THE INNER CITY NEWS

119K Commission Brings Education Focus To Hartford

by Jamil Ragland

HARTFORD, CT – Dozens of people packed into a sweltering, standingroom-only city council chamber at Hartford City Hall on Tuesday to hear the 119K Commission discuss how education affects disconnected youth, and what can be done to make the education system more effective for them.

“Hartford is a really appropriate place to have this discussion,” said Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam, a member of the 119K Commission. “Hartford High School is the second oldest public high school in the nation. We are the birthplace of Henry Barnard, the first secretary of education for the US, and who many view as the father of the idea of public schools in America. He was one of the really early proponents that said if we really are serious about opportunity being available for all people regardless of race, gender or socioeconomic background, the we as a society need to be responsible for education. Still, centuries later, Hartford is a prime example of the fact that dream is unrealized.”

The meeting featured two different panels of experts to offer testimony into the experiences and conditions which lead to youth disconnecting from school and work, and to highlight efforts which have proven effective in helping youth at risk of disconnecting remain in educational programs.

“Every year, about 10,000 disconnect newly in the state of Connecticut,” said Andrew Ferguson, one of the three chairs of the commission. “This is something that was certainly accelerated by the pandemic, but it wasn’t caused by the pandemic. Predating the pandemic to present, you see every year about 60,000 to 70,000 young adults between the ages of 14-26 who experience disconnection from school or work in Connecticut.

We have an opportunity to do something about that.”

The first panel consisted of Dr. John Maduko, the inaugural president of Connecticut State Community College (CT State), and Melane Thomas, director of school counseling at Maloney High School in Meriden. The two were asked to speak about how the state can help students prepare for post-secondary success in the workforce or higher education.

Maduko spoke about the efforts of the community colleges to reach out to young people at risk of disconnecting. He said that the state community colleges work with over 500 Second

Chance Pell Grant students who are incarcerated and receive federal student aid grants to pursue postsecondary education. The colleges also host events with 15 alternative schools which serve at-risk youth.

“We operate and instruct programs at nine out of the 11 prison facilities in the state of Connecticut, on site, because we recognize that we don’t want them to go back so let’s provide them with the skills that they need,” he said.

Thomas offered several suggestions

to improve conditions for students in public education, including improving recruiting and retention of school staff of color, as many of the students most at risk for disconnecting are BIPOC students, and increasing mental health resources in schools.

“I know that costs money, but we need it,” she said. “We have one school social worker at Maloney for roughly 1,400 students. One! I don’t think I need to say anything else about that. We need more.”

overaged, undercredited and disconnected youth as they work to earn a college diploma.

“In our model, students are paired with a youth development specialist who sets goals with them, ensuring adequate pacing for credit accrual.” he said. “The YDS works with students to reduce barriers, facilitate life skills, social and emotional supports, cognitive regulation, connection to clinical supports and paid learning opportunities.”

While Dawes and Figueroa discussed efforts to help students complete high school, Gopalakrishnan focused on the benefits for students who enrolled in some kind of postsecondary education.

“We did research that looked at the earnings of our high school graduates,” he said. “We followed the students into college across the country, and then we looked at the wages of those who were working in Connecticut. What we saw is that for those who have some type of college credential, and it didn’t have to be a four year degree or even a two year degree, it could be a certificate, their earning potential was vastly different from those who had no college credential.”

He noted that there are some exceptions to this rule, as workers in manufacturing and construction earned decent wages without a degree. But for technology and knowledge-dependent sectors, college credential led to higher earnings over time.

The meeting ended with public commentary from those who had endured the heat to make sure their voices were heard. One person who spoke was Deion Kelly, a youth development specialist at Our Piece of the Pie who talked about the need to listen to young people.

The second panel consisted of Girard Dawes, senior director of youth engagement at Our Piece of the Pie, Edgardo Figueroa, principal of Synergy Alternative High School in East Hartford, and Ajit Gopalakrishnan, chief performance officer for the state department of education. The three men discussed how to offer alternative pathways for student success.

Dawes discussed Opportunity Academy, a small learning community run by Our Piece of the Pie which serves

“The reality is that the semantics are great, dealing with workforce readiness, education and programming, but what about our voice?” he said. “Youth voice is the most important tool that we have, so in the midst of having these conversations, I honestly don’t see one of us not only in the midst of this room but in the midst of this table. To make an attempt to see what could be done, it’s not really about something that’s solution based or oriented, it’s more about ensuring the spaces themselves are collaborative and active.”

The next public meeting of the 119K Commission will take place on Aug. 27 at 5:30 in the New London City Hall.

