hospital (now Yale  New Haven Hospital) as its fi rst African  American EKG Technician, and she went  on to receive her Master’s in Social Work  from Springfi eld College.

Ruth wore a lot of hats throughout her life. She was a manager at Yale New Haven Hospital for 24 years and also worked  at the Forbes House, Hannah Gray Home,  Cornerstone, and Grant Street Partnership  and retired from Our Kids, a program under the Department of Social Services. Her efforts weren’t just limited to the clinical fi eld; she also worked in group  homes and performed community outreach. Ruth served as Youth Commissioner for the city in 2009 and was later appointed as a commissioner on the Commission for Equal Opportunities in 2012,  remaining in that role for a decade. For Yarbrough, Saturday’s placement of  the sign was intentional, serving to commemorate her long-lasting legacy in New Haven by paying homage to the neighborhood where it “all started.” It was with  his help that Mignone pushed and advocated for the sign.

“This means everything to me because  this is where it all started,” he said, pausing to collect his words. “That’s why it was important for me to get this sign. If  she could do it while she was here she probably would have did it. So this a big  thing for the block, for the whole city.”

with Mignone Henderson: “This means everything to me because this is where it all started.”

He recalled her civic efforts, from leading a petition to install cameras on school buses to taking care of the neighborhood children.

“She was a good, kind person. She loved the community. She did everything for the community,” he said.

Next to the memorial table for Ruth

was Doris Davis, both granddaughter-inlaw and family friend. Having known the  family for over 20 years, Davis had many things to say about Ruth and recalled her  passion for helping out the youth, lovingly calling her a “hood meemaw.”

“She may not have her name on some big building, but for her last name to live  on in the town, as popular as the Henderson family is … that’s dope,” she said.

“That’s really dope. That means a lot.”   Granddaughter-in-law Kori Henderson remembered Ruth by her playful  nature, never passing up a moment to joke around.     “She was crazy! She always was talking junk. One time me and her went to  the courthouse and she tried to tell the police I stole her bag,” she said, before  letting out a laugh. “I tried to tell the police that I was her granddaughter and they  was looking at me like I was crazy. Like  I done robbed the lady.”

Despite not being biologically related to  Ruth, Natasha Duntfraid always viewed Ruth as her grandmother. Duntfraid’s relationship with the Henderson family goes all the way back to high school, when she  met and befriended Ruth’s granddaughters.

“Grandma Ruth is everybody’s grandmother. She was one of those types of people that loved everybody, and if you  came around she treated you like family,”  she said. “She was always loving, always strict, always honest.”

Duntfraid remembers not only Ruth’s  words but also her cooking, like her staple  fried fi sh paired with a leafy salad, which  quickly became her comfort food.

“You could always learn something from her because she was an open book,  because she was always willing to teach.

And let me tell you, she was a card, she was a pistol, she was spicy,” she said. “Don’t get it twisted, she was spicy. She would tell you off but love you at the  same time, and you needed that from people because [it’s] that honest love.”

One of the granddaughters Duntfraid befriended was Lakeyda Henderson,  who served as one of Ruth’s caregivers. Lekedya described Ruth as “dedicated,”  saying that “her wealth was helping and giving to other people.”

Despite Ruth being diagnosed with  dementia later in her life, Lekeyda recounted her sharp-witted nature, and her working at Wexler-Grant before the disease progressed in severity.

Lakeyda attributed Ruth’s guidance  with helping the family stay together, especially for her mother Mignone, who  was navigating being a teen mom after  having Lakeyda at 16.

“I really don’t know where we would  have been without her … to me, she was  like a mother,” she said.

After everyone went around and shared their stories of Ruth’s legacy, it was time for the balloon release. Ruth’s niece  Dawn Pointdexter led a prayer.

Pointdexter attributed Ruth’s support  to helping her navigate teen pregnancy and encouraged her to university and grad school. It was Ruth’s long-standing civic  career that inspired Pointdexter to follow  in her footsteps and be in social work.     “1, 2, 3,” the group counted off, and off  the purple balloons went. It was Ruth’s  favorite color.

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ABIBA BIAO PHOTOS At the corner of Sperry and Dickerman.

THOMAS MACMILLAN FILE PHOTO The late Ruth Henderson.

The new haven independent

Hundreds Fill The Green … To Read!

by MAYA MCFADDEN

Nose deep in books on the Green, roughly 800 young New Haveners were transported to watching a Bronx street performer bust a move, to visiting a second-floor apartment in a Russian mining town, to spending some time with the Cat in the Hat all as part of an annual “read-in” downtown.

That read-in was hosted by the tutoring and youth athletics nonprofit LEAP, or Leadership, Education and Athletics in Partnership, Inc., on Friday morning.

Nearly 800 students of LEAP’s daily summer programming for students ages 7 to 12 years old were read aloud to by dozens of community volunteers at the hour-long event on the Green.

Wearing vibrant orange and blue t-shirts, campers, counselors, and reading volunteers flooded the Green, extending from the water fountain at the center of the public greenspace up to Elm Street.

Cornell Scott Hill Health Center’s marketing specialist Agape Cogswell and Kara Robinson volunteered Friday for the first time to read to LEAP’s 7and 8-year-old boys and girls.

As the duo fished through a sea of books organized by age range, Cogswell landed on “A Night Out with Mama” by Quvenzhané Wallis because of its beautiful imagery and diverse representations. Robinson meanwhile chose “The Cat in the Hat” by Dr. Seuss to have fun and rhyme with her boys group.

They each agreed that Friday’s event was a chance to “nurture a bond with the next generation,” show that volunteering in your community is impactful, and most importantly remind campers that “even education can be fun.”

A lineup of state and local leaders included U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro, State Sen. Martin Looney, New Haven Public Schools Asst. Supt. Keisha Redd-Hannans, Southern Connecticut State University President Dwayne Smith, Connecticut State Colleges and Universities Chancellor Terrence Cheng, Alders Jeanette Morrison and Anna Festa, and Mayor Justin Elicker.

Speakers reminded the crowd of hundreds of students that reading expands one’s horizons of the world and is critical to their success. “Escape to a new world and adventure in books,” ReddHannans said.

She thanked the LEAP staffers for helping New Haven youth to avoid falling susceptible to the “summer slide.”

Before breaking out into smaller reading groups each paired with a volunteer, LEAP Dixwell Site Coordinator Darcus Henry hyped Friday’s crowd up with

energizer chants and dances. Students and volunteers circled up together as Henry first called out “You got your L, you got your E, you got your A, you got your P.” The students cheered along, spelling aloud and dancing alongside their counselors.

In one 9- and 10-year-old girls group, volunteer Kica Matos invited the campers to read Matt Lamonthe’s “This is How We Do It” aloud to her. Each student read a page from the book that transported them across the globe to tell the stories of how seven kids live around the world in places like Japan, Uganda, Italy, and Peru.

As one student read about the kids homes around the world, Matos asked the group, “Who lives in a house and who lives in an apartment?” Friday’s LEAPers shared about living in a second-floor apartment and in a house in New Haven.

Third-grader Guy Carter, 8, said he enjoyed Friday’s trip to the Green because he was able to meet other LEAP students from beyond just the Hill South site he attends daily. After reading a book with his group about planets Friday, he said he enjoyed its humor and was inspired to soon read another book about Spiderman, a favorite superhero of his thanks to the video games he plays about the Marvel hero. His favorite summer trip so far has been going to the beach and public pool to swim.  “I like LEAP because we get to go on a lot of trips and read,” he concluded. During one reading of “The Roots of Rap” by Carole Boston Weatherford, a group of boys showed off their break dancing moves to volunteer Shaynise Rose.

Fifth grader Jules Sullivan, 9, said she enjoyed Friday’s read-in because of her love for reading adventure and comic books. “It’s fun to learn how the world is,” she said.

In Sullivan’s group, she read Dr. Seuss’ “I Can Read with My Eyes Shut!” which she described as funny and rhythmic. She said those are two book qualities that make a good book to her.

She agreed that field trips have been a favorite summer activity while attending LEAP and is looking forward to a Monday trip to Dairy Queen and the pool. “I’m glad I’m here because I get to spend time with my friends and have fun with the counselors. When I’m in the house I’m usually on the iPad. That’s why I love when they take us outside,” she said.

Her advice to her fellow youth when it comes to reading is to try it out because “when you read books, you get to learn new words.”

Fifth grader Jules Sullivan and Hill South junior counselor Akeelah Warner.

MAYA MCFADDEN PHOTOS

Kica Matos (right) flips the script and has LEAP students read aloud to her ...

The new haven independent

Selfless Service: Connecticut Democrats Laud Biden For His Decision To Drop Out Of Race

by Hudson Kamphausen

President Joe Biden announced Sunday that he would not continue his campaign for re-election, but would  instead step aside and allow a different candidate for the Democratic Party to carry the mantle.

Biden announced his decision following weeks of uncertainty and  discord within his party following a debate performance against Donald  Trump that left many questioning whether he could function adequately as the leader of the nation’s executive  branch.

High-ranking members of his own  party called for him to step aside, including several members of both the  House and Senate.

“It has been the greatest honor of my  life to serve as your President,” Biden said in a written statement released to the public. “And while it has been my  intention to seek re-election, I believe  it is in the best interest of my party and  country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfi lling my duties  as president for the remainder of my term.”

Biden said he would address the nation later this week and also endorsed  Vice President Kamala Harris as the party’s presidential candidate.