L to R: Melane Thomas, director of school counseling at Maloney High School in Meriden, and Dr. John Maduko, president of the CT State Community College system, discuss the needs of at-risk or disconnected youth with the 119K Commission at Hartford City Hall on Tuesday, July 23, 2023. Credit: Jamil Ragland / CTNewsJunkie

L to R: Andrew Ferguson of Dalio Education, Torrington Mayor Elinor Carbone, and Josh Brown, the chairs of the 119K Commission, listen to testimony on at-risk or disconnected youth at Hartford City Hall on Tuesday, July 23, 2023. Credit: Jamil Ragland / CTNewsJunkie

Land Bank Launched; Presser Crashed

by LAURA GLESBY

A former city housing official will spearhead new efforts to convert blighted properties into affordable housing through a quasi-public land bank.

Serena Neal-Sanjurjo, the former director of the city’s anti-blight Livable City Initiative (LCI), announced that role as the executive director of the newly-formed New Haven Land Bank at a press conference at City Hall on Friday afternoon.

The Land Bank is a nonprofit organization closely tied to the city, with a board comprised of officials including Mayor Justin Elicker, Beaver Hills Alder and Majority Leader Richard Furlow, and City Plan Director Laura Brown.

The organization will purchase dilapidated buildings, fund their redevelopment into housing, and then transfer the properties to either the Housing Authority of New Haven or to local housing nonprofits (such as Neighborhood Housing Services or Greater Dwight Development Corporation) to manage the units. The land bank has received an initial $5 million in funding from the state’s Urban Act Grant.

During her tenure leading LCI, NealSanjurjo expanded the agency’s scope to include spurring below-market rent-

al and homeownership development.

Born and raised in Dixwell, she previously worked in community development in Baltimore and post-Katrina New Orleans.

“I love this city. It’s my home,” she said. “We will work tirelessly to ensure that change will come.”

Protesters Crash Presser

As city and state officials explained the new initiative aiming to build affordable housing, a dozen protesters with the Unhoused Community Action Team (U-ACT) marched up to the press conference, bearing signs and heckling, “The emergency is now!”

The group showed up to pressure the city to stop cracking down on the halfdozen prefabricated “tiny shelters” in the backyard of the Amistad Catholic Worker house at 203 Rosette St.

The state had granted inhabitants of the backyard structures temporary relief from building code requirements for 180 days, which expired earlier this month. The city subsequently asked UI to turn off the electricity at the units.

“We want structures to be safe in the city,” Elicker said on Friday, noting that the state building code exists to prevent people from dying or sustaining severe injuries from dangerous liv-

ing conditions.

“If we don’t enforce state code, people can sue us,” he added.

The protesters focused on the urgent circumstances of people who don’t have a designated place to sleep in New Haven.

“People are starving, sleeping on the street. Let’s pat each other on the back,” one person mocked during the press conference.

After the speakers concluded, Elicker spoke one on one with protesters including 52-year-old Tammy Varney, who said she’s been homeless since 2013.

Varney said she waited a year and a half for a shelter bed before finally securing a spot inside a Columbus House shelter this week. “I did everything I was supposed to do,” she said.

“That’s in large part what this day is about,” Elicker said, explaining that the Land Bank was meant to help address New Haven’s shortage of affordable housing units.

Varney pointed to a former nursing home at 240 Winthrop Ave., a longvacant building that caught fire in 2020. “Why can’t we build housing or a shelter there?” she asked.

“That’s a great example,” Elicker said, of what the land bank could potentially do. “There’s a real need.”

NHPS Chief Of Staff Steps Down

by MAYA MCFADDEN

New Haven Public Schools is down a chief of staff as of last week. Now, the district is hoping to fill the critical cabinet position as the 2024 – 25 school year draws near.

The news of former Chief of Staff Michael Finley’s July 15 resignation was announced at Monday’s Board of Education meeting at John S. Martinez School, in an information-only personnel report.

The board does not vote on informationonly items like resignations, retirements, and transfers.

Finley was nearing his third year on the job with NHPS after being hired by thenSupt. Iline Tracey. An educator from Georgia, Finley stepped into the role in 2021 to lead the district’s executive team and over the past year has worked closely with current Supt. Madeline Negrón.

“I’m very happy for Dr. Finley and the opportunities that he’s going to be afforded now that he’s going back home,” she said.

“I’m very grateful for how instrumental he was with all the learning I did in my first year. He was my right-hand person.” Negrón described the vacancy as a “void” she plans to fill as soon as possible. “I cannot be without it,” she told the Independent after Monday’s board meeting.

As of Wednesday, the position has not yet been filled for the interim. Negrón and the remaining executive cabinet team of assistant superintendents have been dividing what used to be Finley’s workload among themselves.

Finley did not respond to the Independent’s request for comment by the publishing of this story. According to employment site LinkedIn, Finley began working as chief of staff for Dougherty County School System in Georgia this month.

A posting for the job of NHPS’ new chief of staff went up on Tuesday. The responsibilities for the role are listed as “overseeing general staff administration under the direction of the Superintendent.

… monitoring and ensuring that all work and initiatives are aligned with the school system’s strategic plan and direction … plan[ning], organiz[ing], control[ling], and direct[ing] the work of the executive staff, except those specific areas reserved by the Superintendent.”

In 2021, Finley’s starting salary was $165,000 based on his experience as an assistant principal, elementary teacher, and principal in Georgia.

The NHPS chief of staff vacancy comes as the district’s chief operating officer, Thomas Lamb, has been on paid administrative leave for nearly two months pending an investigation the school district has yet to share information about.

Former city Chief Administrative Officer Michael Carter has been filling in for Lamb, to the tune of $16,000 a month. Negrón told the Independent earlier this month that Finley had also been taking on some of the chief operating officer’s duties.

Rosette Village protesters at City Hall announcement.

LAURA GLESBY PHOTO Serena Neal-Sanjurjo: "Change will come" in housing market.

JORDAN ASHBY FILE PHOTO

Back to Georgia goes former Chief of Staff Michael Finley.

The new haven independent

The new haven independent

Garden Not-So-Secret, Thanks To EPA

by JABEZ CHOI

Last week, the pond in Nappésoul’s Newhallville backyard was just a hole in the ground.

By Wednesday morning, with the help of a federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) grant, the hole had turned into a filtered, aquaponic pond system, with koi fish and minnows on the way.

That pond, along with other upcoming sustainable projects, is made possible by a $500,000 EPA grant to Common Ground High School’s Green Jobs Corps.

The Nappésoul crew made up of owners Greg and Laquaya Smith, alongside high school interns Madison Foster and José Gragirene spent the week carefully outlining the pond, and brainstorming what kinds of plants they could place around and in the waters. Foster was a little overwhelmed at first.

“At first, when you’re putting everything together, it might seem like a lot,” Foster, a rising senior at Sound School, said. “But once you’re done, it’s like, ‘I did this.’ It just feels like an accomplishment.”

Nappésoul, located at 135 Butler St., is a nonprofit organization that works to build self-sustaining gardens in “at-risk” communities. It’s one of five worksites partnered with Green Jobs Corps this summer. The Common Ground program won $500,000 from the EPA in November to incentivize youth engagement with both community and environmental justice. That money was finally received in early May, and student jobs kicked off in July.

According to Green Jobs Corps Director Crystal Fernandez, the program has earned environmental education grants from the EPA in the past, but this is the first grant specifically dedicated to environmental justice. On Wednesday, Fernandez was touring Nappésoul among other partnered organizations (like the New Haven City Planning Department, Haven’s Harvest, New Haven Climate Movement, and Urban Resources Initiative at Quarry Park) alongside colleagues and EPA representative Keyana White.

$120,000 will be used specifically for student workers’ wages for the next two years. (Gragirene’s wages are coming from the grant, while Foster is employed through Youth@Work, which works alongside Green Jobs Corps.) $32,000 will be used for student-led projects, such as Nappésoul’s backyard pond. A portion of the money

will be used for two youth leadership summits this year and next. And the last fraction of the money will be used to fund partnered worksites.

For Nappésoul in particular, $42,000 have been allocated for the next two years for their operations.

“It’s a huge support for a grassroots organization. We are building power within our community who are already doing this work,” Fernandez said.

Greg and Laquaya host workshops through Nappésoul to help interested neighbors and community members create their own gardens. Greg pointed to the numerous plants growing in the front yard raspberries, carrots, marigold, cucumbers, mint, thyme, oregano, tomatoes, and more. It’s a “green maze.”

“The first taste of a fresh cucumber is amazing. It’s refreshing, it’s mind blowing,” Laquaya said.

Stepping behind the gate and into the backyard reveals a cacophony of noises a rooster’s crow, a dog’s bark, and the soft trickling of water from the pond. The flock of chickens are named Hayhay, Sprinkle, Banana, and Vanilla. (Hayhay, according to Laquaya, is an “olive egger,” meaning she lays green eggs.)

And on top of the table was a tank of baby koi fish, ready to be placed in the water. Now that the team has built the pond, they want to invite community members to visit, including a nearby daycare.

Gragirene, who found out about Nappésoul through Green Jobs Corps, shared that he has learned a lot over the past month. When he accidentally touched poison ivy, Greg taught him how to use spit poultice to treat the wound.