“I am honored to have the President’s endorsement and my intention is to earn and win this nomination,” Harris said in a statement.

Connecticut Democrats celebrated  Biden’s decision and offered thanks  for his career and term as president. Some also endorsed Harris.

Sens. Chris Murphy and Richard  Blumenthal praised Biden as a public  servant and lauded his record as a politician and president during his nearly fi ve-decade career.

“Joe Biden is one of the greatest, most consequential presidents in American history,” Blumenthal said. “He was the compassionate, courageous leader our country desperately needed during a time of crisis. Over the last four years, he has overseen the passage of immensely impactful laws that will benefi t generations of Americans.”

Murphy added another dimension  to his statement on the president, emphasizing the weight of the imminent November election.

“Joe Biden has always put his country fi rst. He knows the risk Donald  Trump poses to our democracy, mandating that our number-one priority  must be defeating Trump this fall,”  Murphy said. “I know this decision  was agonizing for him, but once again,

his love of country shines through. A nation turns its grateful eyes to Joe Biden for his world-changing service and his constant selfl essness.”

On the X social media platform, Murphy talked about Biden’s call following the Uvalde and Buffalo mass shootings, and how he took a risk  and used a prime-time speech to advocate for the 2022 gun bill, despite  there being little chance that it would  get through Congress. It eventually  passed. He said Biden went over the speech with him line by line to ensure  that he language was going to have the desired impact.

He fi nished the thread saying,  “I’m not sure the historic 2022 gun  bill would have passed without that  speech,” and later in a video posted to X he said Biden would go down as one of the most effective presidents in the nation’s history and highlighted several bills Biden got through Congress  – including the 2022 gun bill that Murphy said had since resulted in a 20% reduction in violent crime.

Let’s be grateful for Joe Biden, a true patriot who showed us how to put country first.

Let’s be so excited to elect our first woman president - Kamala Harris - a tough prosecutor who’s going to beat a convicted felon this November.

Murphy also made his support for

Harris known on social media.

“She has the perfect combination of experience, accomplishment, and deep love of country to lead our great nation,” he said.

US Rep. Jim Himes – who was one of the members of the House who called  on Biden to drop out of the presidential race – said in an interview with CBS that his and other legislators’ reaction to the news was a combination

was strengthened, and other areas have thrived as well such as a rebuilt  infrastructure. Lamont did not formally endorse Harris as the Democratic nominee for president.

“The president has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, and I believe  she will be the front runner when our  convention meets next month,” he  said.

Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz said in a  series of social media posts that “We can’t thank President Biden enough  for his service to our country.”

She said there is no one more qualifi ed than Harris to become the next  president.

“She has been a fi erce defender of  civil rights, voting rights, LGBTQ+  rights and reproductive rights at a time when legislatures and courts across the country are looking to roll back the  clock,” Bysiewicz said.

However, she also did not formally endorse Harris.

Senate President Martin Looney and  Majority Leader Bob Duff said in a  statement that the world is safer because of Biden’s term as president, and Connecticut and the nation are indebted to him for his service.

“President Biden’s selfl ess decision  to step aside and pass the torch to Vice President Harris is indicative of his commitment to public service and  dedication to the best interests of the  American people,” they said.

Longtime Democratic stategist Roy  Oc chiogrosso, who had suggested that Biden should consider stepping aside following the June 27 debate because of the perception created by his  performance, said Sunday that Biden had made the best choice.

“This was the right decision because  the position President Biden was in was untenable,” Occhiogrosso said.  “And he just re-energized the Democratic Party and upended the race in a good way. Good on him.”

Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam also commented on Biden’s decision and legacy:

of relief, eleation, and gratitude.

“I think there is a sense now that  – while we need to work on what exactly the ticket looks like, there’s obviously a lot of momentum building up  behind the vice president – but elation  because we are now in the hunt to win  this presidency,” Himes said.     Himes also expressed gratitude to  Biden for his decades of service to the nation.

Gov. Ned Lamont said in a statement  that under Biden the nation’s economy

“President Joe Biden has dedicated almost his entire adult life to public  service, but his decision today may  be one of his greatest acts of service,”  Arulampalam said in a statement. “He showed a deeply divided nation that it’s still possible to put people over  politics, and to fi ght for the fabric of  our democracy. Now, it is time for the rest of our country to come together and show that we can unify to save our democracy.”

President Joe Biden takes a moment to listen on June 11, 2024. Credit: photosince / Shutterstock

Sens Blumenthal Sens. Chris Murphy

City Dems Line Up Behind Harris

by PAUL BASS

Top New Haven Democrats coalesced quickly Sunday behind Kamala Harris  as their party’s presidential nominee now that Joe Biden has announced he will not seek reelection.

At least two local Dems, including one delegate to next month’s party convention, added U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy  (who often shows up on lists of potential  future presidential candidates) as their favored running mate to take on the Donald  Trump-J.D. Vance Republican ticket.

“I join President Biden in saying we  should come together to support Vice President Kamala Harris,” New Haven U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro stated in a press  release issued by her campaign.

Here’s what other infl uential city Democrats told the Independent Sunday when  asked for their dream ticket:

Audrey Tyson, Democratic National Convention delegate and New Haven Democratic ward co-chair and town committee vice-chair: A Harris-Murphy ticket. “Kamala has a lot of expertise. She is  very very smart. She’s worked with the  president. So she has the experience. She  is defi nitely someone that people all have  a lot of respect for. She’s extremely smart.  I think that she would do a very good job.

… Chris Murphy also is extremely smart,  well liked. I think he could appeal to every ethnic background of people. He’s  been senator for a lot of years.”

New Haven Democratic Town Chair Vincent Mauro Jr., who plans to attend

next month’s party nominating convention: Also for a Harris-Murphy ticket,  which would “cover the two coasts. And I’m rooting for the home team.”

New Haven State Sen. Martin Looney,  another convention delegate: “I am supporting Vice-President Harris [for president]. That is the one way we can avoid  a chaotic process from now until Nov. 5.

The party needs to unite soon and strongly behind her and come out of the convention with a ringing endorsement for president.” It’s “too soon” to pick a vicepresidential candidate because the party  needs to see who makes the most strategic  sense in rounding out the ticket. In gener-

al, “Chris Murphy would be a great vicepresident. He would be a great president  some day.”

New Haven State Sen. Gary Winfi eld:  It “has to be Kamala” for the presidential  nominee. “If Kamala were skipped over,  the party would be doing itself a disservice. There are folks who would take  that as a slight to not only the vice-president, but to them. Beyond that I haven’t  had time to think about who complements her.”

Martin Dunleavy, Democratic National  Convention delegate and former New Haven Democrat alder: Today’s not the day to endorse nominees. “I think we

need to let the dust settle. There are rumors of other candidates getting into the presidential race. It really should be up to  the presidential nominee who they think  would be best to add strength to their  ticket. The most important thing, as much  as I like Sen. Murphy and lots of other  senators and Congress members and governors, is: Who is able to help the most to  put together an electoral win and who can be capable to step into the job?”

Asked about her vice-presidential preferences, DeLauro responded in a written  statement, “There are a number of qualifi ed Democrats to join Vice President  Harris on the Democratic ticket. I am

confi dent she will pick someone who can  compliment her strengths and who can get to work on day one.”

Dems Praise Biden; GOP Says Time's Up Now

Meanwhile, within an hour of Biden’s  decision, the state’s top Democrats and Republicans began issuing releases offering their takes.

Top Democratic elected offi cials praised  Biden’s decision and record.

“A nation turns its grateful eyes to Joe Biden for his world changing service and his constant selfl essness,” U.S. Sen. Murphy was quoted stating. “Joe is a smart, strategic fi ghter who always – always –  looks out for the little guy,” fellow Connecticut U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal stated. State Sen. Looney praised Biden’s  “courageous and statesmanlike decision”  and called him “an oustanding public servant” since 1972.

The state’s top Republican, state party  chair Ben Proto, meanwhile, issued a reaction release depicting the Democratic party “in shambles.” “Thanks to Joe  Biden for his decades of public service  and we wish him happiness and joy in his forced retirement,” the release stated.

New Haven’s Republican Party issued  a separate release calling on Biden to step down now as president given his “impairments”: “His announcement, and recent actions, will only embolden our enemies  in the event he decides to fi nish his term.”

Bysiewicz Endorses “Glass Ceiling Breaker” For President

by PAUL BASS

Susan Bysiewicz was ready to endorse Kamala Harris for president in New Haven Monday.

But to make it offi cial, she had to wait  for her boss — the way Harris had to wait  for her boss to clear the way to seek the  Democratic nomination.

Bysiewicz, Connecticut’s lieutenant governor, was in Fair Haven for an event at the new City Seed headquarters on James Street. Before it began, reporters  asked her the question of the day: Whom  Democrats should nominate for president now that Joe Biden has decided not to seek a second term.

Like many elected Democrats so far,  Bysiewicz focused on Vice-President Harris — and only Vice-President Harris. She gave a full-throated tribute to Harris,  and only Harris. But she offered a caveat that the offi cial endorsement would have  to wait until Gov. Ned Lamont made an  endorsement, which he hadn’t yet.

Less than an hour later, Bysiewicz  called the Independent to report that  Lamont had in fact endorsed Harris. And  Bysiewicz was now offi cially endorsing  her, too.

“She is uniquely qualifi ed to be president of the United States,” Bysiewicz said. “She’s been a district attorney of  a large city in California, attorney general of the most populous state in America. She’s been a United States senator. She’s  been working alongside President Biden  passing laws, gun safety legislation, infrastructure laws, so much more …    “Kamala is capable of breaking through  that glass ceiling and becoming the fi rst  female president of the United States and the fi rst female of color.”

She spoke of Harris advocating for  civil rights, abortion rights, voting rights,  and LGBT rights at a time when state legislatures were passing laws and the courts were making decisions curtailing them. Should anyone else seek the nomination?

“I think it would be very diffi cult to have

any candidates come forward,” Bysiewicz said.

“The campaign fi nance rules would  only allow Kamala to use the money that has been raised by President Biden  for their joint campaign. I think it would  be very diffi cult for a self-funder to  come forward, because they don’t have  the national organization that’s already in place.”

So … was Bysiewicz endorsing Harris?

“I am saying that I have not officially endorsed,” she responded outside CitySeed. “I would like to be on the same page as Gov. Lamont.

“I think he’ll get there very shortly.”

Which he did. And then she did. Bysiewicz knows what it’s like to be  a woman waiting for a man to step aside so she can pursue a top elected offi ce.    She has had her eye on becoming

governor one day since she wrote her 1983 Yale senior thesis on the country’s  fi rst elected female governor, Connecticut’s Ella Grasso (which she turned into  a book). She has worked her way up  through the state legislature, the secretary of the state’s offi ce, and, after a try  at the gubernatorial nomination, serving  as the state’s lieutenant governor for the past six years.

Like Harris under President Biden, she  has loyally supported Lamont and been  careful not to upstage him. Like other  potential Democratic candidates (such  as Attorney General William Tong, State  Rep. Joshua Elliott, and former Hartford  Mayor Luke Bronin), Bysiewicz has quietly tested the waters for a 2026 gubernatorial run in conversations with New Haveners active in Democratic politics. But like Harris waiting to burst out the  campaign door these past weeks, Bysiewicz will have to wait until the man at the top makes up his mind.

Susan Bysiewicz

Early local favorites: Harris (left) for prez; Murphy (right) for veep?

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An Evening of Healing and Love:Celebrating the Visionary Howard K. Hill

by Crystal R. Emery, CEO and Founder URU, The Right to Be, Inc.

The setting was gorgeous and fi t for the  night to celebrate Howard K. Hill and his  immeasurable contributions to this community for more than 20 years. The space was gorgeous, and the crowd that gathered for this occasion represented the myriad of ways that would refl ect a Howard K. Hill  funeral service and the visionary, Howard K. Hill. It transcended race, ethnicity,   Generational divides, professional classes, and every kind of politician was there  with a proclamation. Mayor Elicker, Senator Gary Winfi eld, Senator Doug McCrory,  Senator Jorge Cabrera. This was one of the  rare times that New Haven came together in a healing vibration whether you were  family or friends or adversaries. Love and  respect conquers all. Additional proclamations from Susan Bysiewicz (State of CT  Lieutenant Governor), Troy Barrington  Lilly (Mayor, Town of Forest Heights  Maryland), Christopher Murphy (US Senator), Martin M Looney, Matthew Ritter,  and Stephanie Thomas (State of CT General Assembly).

Howard K. Hill has stood as a community leader throughout Connecticut for over two decades. He has stewarded families through some of their most delicate and devastating moments and has done so with care and compassion that is unmatched. Not only that, but Howard has also established himself and his business as a  community pillar of service and progress for decades.

Howard is a philanthropist. Thirteen years ago, this writer came to Howard with the idea for my fi lm, Black Women  in Medicine. Howard was the fi rst person  to invest in my dream. On this night July 19th, 2024, in the same room, JoAnn Price  of Fairview Capital was also present, celebrating Howard’s achievements. JoAnn  provided the fi nishing funds which enabled  my fi lm to meet academy requirements and  become a contender for an Oscar nomina-

Joe Biden Drops Out, Kamala Harris Now Planning to Run

Vice President Kamala Harris has offi cially announced her candidacy for  President of the United States, following President Joe Biden’s unexpected withdrawal from the race on Sunday. Biden, in a public statement, endorsed Harris,  emphasizing his confi dence in her ability to lead the nation.

According to CNN, Harris’s campaign will revisit the “prosecutor for president” theme from her 2020 run, drawing on her experience as a young assistant  district attorney. Her slogan, “Kamala Harris, for the people,” refl ects her commitment to justice and public service.

This renewed focus comes at a critical time, as the GOP nominee is embroiled  in multiple legal battles, including a  guilty verdict in a New York hush money

trial and other criminal cases related to the 2020 election.

Today, Harris is set to visit Wilmington, Delaware, to meet with her campaign staff and offi cially kick off her  campaign. Her offi ce and social media  updates have highlighted this as the “fi rst  full day” of her presidential campaign, marking the beginning of what promises  to be a vigorous election effort.

The moment Harris received Biden’s call informing her of his decision, her husband, Doug Emhoff, was notably absent. Despite this, Harris expressed her  gratitude for Biden’s support and immediately began preparations for her campaign launch.   Several key delegations have already  thrown their support behind Harris. In

Louisiana, the endorsement came with  an “overwhelming majority,” with Party Chair Randal Gaines asserting that Harris could continue Biden’s legacy and defeat Donald Trump. Similarly, Maryland’s delegation unanimously supported Harris, with Chairman Ken Ulman praising her unique qualifi cations for the  presidency.

Kentucky’s delegation also showed  strong support for Harris, with KDP Chair Colmon Elridge stating she is  “ready to serve as president on Day 1  and fi nish the job that Joe Biden started.”

These endorsements highlight the growing momentum behind Harris’s campaign as she steps into the presidential race with strong backing from infl uential  Democratic leaders.

tion in the documentary category.    The fi lm, Black Women in Medicine,  went on to be viewed by over ten million  people worldwide. It is a representation of  the power of Black philanthropy.    When you looked around the room, there  was so much love that you could feel the healing energies. Every aspect of the community was represented; churches and religious institutions, academia, politicians, entrepreneurs, blue collar workers, and  other philanthropists. For this moment, everyone put aside their differences, titles, and egos to come together to support this phenomenal visionary, Howard K. Hill.     Howard is a man, a husband, a father, a  brother, a community leader, and a fi ghter. He holds a standard of excellence that never leaves out any details. This is evident in the work that he does, but also the way that  he carries himself. In the words of Rev. Orsella Hughes, the Executive Director of the  Prosperity Foundation, “Howard does the bravest things, unapologetically Black.” I  wholeheartedly agree!

In 2009, Howard founded the “The Urban Prosperity Fund” Which later became  “The Prosperity Foundation.” This philanthropic organization educates Black Communities about the power of endowment.  He has held numerous State positions and also has sat on the board of the New Haven  Board of Commerce, Community Foundation for Greater New Haven (TCF);    Hannah Gray Home- New Haven, CT;  Amistad Middle School, The Community  Action Agency of New Haven.    It is rare to meet a man like Howard,  and he is a gem to this community, to this state, and to all the families that he continues to serve in all his capacities. I believe  in giving people their fl owers while they  are with us and I salute my friend, Howard  K. Hill.

The night ended in only Howard’s style. By giving scholarships out to young, gifted, and Black students.

For President.

From Hamden/New Haven to Broadway: Our Unforgettable Encounter with The Wiz Cast

Fixing Fathers, Inc. is thrilled to announce the resounding success  of our recent community event—a trip to New York City to see The  Wiz on Broadway. This remarkable experience was made even more  special by a post-show meet and greet with the talented cast, thanks  to the efforts of Actors Cynthia Thomas and Peter McIntosh. Their  generosity allowed our kids to see fi rsthand that dreams can come  true, demonstrating that someone from Hamden/New Haven can indeed make it to the big stage of Broadway in New York City.    The event was not only entertaining but also deeply inspiring. The  cast members graciously shared their journeys and offered words of  encouragement, showing our children that with hard work and dedication, they too can achieve great things.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to our partners who  played a crucial role in making this event possible: The Prosperity  Foundation, The Community Foundation for New Haven, Reliant Behavioral Health and Community Services, InnerCity News, ION  Bank, (Joy Reid for putting a smile on my face), David and Regis  Scott, and of course, our entire Fixing Fathers Team. This event was  a testament to the power of vision coupled with action.  Thank you  to everyone who contributed to this unforgettable experience. Your  support continues to empower and inspire our kids and our community.

For more information about Fixing Fathers, Inc. reach out to Dr.  Asbery at 718-288-0768 or you can visit our website at fi xingfathers. org.a

Drug Used to Treat Diabetes Now a Weight Loss Miracle but Difficult to Obtain in Black and Brown Communities

Small pharmacies find difficulty in prescribing the drug due to Big Pharma restrictions

By Andre ‘M. Johnson, BlackPressUSA

According to a recent study published in  Lucent, the number of people living with  diabetes worldwide is on pace to more  than double in the next three decades.

This increase will bring the total of worldwide diabetic patients to a staggering 1.3  billion by 2025, making diabetes one of  the top 10 leading causes of death and disability, in the world.

On December 5th of 2017, a littleknown drug hit the market to help millions of people suffering with diabetes.