Nappésoul stood out to him as something special. “It was [their] plan on changing the world that really caught my eye,” Gragirene said. “I was interested and I gave it a chance. I really like it.”

Nappésoul started in 2020. Laquaya had always suffered from health complications, with numerous food allergies and random rashes breaking out on her body. So, the two began growing their own produce. Laquaya’s body began recovering.

“Growing your own food, cooking your own food, and teaching people how to do it is important. Especially in this community,” Laquaya said. “We want other kids, families, people who just walk by to experience this too.”

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Gregory Smith: A "green maze" of raspberries, carrots, marigold, cucumbers, mint, thyme, oregano, tomatoes, and more.

It's pond time, on Butler Street.

Interns José Gragirene and Madison Foster.

JABEZ CHOI PHOTOS Nappésoul's Gregory Smith, José Gragirene, Laquaya Smith, and Madison Foster tend to a baby chicken.

The new haven independent

August 06, 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…”

Happy Birthday, Flower Lady!

by LISA REISMAN

Outside Yorkside Pizza, Yale doctoral student Minh Vu surveyed a basket of roughly 70 chrysanthemums.

“I’ll take them all,” Vu told a woman bedecked in a party hat, aka “Flower Lady” Annette Walton.

Walton invited Vu and fellow Yalies to an impromptu 64th birthday sidewalk celebration for the lifelong New Havener who, except for a hiatus during the pandemic, has been selling flowers around Yale’s downtown campus since the 1990s.

The gathering took place Wednesday afternoon. Walton originally invited a handful of regular customers from Yale’s graduate schools, who in turn spread the word to dozens of others who showed up in a constant stream bearing hugs, cards, and food.

“Saying thank you to anyone who gives me money didn’t feel like enough,” Walton has said, “and flowers, they can only make you happy.”

“Annette is an icon and a staple for Yale,” Vu, who’s specializing in American Studies and Gender Studies, said amid the throng of summer school students filing along the sidewalk Wednesday afternoon. “She reminds us that there must be slowness and beauty and joy everyday.” To honor her, Vu planned to give a flower to everyone they met that day.

Erin Sommers, a rising senior who’s a teaching assistant in the Pathways to Science Program this summer,

sounded a similar refrain. “Just having Annette ask me how I’m doing, what I’m up to, it’s one of the highlights of my day,” she said, as the Flower Lady called out a greeting to a honking car.

At that moment, a woman approached Walton with pastel orange gladiolas.

“These are freshly picked from my garden,” said the woman, who works at Yale Law School’s Early Learning Center, giving her a hug. Heather Gerken, Yale Law School dean, followed, handing her a container with a slice of cake. Then came Peighton

Lotwis, a rising junior who’s working at the Yale Farm this summer, with a small box of vegetables and herbs, and a glass of lemonade made with fresh lavender.

“This is the first harvest, it all came out of the ground,” she told Walton.

“The garlic, you can cover it with olive oil, let it bake. And you can use the mint for tea.” They hugged.

Over the years Walton established the practice of selling flowers rather than asking for change to get by, and has established relationships with New Haveners of all walks of life along the way.

She gets the flowers each morning, taking an Uber to National Floral Supply in Milford. On her return, a man, alighting from his car, beamed a smile at her before heading in. “I know him,” she said, springing up to open the door to the restaurant for him. “He’s a professor.” She couldn’t remember his name. It was, it turned out, the Yale historian Paul Kennedy.

A Yale Young Global Scholar named Sam approached.

“Can I bring you a slice of pizza?” he asked her. He was from Hong Kong and had just met Walton a day earlier, he said.

“I’m good,” she said.

“Then can we all sing you happy birthday?” he asked.

With that, a group of his fellow Young Global Scholars broke into song. “That was just beautiful,” she said, as someone else, birthday card in hand, waited her turn. “I’m going to give every one of you a flower for that.”

Germany Mission Reveals Tariff Fears, Short-Term Opportunities

by PAUL BASS

Fears of an international trade war might hurt Connecticut in the long run but it may lead to new jobs in the short term.

So reported Gov. Ned Lamont at a press conference Tuesday at the headquarters of the state-connected economic development nonprofit AdvanceCT on James Street in New Haven.

Lamont and state innovation chief Daniel O’Keefe reported on a $50,000 sevenday, five-person economic development mission they led to Germany. They said their team met with over 40 German companies and venture capital firms about potential expansions in Connecticut, with a focus on aerospace and biosciences. Germany is already Connecticut’s top trading partner, accounting for 17 percent of foreign direct investment in the statement and over $2 billion in annual

exports, they said.