The drug was called Ozempic. Ozempic was created to lower blood sugar by stimulating the pancreas to produce more insulin and has shown continual success in patients with lowering their A1-C. The introduction of medications such as Ozempic and Wegovy has changed the game for millions of people worldwide who have been struggling with diabetes. It was a  once weekly auto injector that would allow patients to maintain their sugar levels and create a healthier way of life. One of its known side effects, however, was dramatic weight loss.

In early 2022, Ozempic rose to fame  when celebrities who do not suffer from  diabetes began publicizing the drugs’  ability to assist in fast acting weight loss.  It quickly went from a lifesaving medication for diabetics to the celebrity go to for  shedding unwanted pounds. In 2021, in  the U.S. alone, prescriptions of the drug quadrupled landing the miracle drug on the worldwide shortage list creating rippling effects through many communities. Valentine Paterson of Brooklyn, New  York thought he had found a solution to  his endless battle with obesity and diabetes when he was prescribed Ozempic.  The effects were almost immediate and life altering. “I weighed more than 365  pounds and after being hospitalized for  heart failure, my doctor recommended I

take Ozempic,” said Paterson, a 52-yearold Uber driver. “Within four months of  taking the drug, I lost 65 pounds, and  my doctor reduced my other medications from nine to four. It changed my life. But  then I could not get my prescription fi lled.  I looked for months; it was a nightmare.  All the work and progress I was making  was slipping away, all because I was unable to pay out of pocket.”

The reason Mr. Paterson could not get  his prescription fi lled is because Mr. Paterson’s local pharmacy, like many others  nationwide, was no longer able to obtain  the blockbuster medication. The craze of  Ozempic and Wegovy created a nationwide shortage of medication by those  willing to pay the exorbitant out-of-pocket costs getting fi rst cracks at the available  supply. So, while pharmacies in lower income neighborhoods could not stock their  shelves, pharmacies on Manhattan’s Upper Eastside had a twelve-month supply  of the miracle drug readily available to  those able to pay $1,400.00 per prescription. Given this void, the question was  raised as to whether anyone or anything could help.

Enter the compounding pharmacy.  According to the FDA, compounding pharmacies are authorized to produce exact drugs in times of a national shortage. But what exactly is a compounding  pharmacy? A compounding pharmacy makes and sells prescription medicines  based on the specifi c formula provided to  it by the FDA. When a medicine makes  its way to the national shortage list, compounding pharmacies are authorized to make generic versions of those medications to assist all those in need. When a medicine is not on the national shortage list, compounding pharmacies are only authorized to make alternate forms of the  prescribed drug. Ozempic has been on  both the worldwide and US shortage list  since April of 2022. However, what hap-

pens when Big Pharma doesn’t want to let compounding pharmacies earn money they feel belongs to them even during a  shortage?

“Lifeline Pharmacy” is a small compounding pharmacy run by Dr. Aisha  Johnson in the heart of south Los Angeles.

For years, this pharmacy has served as a beacon of hope, providing personalized  care and essential medications to the predominantly Black and Latino residents.

Among the most critical medications Dr. Johnson compounds is semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy. According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, Black  adults are nearly twice as likely as white  adults to develop type 2 diabetes. This  racial disparity has been rising over the  last 30 years creating a disproportionate need for these life altering medications in communities of color. Despite the FDA’s approval for compounding pharmacies to

legislative proposals infl uenced by pharmaceutical lobbyists threatened to impose  restrictions that would make it nearly impossible for small pharmacies to continue  compounding semaglutide. For communities of color, this means losing a critical source of affordable and accessible  medication.

“Big Pharma should not have a hold on these drugs. There needs to be a leveling of the playing fi eld. I think having access to these drugs all across the board is  needed. If a patient needs it for diabetes,  then it should be made available to them.  Prioritizing weight loss over diabetic patients is an injustice to our health care system,” said Ricks.

produce semaglutide, Novo Nordisk has  targeted these providers in order to protect their profi ts and eliminate the competition.

In the Ward 8 area of Washington, D.C.,  a heavily populated community of Black  and Latino residents, the drug remains  in high demand with little to no supply.

“There is defi nitely a monopoly on it by  Big Pharma,” said Dr. Damon Ricks,  Pharmacy Manager at SIP. “Small Compounding Pharmacies are defi nitely within their rights and scope to create these drugs when the FDA declares a shortage.”

The impact of Big Pharma’s campaign is being felt in communities from Brooklyn,  NY to Los Angeles, CA. The misinformation spread by Novo Nordisk, stating that  compounded versions of semaglutides are unsafe and potentially life threatening has created fear and uncertainty in those using compounded versions of the popular medication. Intensifying the problem,

But Big Pharma continues to push for stricter regulations, claiming the need for patient safety. However, insuffi cient evidence exists to back up any of the claims  made by Big Pharma. Compounding  pharmacies must comply with existing  rigorous standards to make any medication. They follow these standards in order to serve lower economic depressed communities of color. The popularity of these drugs has made it diffi cult for average Americans to afford or fi nd these  medications. These are not just weight loss medications; they are tools for survival for many diabetic patients. Due to  Big Pharma’s bullying campaign, many  patients have been forced to accept lower  doses of these drugs to maintain any benefi ts even though most experience little  to no progress with the reduced dosage. Yet those that truly need these lifesaving medications continue to suffer.    For communities of color, the ability of local compounding pharmacies to provide semaglutide and other essential medications is about more than access to  treatment. They serve as a testament to the power of community and the relentless pursuit of a more just and equitable  healthcare system.

Where personal breakthroughs are powered by medical ones.

At Yale New Haven Health, we’re delivering pioneering research from Yale School of Medicine to improve people’s lives every single day. Like Dr. Roy Herbst, an international leader in innovative research, who leads clinical trials that have advanced the use of immunotherapy and gene-targeted therapies to personalize treatment for lung cancer. Together, we’re powering breakthroughs with the greatest of care.

Racism and Codeswitching Are Aging Our Brains

by Keyaira Boone, BlackHealthMatters.com

Racism is not just dangerous for your mental and emotional health; it can age your brain. A new study from the Journal of the American Medical Association found that “repeated exposure to racial discrimination has been associated with a greater incidence of brain health disorders.” It also determined that “racial discrimination contributes to accelerated biological aging via altered connectivity.”

Study Findings

The study found that epigenetic aging can be impacted by exposure to racism. Epigenetic aging presents a precise picture of how one’s cells are aging instead of chronological age. There are considerable disparities in the rate at which Black people are diagnosed with certain brain health disorders, including Alzheimer’s Dementia. “Epidemiologic studies suggest that Black individuals have a 2-fold greater risk of Alzheimer’s dementia compared with White individuals; racial discrimination has been indicated as a contributing factor,” according to information obtained from a 2019 study by the Alzheimer’s & Dementia, the Alzheimer’s Association.

Theories on the impact of systemic racism on many aspects of healthcare are widely accepted.

Racism as a Public Health Crisis

In 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention declared racism a legitimate public health crisis. The negative results of racism are sometimes referred

to as weathering. Previously, “Emerging neuroimaging research has shown that racial discrimination affects brain function and structure,” in a 2022 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. It found that “racial discrimination may lead to a proportionately greater response and connectivity in brain networks involved with threat processing and emotion regulation” as a result of the sustained exposure to the trauma racism embeds into the bodies it seeks to diminish. Other studies have highlighted genetic predispositions passed down as a

result of this enduring trauma, including the “altered connectivity of the amygdala and anterior insula.” Those findings held even after the information was effectively adjusted for socioeconomic status. This dispels that all it takes is improvements in financial equity to overcome risk factors.

The results of these studies are not dependent on the racist encounters being connected to macro-aggressions or micro-aggressions specifically.

How Codeswitching Factors In

In a 2024 interview with NPR, Negar Fani, a clinical neuroscientist at Emory University evaluating individuals with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD, and Nate Harnett, an assistant professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, suggested the adaptability required to self-regulate emotions with coping methods like codeswitching could contribute to the potential degradation of brain health. Their hypothesis pondered whether constantly finding measured responses to a series of harmless hair touches or casual epithets can erode one’s brain health

over time.

The pair worked on a 2021 study researching their theories.

The Journal of Biological Psychiatry Published their study, which reported that “experiences of racial discrimination were associated with significantly lower fractional anisotropy in multiple white matter tracts, including the corpus callosum, cingulum, and superior longitudinal fasciculus.” The statistical variations in this study remained “even after accounting for variance associated with trauma, posttraumatic stress disorder, and demographic- and scanner-related factors.”

“There’s no such thing as a free lunch when it comes to the brain,” Harnett told NPR. “Energy has to come from somewhere. And what we think ends up happening is, you know, an energy that’s reserved for other processes then gets taken away.”

While there has been a rise in the visibility of studies connecting systemic racism to health issues, there has not been an adequate amount of peer-reviewed studies. “Despite numerous studies highlighting the associations between racial discrimination exposure and negative brain health outcomes, few empirical studies have examined racial discrimination–related neurobiological mechanisms that may underlie these outcomes,” according to the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Identifying how racism impacts the mind and body is essential to learning how to treat its effects in the future.

Where Are Black Male Doctors?

BlackHealthMatter.com

Shortage of minority physicians may affect patient care

Too few minorities in this country are pursuing careers in medicine, causing a serious lack of diversity among general practitioners and specialty doctors, according to a new report.

For the study, researchers found that in 2012:

• Blacks made up less than 4 percent of practicing physicians, 6 percent of trainees in graduate medical education and 7 percent of medical school graduates. The black population was 15 percent black in 2013, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

• Hispanics made up slightly more than 5 percent of practicing physicians, 7.5 percent of graduate medical education trainees and about 7 percent of medical school graduates. Hispanics are 17 percent of the U.S. population, according to 2013 census

figures.

“My father graduated medical school in 1960, and at that time only 3 percent of doctors were black,” Wayne Riley, M.D., president of the American College of Physicians and a clinical professor of medicine at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, told Health Day. “This study shows 3.8 percent of doctors are black. Over a 50-year period, we are still nowhere near African American and Latino physicians representing their percentage of the population.”

These statistics paint a dire picture for patient care, experts say. Many minority physicians return to their home communities to treat people who otherwise might not be able to find a culturally competent physician. Studies show patients relate better to doctors who look like them, and physicians from the same racial or ethnic background as their patients may be more sensitive to a patient’s issues.

The study did reveal that women have

made significant inroads into medicine, representing 48 percent of medical school graduates and 46 percent of trainees in graduate medical education. Women also are the majority in seven specialties, including family medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, dermatology and pathology.

While this progress is good, the news is less promising for black males. “The number of black male doctors is dropping and has been for the past quarter of a century,” said Linda Rae Murray, M.D., of the University of Illinois School of Public Health, who wasn’t involved with the study. “We need programs to address this.”

The researchers suggested several solutions to the crisis, including exposing more young people to careers in medicine, providing more financial assistance and scholarships to allay the cost of medical school and promoting more diverse medical professionals to higher levels of responsibility within the profession.

In Fair Haven

kids. School Resource Officers and PAL really took a hit,” he said. “We used to have a boxing gym in Fair Haven, but the owner left. We still have basketball, hockey, a chess team, jiu jitsu…”

Soccer, being the latest addition to PAL’s offerings in Fair Haven, required making the most of resources already available to the program. “Sometimes, Toussaint will have to be held over two shifts just so he can be here to coach,” said Gutierrez. Unlike Toussaint, who is a patrol officer, Gutierrez is a School Resource Officer (SRO) at Hillhouse High School.

When school is not in session, the SROs help with staffing New Haven’s summer camp, which is being hosted at Wilbur Cross.

Across the field under the shade of the water tent, SROs Patricia Lamb, Gabrielle Curtis, and Alethea Moore manned two coolers one filled with red Gatorade, the other mistakenly filled with diluted Gatorade during breaks every ten minutes.

The trio chatted about everything from summer camp gossip (Curtis noticed two ten-year-old campers putting on lipstick to impress their crushes) to current political happenings.

Gutierrez eventually joined them, debating Moore over the SRO position at Hillhouse. Moore took over for Gutierrez in December while he recovered from surgery, and has since become a favorite among Hillhouse’s students.

“As you can see, they both really love it over there. We all enjoy what we do.”

As SRO’s, their responsibilities include “mediations between students, ensuring their safety, facilitating meetings with parents … Our top three priorities are the students’ safety, building positive relationships with them, and just having a good time,” according to Lamb, who has been with the NHPD for five years and is currently placed at Wilbur Cross.

“I grew up just down the street from here, actually,” said Lamb, gesturing down James Street. “We’re four girls, so we kept ourselves busy, but it would have been nice to know about PAL.”

A product of Wilbur Cross and Post University, Lamb is grateful for the opportunity to give back to the school system that raised her. “It’s really rewarding to come back and serve the kids. They’re such a blast to work with.”

The group was interrupted by a line of thirsty soccer players, who were relieved to grab a cool glass of gatorade after playing an intense game. Lamb flipped between Spanish and English effortlessly as she greeted each player.

While still in its early stages, Miller hopes the soccer program will extend into the school year as an afterschool league. By training current parents as assistant coaches and growing the program, PAL will have the extra support it needs to run practices year-round.

“I think it will help students get through the day knowing that they get to play for the Fair Haven soccer team.”

Connecting With Patients About Insomnia & Gaining Weight

by Keyaira Boone, BlackHealthMatters.com

We are all sleep-deprived. The National Sleep Foundation recommends seven to eight hours of sleep. A study published in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report found that “more than a third of American adults are not getting enough sleep regularly.” This has major health implications, including the potential for gaining weight. Fighting obesity without the proper amount of sleep is virtually impossible, as “obesity-related cardiovascular risk” can work against treatment plans.

How Lack of Sleep Impacts Black Patients in Particular

There is a proven link between poor cardiovascular health, something that can contribute to difficulty reversing obesity, and insomnia. It was first discovered in 2009.

Who the patient is and what their life looks like matters in how they can address this information and what their life looks like. A 2022 review published in Nutrients stated that “Epidemiological and laboratory studies have consistently demonstrated that short sleep duration is a significant risk factor for weight gain and obesity, especially in African Americans.” In 2019, Nature and Science of Sleep published a review stating that “most studies report that Blacks have the highest risk and prevalence of poor sleep patterns across various dimensions of sleep health than any other racial/ethnic group.

Dr. Adrian Pristas, who specializes in Sleep Medicine and Pulmonology and serves as the corporate medical director for the Centers for Sleep Medicine at Hackensack Meridian Health, explained the risks associated with not maintaining proper sleep hygiene for all people to Black Health Matters:

“Short sleep for any reason, whether it be intentional or that of an insomnia patient or somebody with sleep apnea, it comes with consequences,” warned Dr. Pristas. He noted that cardiovascular health is one of the major areas impacted by sleep loss.

“People who don’t sleep enough hours, including insomniacs, have more heart attacks and strokes and don’t live a normal lifespan,” he said.

How Insomnia Impacts Patient’s Weight Obesity can be a predictive factor in developing sleep issues as well.

“The reasons for that are things like adrenaline increase in our bodies when we don’t sleep properly. There are also a few hormones involved, so if you’re trying to stay in shape or you’re trying to manage your weight, managing cortisol and thyroid hormones are important, and they have a circadian rhythm,” he continued. “So if you’re not sleeping properly,

the circadian rhythm is disrupted, making it difficult to accomplish goals.”

Current Opinion in Endocrinology, Diabetes & Obesity considers sleep disturbances and circadian rhythms novel but potentially deadly risk factors for obesity. In 2017, the journal reported that circadian misalignment “leads to poor dietary choices and reduced energy expenditure, which may contribute to an increased risk for obesity.” It also reported that “insufficient sleep leads to poor dietary choices and altered hormones involved with hunger and appetite, including ghrelin.”

Why Patients Can’t Choose the Gym Over Sleep Dr. Pristas described the problem with patients choosing to hit the weights over the sheets. “Sacrificing sleep is never a smart approach. It just doesn’t work. Your body won’t respond the way you want,” he said. For people interested in fitness, recovery is part of the plan. You have to allow your body to recover virtually. All recovery happens during sleep. So, you

your health as a stool with three legs: Sleep, nutrition, and exercise,” said the doctor. “Sleep deprivation will shorten the ‘sleep’ leg, and your health will be off-balance.”

It is important to explain that the kind of sleep patients also miss out on matters and that their approach to closing the gap in their sleep hygiene is imperative. When we chop off a little bit of sleep time, it’s almost always deep sleep that we are chopping off, and that is the kind of sleep we need to feel better. It’s called restorative sleep,” he explained.

4 Ways To Help Your Patients Improve Their Sleep Hygiene

Encourage Them To Ask For Help

Dr. Pristas recommends seeking treatment when restlessness arises. One of his go-to treatment plans is recommending cognitive behavioral therapy. Be prepared to recommend this option to ensure the patient has a method for developing how to take and implement the medical advice you are giving.

Explain What Will Happen If They Refuse To Prioritize Sleep

“I always tell people, if you don’t take care of yourself, you’re gonna be a burden to your family at some point. So, it’s important to take care of yourself, said Dr. Pristas. “You do have to be selfish when it comes to sleep. It’s got to be done.” Have the studies ready to prove to your patients why they should be committed. Be prepared with positive and negative outcomes so that they can absorb the information that best speaks to them. Consider Integrating  Wearables into Their Treatment Plan

haven’t recovered if you cut your sleep short and then go to the gym.”

This must be explained clearly to patients so they can understand what they are risking when sacrificing sleep for other areas of their lives. Without the knowledge of the risks, it can be difficult for them to understand the gravity of their decisions. Research confirms his advice. The International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health reported, “Optimal sleeping time and quality are necessary to benefit the allostatic response after exercise.” In 2022, Nature Reviews Endocrinology reported that “short sleep duration (defined in most of the cited studies as less than 5 or 6 hours per day) is associated with a 38% absolute increase in the incidence of obesity compared with normal sleep duration in a meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies among adults.”

Dr. Pristas previously used furniture to illustrate the limitations of a healthy lifestyle that doesn’t include sleep. “Imagine

Adding an eye mask or earplugs can transform your sleep experience. Dr. Pristas uses this practice in his own life. “I personally wear eyewear because I sleep better,” he revealed. I just tell people to sit in an average-lit room, close your eyes, and then cover each eye with the palm of your hand and realize how much darker it is.”

He explained that many people have no idea that light sensitivity negatively impacts their sleep health. “It’s a very common problem that many folks just don’t realize they have.” Don’t assume that your patients know what their sensitivities are. Ask them detailed questions to understand their experience.