The U.S. GOP presidential nominating convention loomed large in the backdrop of the trip.

“They were nervous as heck” about, among other issues, “talk about a trade war,” Lamont reported, referencing former President Donald Trump’s vows to hike tariffs if elected to a second term.

That wasn’t completely bad news for Connecticut, in the short term.

“They do say, ‘With tariffs, maybe if we locate here in the United States we can mitigate some of that risk,’” Lamont said.

“More broadly, Germany worries about a trade war, what that does to the economies of Germany and the United States,” the governor added. “A trade war does not benefit Connecticut. We are a very export-oriented state as well.”

“Of course it creates a short-term interest in having conversations. … That’s the point of protectionism,” O’Keefe agreed. “But long term it’s not great for our economic prospects. The governor and I are both capitalists at our core” and don’t support increasing tariffs.

O’Keefe said all the companies approached on the trip expressed interest in talking further. He declined to name any of them lest he tip off officials in other states competing for the same business. Lamont said “we had to spell ‘Connecticut’” for people in Stuttgart who hadn’t met visiting officials from the state before.

“What we’re trying to do is put Connecticut on the map,” he said, “make sure when people think about where they want to get a foothold here in the United States, a foothold here in the Northeast, they think about Connecticut as well.”

Lamont: We taught Stuttgart how to spell “Connecticut."

Annette Walton with Minh Vu.

The new haven independent

The new haven independent

State: Watch Out For Food Stamp Thieves

by DEREEN SHIRNEKHI

George Prendergast was sitting in the Downtown Ives Main Library when he heard an announcement over the intercom: there would be a presentation on EBT theft on the lower level of the library.

Prendergast’s no stranger to the topic — he’s been a victim of identity theft four times, and now he changes his passwords every two weeks. He made his way downstairs.

The speakers he saw, Connecticut’s Department of Social Services (DSS) representatives Ann Rodriguez and Deputy Director of Communications Christine Stuart, sought to answer an important question that many Electronic Benefit Transaction (EBT) and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients might not even know to ask: How do I keep my benefits from being stolen, and what do I do if they are?

EBT theft, a national phenomenon, is hitting Connecticut hard. Stolen SNAP and EBT benefits jumped by 1,800 percent from fiscal year 2023 to 2024. Even just over the course of this year so far, thefts have soared from 177 instances in

January to 2,855 in June, CT Mirror reported earlier this month.

How exactly do scammers steal benefits?

Phishing, skimming, and card cloning. Phishing happens when scammers call SNAP recipients pretending to be DSS and ask for PIN numbers and card information — something that Rodriguez promised DSS would never actually do.

Scammers sometimes put what are known as “skimming devices” on ATMs or card readers so that when cards are swiped, their information can be collected. Then cards can be cloned and benefits stolen. Stuart just received word of a skimming device at LaBonne’s Market in the town of Prospect.

Because EBT cards don’t have a microchip, they are also less protected. Thanks to President Joe Biden’s extension of the 2018 farm bill — aka the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 — and pilot program legislation passed in late December 2022, EBT recipients are currently able to request the replacement of stolen benefits.

But this legislation comes with three main drawbacks: The value of the re-

placement can’t be more than the amount of two months of benefits. Recipients can’t receive replacement more than twice in one fiscal year. And unless Congress reauthorizes the farm bill, replacement ends after this Sept. 30.

Which is why DSS seeks to help SNAP recipients avoid requiring replacement in the first place, and get ahead of scammers.

DSS tips for avoiding EBT theft include:

• Avoid simple PIN numbers — and don’t write your PIN on your card.

• Keep your PIN and card number a secret from anyone outside of your household.

• Beware of phishing.

• Change your PIN at least once a month, before your monthly benefits are added to your card. Right now, this can only be done over the phone with DSS.

• Check your EBT account often for unauthorized charges, and report suspicious activity.

• Request a new card if you think your benefits were stolen.

Stuart said that there’s been a surge in monthly PIN changes, so she believes that Con’t on page 16

DEREEN SHIRNEKHI PHOTO DSS's Ann Rodriguez and Christine Stuart: "I'm a shaker now.”

The new haven independent

Cops: Killer’s Mom Was At The Wheel

by ASHER JOSEPH

Police announced the arrest of the young man they said shot 16-year-old Joshua Vasquez to death one and a half years ago and arrested the alleged shooter’s mom as well.

Joshua Vasquez’s family and friends gathered at the Shack community center in West Hills Thursday to mourn his murder and to recognize police for arresting his alleged shooter, who is now 19 years old.

Vazquez was shot Dec. 19, 2022, at 4:22 p.m. while biking down Valley Street. The shots were fired from a moving black SUV that pulled up alongside him.