Smart watches can help one monitor their sleep habits by drawing their attention to them. “They’re not always as accurate as I’d like to see, but they make people think about their health,” he said. Recommend Lowering the Temperature The thermostat might be the answer to patients tossing and turning. “It’s very difficult to sleep in a hot room,” said Dr. Pristas.

Ask them what their options are for cooling things down, and have a few goto suggestions to offer.

Endometrial & Uterine Cancer: Combating Black Women’s Rising Rates

by Fajr Eutsey, BlackHealthMatters.org

It’s an unsettling fact that uterine and endometrial cancers are often detected at advanced stages within our community. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) has reported an alarming rise in uterine cancer fatalities across the United States, with the highest rates being prevalent in our community. In 2022, endometrial cancer was ranked as the fourth most common cancer for Black women in the country, and the incidence rates have continued to escalate by 1% to 2% annually. Although we don’t take a significant lead in the incidence of uterine cancer, we are nearly twice as likely to pass from endometrial cancer compared to our white counterparts, according to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. In our pursuit of more clarity, we turned to a trusted expert in the field, Dr. Eboni January, a board-certified obstetric gynecologist deeply committed to women’s health and education.

BHM: Why are Black women disproportionately affected by late diagnoses of uterine and endometrial cancer, and what can be done to address this issue?

Dr. January: Black women are disproportionately affected by late diagnoses of uterine and endometrial cancer due to disparities in healthcare access, socioeconomic status, and implicit biases in the medical system. Studies have shown that Black women are less likely to undergo regular gynecological exams and may experience delays in diagnostic testing and treatment initiation. To address this issue, we need to increase awareness and education about uterine cancer within Black communities, improve access to healthcare, and train healthcare providers in cultural competency to reduce

these disparities.

Addressing these disparities requires systemic changes, such as expanding healthcare access, improving provider education on implicit biases, and fostering a more inclusive and culturally sensitive healthcare environment.

BHM: What are the most common symptoms of uterine and endometrial cancer that Black women should be aware of, and why might healthcare providers overlook these symptoms?

Dr. January: The most common symptoms of uterine and endometrial cancer include abnormal vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain, and unexplained weight loss. Healthcare providers can sometimes overlook these symptoms due to implicit biases and a tendency to attribute them to benign conditions, especially in Black women. Both patients and providers need to recognize the significance of these symptoms and advocate for thorough evaluations to help in early detection.

BHM: How can tools be improved to ensure better detection rates?

Dr. January: Currently, there is no specific screening tool for endometrial cancer, but tools like transvaginal ultrasound and endometrial biopsy are used for diagnosis when symptoms such as vaginal bleeding and pelvic pain are present. To improve detection rates, we need to develop more sensitive diagnostic methods, incorporate genetic and molecular markers, and ensure regular follow-ups and patient education occur. Research into tailored screening protocols that consider racial and genetic differences can also be beneficial.

BHM: How important is the patientdoctor communication in early detection of uterine/endometrial cancer, and what steps can be taken to improve this for

Black women?

Dr. January: Effective patient-doctor communication is crucial for early uterine and endometrial cancer detection. As healthcare providers, we must ensure patients feel comfortable coming to us. We should understand that although patients are adults, we are the experts, and consideration of the social determinants of health is crucial. Improving this includes training healthcare providers in cultural competency, encouraging open and respectful dialogue, and ensuring patients feel heard and understood. Providing

patient education materials that are culturally relevant and accessible can also enhance communication and early detection efforts.

BHM: Considering that obesity and diabetes are known risk factors for uterine cancer, how can awareness and management of this risk be better communicated and managed in our community?

Dr. January: Obesity and diabetes are significant risk factors for endometrial cancer, as they can lead to hormonal imbalances and chronic inflammation, which may promote cancer development. Black women have higher rates of obesity and diabetes, contributing to an increased incidence of endometrial cancer. Addressing these risk factors through lifestyle interventions, preventive care, and targeted education is essential for reducing cancer risk.

2015 I developed a text weight loss coaching program in response to my patients. Working with the underserved community, I found uterine cancer in women under the age of 45 who had excess weight. Due to the lack of a screening tool like we have for cervical cancer, I decided to help prevent it through weight loss and preventive health measures. Awareness and management of obesity as a risk factor for uterine cancer can be improved through targeted community outreach programs, culturally sensitive health education, and accessible weight management resources. Healthcare providers should engage with community leaders and organizations to disseminate information and support lifestyle interventions that promote healthy eating and physical activity.

BHM: What are the main factors contributing to the higher mortality rates of uterine and endometrial cancer among

Black women compared to other demographics?

Dr. January: Higher mortality rates among Black women are attributed to factors such as later stage at diagnosis, less access to high-quality care, and potential biological differences in tumor behavior. Socioeconomic disparities and implicit biases in treatment recommendations also play significant roles. Improving access to timely and highquality care, addressing socioeconomic barriers, and conducting research on tumor biology specific to Black women can help reduce these mortality rates.

BHM: Why is it important for Black women to participate in clinical trials and genetic research related to uterine cancer?

Dr. January: Participation in clinical trials and genetic research is vital to ensure that findings apply to diverse populations. It helps in understanding how uterine cancer affects Black women specifically and can lead to the development of tailored treatments and interventions. Encouraging participation requires researchers like myself to build trust, address historical mistrust, and ensure that trials are accessible and inclusive. The battle against uterine and endometrial cancer in our community is complex; we face unique challenges when it comes to diagnoses and the specific types of cancer we encounter. Let’s continue to raise awareness about what we need to decrease our mortality rates. Every step we take towards more awareness, prevention, and early detection holds the potential to save lives. For all those reasons, we must keep this conversation going and push it beyond our recognition into active engagement to ensure change is documented.

Black Woman With Sickle Cell Disease Defies Odds, Turns 80 Years Old

By BlackNews.com

Meet Patricia McGill, an African American woman from Houston, Texas, who recently celebrated her 80th birthday despite living with sickle cell disease. She is one of the oldest people with this condition, which affects Black people disproportionately.

Diagnosed at the age of 13, McGill surpassed the average life expectancy for someone with sickle cell disease, which is around 52 years. Reflecting on her journey, McGill recalled it all started with frequent and severe illnesses that set her apart from her siblings.

Despite the obstacles, McGill pursued her dreams. In the 1970s, she enrolled at Hampton University, an HBCU in Virginia, to study education. With determination to overcome distance and health challeng-

es, she achieved her goal of becoming a teacher.

Her career spanned 37 years, where she dedicated herself to students with learning disabilities, a cause close to her heart due to her own challenges with orthographic dyslexia.

“I knew there were others like us who needed support and understanding,” McGill told NBC News. “I always made it a point to show them that they were not alone and that they could overcome their challenges.”

McGill, who also became a mother of 3, credits her longevity to her faith, family support, and proactive health practices, such as staying well-hydrated and maintaining a nutritious diet.

Beyond managing her own health, McGill is a vocal advocate for those with sickle cell disease, encouraging open-

ness and raising awareness about the condition. Her recent 80th birthday party doubled as a fundraiser for the Sickle Cell Association of Texas Marc Thomas Foundation, raising $16,000 to support affected children and families.

“The theme of my birthday party was ‘It’s Possible,'” McGill said. “I wanted to show others that it is possible to live a full and rich life despite having sickle cell disease.”

Looking ahead, McGill remains hopeful about advancements in sickle cell treatments, including recent FDA approvals for gene therapies. She believes in advocating for equitable access to these treatments, hopeful that they will improve the lives of future generations affected by this condition.

Patricia McGill

THE GLENDOWER GROUP, INC.

NOTICE

Request for Proposals AE Services

VALENTINA MACRI RENTAL HOUSING PRE- APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE

295 Wilmot Road, New Haven CT

Notice of Public Hearing

Thursday, September 5, 2024

Housing Authority of the City of Danbury

The Glendower Group, Inc. is currently seeking proposals for architectural engineering services for the 295 Wilmot Road located in New Haven CT. A complete copy of the requirement may be obtained from Glendower’s Vendor Collaboration Portal https:// newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/gateway

beginning on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, 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

VALENTINA MACRI VIVIENDAS DE ALQUILER PRE-SOLICITUDES DISPONIBLES

LEGAL NOTICE Request for Proposals (RFP) RFP# 2025-0904: AIDS CADAP

The Department of Public Health (DPH) Infectious Disease Section is requesting proposals for the Connecticut AIDS Drug Assistance Program (CADAP). A qualified Pharmacy Benefits Manager or other organization is needed to provide enrollment, pharmacy benefits, insurance premium payments, and rebate management for CADAP.

Fiscal Year 2025 Annual PHA Plan And Five-Year Plan (2025-2029)

Two Mill Ridge Road

Danbury, Connecticut, 06811

In accordance with the requirements of Federal Regulation 24 CFR Part 903, the Housing Authority of the City of Danbury will conduct a public hearing to receive public comments on its proposed FY 2025 Annual and its Five-year Agency Plans. The PHA Annual Plan and 5YR 2025-2029 Agency Plans describe the mission of the Agency and its’ long-range operating, capital, and redevelopment goals and objectives over the next five years. The PHA Plan provides details about the Agency's immediate operations, programs and services, and the strategy for addressing the needs identified in the 5-year plan for the upcoming year.

360 Management Group, Co. is currently seeking proposals from a qualified licensed for driveway crack filling, sealcoating, and pavement sriping, agency wide for 360 Management Group Properties. 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, July 31, 2024, 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

The Housing Authority of the City of Bristol

Request for Proposal (RFP) Construction Manager at Risk at Cambridge Park

NEW HAVEN

242-258 Fairmont Ave 2BR Townhouse, 1.5 BA, 3BR, 1 level , 1BA

The Housing Authority of the City of Bristol (BHA) is seeking a qualified firm to serve as a Construction Manager at Risk (CMR) for its proposed rehabilitation of Cambridge Park. The relationship will initially be for an advisor that may lead to an at-risk relationship.

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

A pre-bid walk through will be held on Aug. 7, 2024, at 10:00 AM (EDT) at 164 Jerome Ave., Bristol, CT. Proposal date and time is Thurs., Aug. 22, 2024, at 2:00 PM (EDT) at BHA’s Central Office, 164 Jerome Ave., Bristol, CT 06010. All proposals will be publicly opened and read aloud. No electronic bids will be accepted. A full copy of the Request for Proposal and access to drawings are available by contacting Luis Velazquez, Director of Capital Funds electronically at lvelazquez@ bristolhousing.org.

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

SEYMOUR HOUSING AUTHORITY

The Request for Proposal is available in electronic format on the State Contracting Portal at https://portal.ct.gov/DAS/CTSource/BidBoard, on the Department’s website at https://portal.ct.gov/ DPH/Request-For-Proposals/Request-forProposals, or from the Department’s Official Contact: Mitchell Namias, 860-509-7718, Mitchell.namias@ct.gov

Deadline for submission of proposals is Tuesday, June 18, 2024 at 4:30 PM.

HACD will hold a public hearing on Thursday, September 5, 2024 at 2:00pm - 4:00pm and invite public comment on the proposed Annual and Five-Year Plan. The Hearing will be held at the office of the Agency located at Two Mill Ridge Road, Danbury, Connecticut 06811. Written comments may also be submitted to HACD at the following address:

Housing Authority of the City of Danbury Two Mill Ridge Road

The public may inspect copies of the plan and all information relevant to the public hearing at the address noted above between the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Questions on the plan can be directed to the Housing Authority at the above address or by calling 203-744-2500 ext. 1110.

Invitation to Bid: 2nd Notice

Listing: Full Time Receptionist

SAYEBROOKE VILLAGE

Old Saybrook, CT (4 Buildings, 17 Units)

Tax Exempt & Not Prevailing Wage Rate Project

Petroleum/HVAC company has an immediate opening for a Full Time Receptionist. Must have customer service experience, strong organizational skills, ability to multitask, and be capable of handling multiple telephone lines. Computer knowledge is required. Must have a valid driver’s license to run company errands. Petroleum or HVAC knowledge preferred. Send resume by email to:  HRDept@eastriverenergy.com or send resume to:  Human Resource Dept.  P O Box 388, Guilford CT 06437.

***An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled and Veterans***

This project is federally assisted. Therefore, bidders must comply with the following requirements: Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968; Equal Opportunity provisions of Executive Order 11246; Non-Discrimination provision of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; Labor Standards provisions of the Davis-Bacon Act and related acts and Contract Work Hours Standards Act; prevailing wage determinations as issued by the United States Department of Labor; and all applicable provisions under Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974. 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.

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.

Bid Extended, Due Date: August 5, 2016

Anticipated Start: August 15, 2016

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

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

Fence Installers: Large CT Fence & Guardrail

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

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

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

Newhall Street, Hamden, CT 06517, Attn: Kaitlin Aviles – no later than 10AM on 8/2/24. This contract is subject to state set-aside and contract compliance requirements. WT and the Owner reserve the right to amend this invitation to bid, reject bids, waive minor irregularities in the bid, and award the contract to the proposer that is deemed to be the best interest of the Owner, ConnCORP. WT is an EEO/AA; Disadvantaged, Small, Minority and Women Business Enterprises are encouraged to bid.

Garrity Asphalt Reclaiming, Inc seeks:

NOTICE

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

Finance Director

Salary Range -

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

ELM CITY COMMUNITIES Request for Proposals IT Consulting Services

VALENTINA MACRI RENTAL HOUSING PRE- APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE

Contact: Tom Dunay Phone: 860- 243-2300

Email: tom.dunay@garrityasphalt.com

Women & Minority Applicants are encouraged to apply

Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer

Garrity Asphalt Reclaiming, Inc seeks:

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.

Contact: Rick Tousignant Phone: 860- 243-2300

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

Portland

Housing Authority City of New Haven d/b/a Elm City Communities is currently seeking proposals for IT Consulting Services. A complete copy of the requirement may be obtained from ECC’s Vendor Collaboration Portal https://newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/ gateway

beginning on Monday, July 15, 2024, at 3:00PM.

NOTICIA

Email: rick.tousignant@garrityasphalt.com

Women & Minority Applicants are encouraged to apply

Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer

Police Officer full-time

VALENTINA MACRI VIVIENDAS DE ALQUILER PRE-SOLICITUDES DISPONIBLES

Union Company seeks:

Go to www.portlandct.org for details

THE GLENDOWER GROUP, INC.

Invitation for Bids

Site Contractor for Union Square

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

Contact Dana at 860-243-2300

Email: dana.briere@garrityasphalt.com

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

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

Construction

NEW HAVEN

242-258 Fairmont Ave

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

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

WANTED TRUCK DRIVER

Truck Driver with clean CDL license

Please send resume to attielordan@gmail.com PJF Construction Corporation AA/EOE

The Glendower Group, Inc. is currently seeking bids for Site Contractor for Union Square. A complete copy of the requirement may be obtained from Glendower’s Vendor Collaboration Portal https://newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/gateway

beginning on Monday, July 15, 2024, at 3:00PM.

Listing: Technician Apprentice

Invitation to Bid: 2nd Notice

SAYEBROOKE VILLAGE

Old Saybrook, CT (4 Buildings, 17 Units)

Senior Sales Representative Wanted

Tax Exempt & Not Prevailing Wage Rate Project

Advertising and the cultivation of existing and new advertising clients is key to the growth and continued success of The Inner-City News. The paper is delivered weekly to businesses, schools, shopping outlets and wherever newspapers can be found. This is a remote sales position.

Work closely with the Publisher and editor to create a successful sales strategy. Must be a self-starter and highly motivated.

SEYMOUR HOUSING AUTHORITY

Salary

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

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

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

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.

Opening for a full time HVAC/Oil/Heating Technician Apprentice. Candidate must possess a technical school certificate in heating, ventilation, air conditioning, oil, propane and natural gas.   Send resume to:  HR Manager, P. O. Box 388, Guilford, CT 06437 or email HRDept@eastriverenergy.com

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

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

Thomas, JThomas@penfieldcomm.com

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

Galasso Materials LLC, a quarry and paving contractor, has positions open for the upcoming construction season. We are seeking candidates for a variety of positions, including:  Scalehouse Dispatcher/ Equipment Operators and Laborers. NO PHONE CALLS. Please email resume and cover letter to “Hiring Manager”, Galasso Materials LLC, PO Box 1776, East Granby CT 06026.

Galasso Materials is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, orientation,

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR

NOTICE

THE ELM CITY COMMUNITIES/HOUSING AUTHORITY OF NEWHAVEN (ECC/HANH) PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE HCV ADMINISTRATIVE PLAN (ADMIN PLAN)

VALENTINA MACRI RENTAL HOUSING PRE- APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE

Elm City Communities, the Housing Authority of the City of New Haven (ECC/HANH) is proposing to amend sections of its Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Administrative Plan (Admin Plan).

Town of Bloomfield

Salary Range:

AVISO DE AUDIENCIA PÚBLICA PARA

COMUNIDADES DE ELM CITY/AUTORIDAD DE VIVIENDA DE NEWHAVEN (ECC/HANH) PROPUESTA DE ENMIENDA AL PLAN ADMINISTRATIVO DE AVC (PLAN ADMIN)

The thirty (30) day comment period begins on Monday, July 22, 2024, and ends on August 21, 2024.

Copies of the amendment to the HCV Administrative Plan will be made available on Monday, July 22, 2024 on the agency website www.elmcitycommunities.org or via Twitter, www.twitter.com/ECCommunities or via Facebook www.facebook.com/ElmCityCommunities

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

You are invited to provide written comments addressed to: ECC/HANH, Admin Plan Revisions; Attn: Evelise Ribeiro, Director of Compliance and MTW Initiatives, 360 Orange Street, New Haven, CT 06511 or via email to: eribeiro@elmcitycommunities.org.

VALENTINA MACRI VIVIENDAS DE ALQUILER PRE-SOLICITUDES DISPONIBLES

A public hearing where public comments will be accepted and recorded is schedule for Wednesday, August 21 204 at 4:00pm via

$87,727 to $136,071 Deputy Finance Director/Controller Pre-employment drug testing. AA/EOE. For Details go to  www.bloomfieldct.org

QSR STEEL CORPORATION

Elm City Communities, la Autoridad de Vivienda de la Ciudad de New Haven (ECC/ HANH) propone modificar secciones de su Plan Administrativo de Vales de Elección de Vivienda (HCV) (Plan Administrativo).

El período de comentarios de treinta (30) días comienza el lunes 22 de julio de 2024 y finaliza el 21 de agosto de 2024.