Police obtained surveillance video of the shooting, and a witness shared the license plate number with police. Using information from Bridgeport license plate readers, police linked the plate to a Toyota RAV4 registered to the suspect’s mother, who police said was driving the vehicle. She is charged with hindering prosecution for failure to come forward and criminal liability for aiding and abetting her son.

Her son is charged with murder, carrying a pistol without a permit, criminal possession of a firearm, criminal possession of a pistol/revolver, having a weapon in a motor vehicle, risk of injury to a minor, and first-degree reckless endangerment.

day follows nine non-fatal shootings in the past 12 days, said Police Chief Karl Jacobson. West Hills Alder Honda Smith, who grew close with Vazquez when he volunteered at The Shack, urged New Haven’s youth to “put down the guns.” She stressed the importance of extracurricular activities such as Vazquez’s community service and how they help students “honor their potential.”

“Value your life and your dreams. Everyone has a dream, aspiration, and a purpose. Gun violence shatters lives and dreams in an instant,” Smith said. “By staying away from gun violence, you protect your future and the future of those around you. Remember, your life is precious, and you have so much to offer the world.”

Vazquez, a student at the Metropolitan Business Academy, “gave great hugs, was always willing to lend a helping hand and crack good jokes,” said Mayor Justin Elicker. Vazquez volunteered to clean, distribute food to the hungry, and mow lawns for senior citizens.

Unique Trujillo, a close friend of Vazquez, spoke to his character and legacy to close out the press conference.

“That boy had a heart of gold,” Trujillo said. “He deserves justice. Justice for Josh, always.”

The press conference at the Shack Thurs-

$20 Million Upgrade On Tap For Towers

by JABEZ CHOI

When winds blow in from the Sound, windows sometimes pop open at the Towers senior complex. Now $20 million is blowing in to replace windows, roofs, and HVAC systems.

The $20 million comes from a grant from the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Green and Resilient Retrofit Program (GRRP), which supports climate resilience and utility efficiency upgrades.

Officials announced the grant at a press conference Tuesday at the Towers, near downtown at Tower Lane.

“This building has good bones. It just needs a little work,” U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal said. “Like we all do as we approach a certain age.”

Norman Feitelson, a 99-year-old Towers resident, applauded the grant. “They’re doing a wonderful job,” Feitelman said. “It will be a long, long process, but we’re getting there.”

Towers CEO Gus Keach-Longo said a HUD consultant will do a full assessment of which needed repairs to prioritize in the upcoming work, which could include a new elevator. The target comple-

tion date is late 2028.

The funding comes as part of the 2022 federal Inflation Reduction Act. HUD expects to spend $544 million on 12,600 units nationwide through the GRRP.

HUD Regional Administrator Juana Matias spoke Tuesday of “the need for creative solutions, both building and most importantly preserving our housing stock. And that’s what we’re doing right now.” Mayor Justin Elicker emphasized the city’s overall efforts at enhancing environmental sustainability. He pointed to the implementation of bioswales, an electronic garbage truck, and heat pumpbased technologies.

The Towers, built in 1971, were one of the first senior assisted-living complexes country and, according to Keach-Longo, one of the first to offer a dining program. Plans are underway to build a third tower at the complex.

“I think about how each generation is responsible for preparing for the next,” Keach-Longo said. “You know how we say that we plant a tree that you may sit under? That’s what we do here. We are actually sitting under the trees that prior generations have planted for us.”

HUD Regional Administrator Juana Matias, U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, Towers resident Dolores, Towers CEO Gus Keach-Longo, and Mayor Justin Elicker.

ASHER JOSEPH PHOTO Unique Trujillo, a close friend of Joshua Vazquez, at Thursday's arrest announcement.

An arrest warrant has also been issued for a third suspect in the incident, an associate of the shooter’s mother, for allegedly tampering with evidence.

Assistant Police Chief Police Bertram Ettienne said the investigation consisted of “multiple formal interviews, the analysis of surveillance footage, [and] license

plate readers” in both New Haven and Bridgeport, the shooter’s and his mother’s respective residences.

The new haven independent

The new haven independent

NHFD: Know Your Money

by TROY Z. FROST

Teaching kids how to open up bank accounts and get secure credit loans using their own monies to begin to build credit is paramount.

Thursday’s financial literacy workshop was about two main topics: accounts at banks/credit unions and how to build a credit history.

We used the first topic to explain in detail about checking accounts: their features and ways to use them, savings accounts to serve the purpose of putting money aside for emergency, and saving money for future needs and big purchases — such as a motorcycle, a car or a house. We explained the importance of putting money aside from the weekly or biweekly paycheck and letting it grow with a compounded interest.

For the second topic we explained different ways to build credit, why it’s important in life, and what cases in which it is needed, such as applying for a rental apartment, getting car insurance, applying for a credit card or any type of loan. We explained how to start building a credit score, and how to maintain and improve it over time.

Educating and teaching students and future citizens about financial literacy is of great importance. The knowledge helps them make sound financial decisions, create a financially independent life, be able to fulfill their financial needs, have the security of being able to live the lifestyle they want, and create wealth. By having the knowledge in their hands, they will be able to set the path for financial freedom, with sound lending, savings, and investment products. They will be able to have a great impact in their community and be able to serve and help people in need, as well as create a path for a new generation’s success.

The main takeaways Thursday were that knowledge is power, meaning the more you learn via many tools available — books , podcasts, social media — the better you will be.

We want them to be able to make great decisions about their finances, have the lifestyle they want, and be powerful. The sky is the limit.

CONTRIBUTED At Thursday's financial literacy workshop.

NHFD Captain Troy Z. Frost, Branch Manager of American Eagle Credit Union Suela Muka, and Chief of Operations Daniel Coughlin.

This Citizen Contribution was submitted by New Haven Fire Department Captain Troy Z. Frost. It details a July 25 financial literacy workshop hosted for 25 New Haven high schoolers by the NHFD.

The new haven independent

Winfield Seeks Out Next Gen Senators

by MAYA MCFADDEN

When Gary Winfield asked a room full of sixth graders Thursday morning who’s interested in being a state senator one day, Jakhai Penn immediately shook his head no.

“Who’s going to do it, then, if not you?” Winfield asked. “You can probably do a heck of a lot more than you think you can do.”

That was the scene Thursday morning as Winfield, a five-term state senator representing New Haven and West Haven’s 10th district, was invited to the summer learning camp at Edgewood Avenue’s Troup middle school. He showed up to give and receive some tips about kindness from first through fifth graders to later pass on to his legislative colleagues in Hartford.

Thursday’s visit was arranged by New Haven Public Schools district support staff educator Sean Hardy, Troup educator and curriculum writer Da’Jhon Jett, and Troup summer building leader Keisha Hogan for a schoolwide celebration of kindness, in the form of a read-aloud to elementary students and conversations with middle schoolers.

“What day is it? Is it happiness day? Sadness day? Joyful day? Kindness day?” Winfield asked a group of first graders.

“Kindness day,” one called out.

After Winfield read a book about apologizing and conflict resolution to first graders at Troup, one student told him about how when her younger brother was crying she shared her toy ball with him and he stopped. A few other students then shared about their own recent acts of kindness. “I bet you felt good and he stopped crying because you did that,” Winfield responded.

The students talked about the book’s explanations of ways to resolve problems like getting help from an adult or apologizing. Winfield added that apologizing is “not always what we want to do, but it is a kind thing to do.”

“I have to remember sometimes you have to say sorry or need someone else to step in because it usually isn’t that big of a deal,” Winfield said.

As Winfield visited several other classrooms around Troup’s second floor on Thursday, he asked students if they know what a senator does. Their answers ranged from helping people to representing your state to helping residents to deal with “crazy people” in their neighborhoods.

Winfield agreed that “we should be helping people, yes” and further explained that he and his 35 “friends” in the senate are elected by the people to

help the people through way of voting on legislation.

“Are the people you work with always kind?” asked educator Ms. Tonge.

“They have not read this book,” Winfield responded. “This book is about a way that we can do something other than being in conflict and fighting and angry. But I think the people doing the choosing should understand kindness.”

After chatting with a fifth-grade class in the middle of a math lesson, Winfield stuck around for an extra few minutes to

watch middle schooler Shukry complete 9,423 multiplied by 3.

Hardy said the Thursday visit was one of many arranged this summer at Troup to bring local leaders into the classroom to expose children to social skill building and careers. “This is a lot better than just seeing these people in the news or on TV, right?” Each classroom agreed.

Jett added, the visits help youth to gain insight into leadership positions that run local and state governments. “It’s good for them to see the people their families

“What do you do if you have a conflict? Fight about it?” Winfield asked the middle schools.

“Nope, talk about it,” one student responded.

As Winfield discussed his daily work as a senator he also emphasized to the students that “you don’t look like my friends at the state Capitol” and encouraged them to each consider a career like his to offer their perspectives based on growing up in a city like New Haven and with diverse backgrounds.

“Think about you one day standing here as a state senator,” Winfield said. “Be somebody who represents people and does the kind work. Real acts of kindness are not just for them but for you.”