Las copias de la enmienda al Plan Administrativo de HCV estarán disponibles el lunes 22 de julio de 2024 en el sitio web de la agencia www.elmcitycommunities.org o vía Twitter, www.twitter.com/ECCommunities o vía Facebook www.facebook.com/ElmCityCommunities

Le invitamos a proporcionar comentarios por escrito dirigidos a: ECC/HANH, Revisiones del plan administrativo; A la atención de: Evelise Ribeiro, Directora de Cumplimiento e Iniciativas MTW, 360 Orange Street, New Haven, CT 06511 o por correo electrónico a: eribeiro@elmcitycommunities.org.

RingCentral: https://v.ringcentral.com/join/652870645?pw=c8b33165cae70d666ed 55856e790df42

Meeting ID: 652870645 Password: SCMag1JDHm

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

One tap to join audio only from a smartphone:     +12679304000,,652870645#,,7262415346# United States (Philadelphia, PA) Or dial:

+12679304000 United States (Philadelphia, PA) Access Code / Meeting ID: 652870645 Dial-in password: 7262415346

NEW HAVEN

242-258 Fairmont Ave 2BR Townhouse, 1.5 BA, 3BR, 1 level , 1BA

Any individual requiring a Reasonable Accommodation to participate in the hearing may call the Reasonable Accommodation Manager (203) 498-8800, ext. 1506 or at the TDD Number (203) 497-8434.

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

Steel Fabricators, Erectors & Welders Top pay for top performers. Health Benefits, 401K, Vacation Pay.

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.

Una audiencia pública donde se aceptarán y grabarán comentarios públicos está programada para el miércoles 21 de agosto 204 a las 4:00 p.m. vía

RingCentral: https://v.ringcentral.com/join/652870645?pw=c8b33165cae70d666ed 55856e790df42

ID reunión: 652870645

Contraseña: SCMag1JDHm

Un toque para unir audio solo desde un teléfono inteligente: +12679304000,,652870645#,,7262415346# Estados Unidos (Filadelfia, PA)

Invitation to Bid: 2nd Notice

O marcar:

+12679304000 Estados Unidos (Filadelfia, PA)

Clave de Acceso / ID de Reunión: 652870645

Contraseña de acceso telefónico: 7262415346

SAYEBROOKE VILLAGE

Cualquier persona que requiera una Adaptación Razonable para participar en la audiencia puede llamar al Gerente de Adaptación Razonable (203) 498-8800, ext. 1506 o al Número TDD (203) 497-8434.

Listing: Mechanic

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

Immediate opening for a part-time mechanic; maintenance to be done on commercial diesel trucks and trailers. A valid driver’s license is required in order to run company errands efficiently and safely.  Send resume to:  HR Manager, P. O. Box 388, Guilford, CT 06437 or email hrdept@eastriverenergy.com

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.

Listing: Mechanic

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

Fence Installers:

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.

&

Contractor is looking for Fence Installation helpers. Must have at least 2 years of experience installing chain link, wood, PVC and ornamental iron fencing. Work available 1012 months per year. All necessary equipment provided. Medical, holiday, 401K, vacation & other benefits included. Must be able to pass required physical and drug test. An OSHA 10 Certification is required. A valid CT driver's license is required and must get DOT Medical Card. We are an AA/EOE company. Send resumes/inquiries to: rhauer@atlasoutdoor.com.

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

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.

Immediate opening for a full-time mechanic; maintenance to be done on commercial diesel trucks and trailers. A valid driver’s license is required in order to run company errands efficiently and safely.  Send resume to:  HR Manager, P. O. Box 388, Guilford, CT 06437 or email hrdept@eastriveren11rgy.com

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

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

cense to run errands in company vehicle. Computer knowledge a plus. Send resume to HR Department, hrdept@eastriverenergy. com, 401 Soundview Road, Guilford, CT 06437.

IN MEMORIAM: Democratic Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee Dies at 74

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior Correspondent @StacyBrownMedia

Democratic Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, one of the longest-serving members of the Texas delegation, has died at the age of 74. In June, Jackson Lee announced her diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, yet she showed little indication of letting it interfere with her plans to run for a 16th term this November.

The fiery congresswoman disclosed her diagnosis in a written statement shortly after winning renomination in a fiercely contested Democratic primary. Known for her unwavering commitment to social justice, she was a fervent advocate for reparations for African Americans and a vocal critic of the twice impeached and 34 times convicted felon and former President Donald Trump. Unlike some of her colleagues, she did not join the calls for President Joe Biden to step aside from the 2024 race.

As recently as Wednesday, July 19, Jackson Lee continued to champion President Biden’s re-election campaign. “Something that does not get talked about enough: we were able to bring down homicides in Houston with federal investment,” she wrote on X. “After President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan, we brought $50 million to the city to take on crime—and it worked! Local/federal partnership saved lives.”

lieves Joe Biden has served us well and has the best plans for the future. I am laser-focused on beating Donald Trump and delivering for America because that’s what matters.” Jackson Lee also reminded her followers that America saw one of the most significant homicide spikes ever in Trump’s last year in office. “He threw his hands in the air and did not know what to do,” she asserted. “Since he left, I am proud that our American Rescue Plan has done the very important work to bring these numbers down! Federal/local partnerships worked.”

CAREER CONQUER YOUR YOU

are significant and wide-ranging. She played a crucial role in the passage of the Violence Against Women Act. She was a senior House Committee member on the Judiciary, Homeland Security, and Budget Committees. She was the first female ranking member of the Judiciary Subcommittee for Crime and Federal Government Surveillance, serving as Chair during the 117th Congress.

“The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) extends to the family of Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee our profound condolences.  May the

be enshrined in the pantheon of global freedom fighters,” said Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., President and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association.

Jackson Lee was a powerful advocate for a free and energetic press — and for the Black Press of America in particular.

Among her notable legislative efforts were the Sentencing Reform Act, the George Floyd Law Enforcement Trust and Integrity Act, the RAISE Act, the Fair Chance for Youth Act, the Kimberly Vaughan Firearm Safe Storage Act, Kalief’s Law, and the American RISING Act. She also introduced the Juvenile Ac-

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countability Block Grant Reauthorization and Bullying Prevention and Intervention Act and the Federal Prison Bureau Nonviolent Offender Relief Act.

A staunch supporter of women and children, Jackson Lee championed the Paycheck Fairness Act and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. She authored the Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Research and Education Act.

Jackson Lee was widely recognized for her effectiveness and influence. Congressional Quarterly named her one of the 50 most effective Members of Congress, and U.S. News and World Report listed her among the ten most influential legislators in the U.S. House of Representatives. She was a founder, member, and chair of the Congressional Pakistan Caucus and the Congressional Children’s Caucus. She was chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Energy Braintrust and the Justice Reform Task Force co-chair.

A Yale University alumna, Jackson Lee earned her B.A. in Political Science with honors and later received a J.D. from the University of Virginia Law School. She is survived by her husband, Dr. Elwyn Lee, an administrator at the University of Houston; her two children, Jason Lee, a Harvard University graduate, and Erica Lee, a Duke University graduate and member of the Harris County School Board; and her two grandchildren, twins Ellison Bennett Carter and Roy Lee Carter III.

Questions about your bill?

Yale New Haven Hospital is pleased to offer patients and their families financial counseling regarding their hospital bills or the availability of financial assistance, including free care funds.

By appointment, patients can speak one-on-one with a financial counselor during regular business hours. For your convenience, extended hours are available in-person at Yale New Haven Hospital once a month.

Date: Monday, August 19, 2024

Time: 5 - 7

Location: Children’s Hospital, 1 Park St., 1st Floor, Admitting

Parking available (handicapped accessible)

An appointment is necessary. Please call 855-547-4584

In light of COVID-19, patients may call 855-547-4584 any time during regular weekday hours to speak with a counselor on the phone.

Spanish-speaking counselors available.

Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee questions U.S. Customs and Border Protection Deputy Commissioner Kevin K. McAleenan during testimony in the House Committee on Homeland Security in a hearing focused on closing pathways for terrorists entering the U.S. in Washington, D.C., September 14, 2016. CBP Photo by Glenn Fawcett / U.S. Customs and Border Protection

S E P T E M B E R 2

L A B O R D A Y

New Haven kids run FREE in the Kids Fun Run courtesy of Town Fair Tire. USATF 20K National Championship

Post-race party on the Green features live music, great food, East Rock Brewing beer, and the ACES Kids Fun Zone!

Dive into Team USA with Xfinity

Stream all of the Olympic and Paralympic Games action with a reliable connection, on all your devices, and wall-to-wall WiFi coverage.

Restrictions apply. Ends 7/24/24. Not available in all areas. New Xfinity Internet residential customers only. Offer requires enrollment in both paperless billing and automatic payments with stored bank account. Without enrollment, the monthly service charge automatically increases by $10 (or $5 if enrolling with credit or debit card information). The discount will appear on your bill within 45 days of enrolling in automatic payments and paperless billing. If either automatic payments or paperless billing are subsequently canceled, the $10 monthly discount will be removed automatically. Limited to Connect More 300 Mbps internet. All other installation, equipment, taxes & fees extra, and subject to change during and after promo. After 12 months, or if any service is canceled or downgraded, regular charges apply to internet service. Service limited to a single outlet. May not be combined with other offers. Internet: Actual speeds vary and not guaranteed. For factors affecting speed visit www.xfinity.com/networkmanagement. Call for restrictions and complete details, or visit xfinity.com. All devices must be returned when service ends. 36 USC 220506