When sixth grader Jakhai Penn told Winfield he wouldn’t want to be a senator, Winfield reminded him that he can be the voice for his community. Which was Winfield’s dream since he was 18 years old, despite growing up in the Bronx with a learning disability, his father battling drug and alcohol addiction, and dealing with abuse.

“My story isn’t supposed to be the story that it is,” he told Penn.

Winfield said Thursday’s visit and the many he does during the school year with his “You Matter” school tours have proven to “mean more than I even think it means.”

He added that it’s important to not only tell kids they can be anything when they grow up, just as he did as a kid, but to also provide them with examples of what they can be directly in-person. “I’m here as an example,” he concluded.

At the conclusion of his visit this reporter asked Winfield about his thoughts about Vice President Kamala Harris’s sudden ascent to the role of de facto Democratic nominee for president. Winfield reiterated his endorsement of Harris’s candidacy. He said he’s supporting Harris in part because of his young daughter, who he hopes can see that “we live in a country where she sees there’s leaders with the same skin color as her and gender.”

are electing returning to our communities,” he said. “It’s seeing those dollars at work.”

His goal for the upcoming school year is to get the mayor to visit Troup.

“It’d be good for him to see the money that he allocates to schools on this side of town, or lack of. And the importance of funding neighborhood schools for these kids.”

In a sixth-grade classroom, the students told Winfield that kindness is about helping and respecting each other.

He said in addition to visits like Thursday’s with leaders around the city and state, Harris’s run will “help people to be able to dream.”

He added that he didn’t love the way President Biden announced he was dropping his reelection bid. The conversation about his age and his ability to run for a second term could have taken place a year ago. But, Winfield said, “it doesn’t matter how we got to this moment of opportunity. We just have to recognize it’s a moment of opportunity.”

MAYA MCFADDEN PHOTO State Sen. Gary Winfield talks conflict resolution, representation, and dreaming big with Troup summer campers.

Fifth grader Shukry completes multiplication problem for class with Winfield watching in audience.

Board of Ed Secretary Ed Joyner talks with kindergarteners Thursday about students' dreams of becoming an astronaut, engineer, and pediatrician.

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Young Photographers Bring Their Worlds Into FOCUS

Lucy Gellman, Editor, The Arts Paper newhavenarts.org

The shot is clean, dramatic. At the far end of a table, Luca Jaden Rivera looks straight up at the ceiling, eyes fixed on something beyond the frame. Beneath them, the table is unmoving, a study in contrasts and flatness. Think stainless steel. Think butcher block. The black of satin, of pitch dark night, of darker-thandark swallows the rest of the frame.

Rivera’s self-portrait is part of “The Beautiful People,” an exhibition of photographs running at KNOWN Coworking through Sept. 30. A collection of self-portraiture, street photography and intimate images of family and friends, the show marks the culmination of Wábi Gallery’s third annual Focus Fellowship class, 11 high school and college students and one elementary schooler who have studied photography with Wábi founder Kim Weston.

Fellows include Marcus Burson, Bethany Edwards, Alexandra Guzman, Tywain Harris, Jameelah Irshad, Haiven Montgomery, Soleil Nelson Mack, Yetunde Olowosoyo, Luca Jaden Rivera, Abril Rosario and Eric Sledge Jr. The show also includes work by Weston’s son, 8-yearold Wes Oske Weston.

“I had a dream,” said Weston, herself a Black and Native photographer who built Wábi as a way to amplify cultural voices that have long been pushed to the margins. “I said, ‘I want to give back to the community.’ Two Black men [Larry Brown and Eugene Adams] did it for me when I was 12. For me, these pictures are more than pictures. They’re who we are. They’re about our families. They’re about our ancestors.”

That vision comes to life from the moment a viewer walks into the space, a nontraditional gallery that Weston and other Wábi artists have been curating since December 2022. In the open, airy main room, a black-and-white duet of Rivera’s photographs beckons, pulling a viewer in with nearly umbilical force.

In one, the artist leans back, one hand caressing the top of his head as his eyes close. In the center of the frame, his lips part, perfectly lined up with the ceiling. Beneath him, a table holds the weight of his frame. An elbow pokes out, making a perfect angle with his right cheek. His skin seems to glow, a coffee color beneath the light, and the image becomes a study in contrasts.

“What I really wanted to capture was my experience being a Black man--a young Black man, a queer Black man,” he said. During the fellowship, he played with the ideas of Blackness and masculinity, especially inspired by the work of Carrie Mae Weems and LaToya Ruby Frazier.

“I just wanted to be able to reflect and understand myself,” he added. “There

are parts of us that we don’t fully realize until we come on camera.”

For instance, he said, he wanted to memorialize the act of having his hair braided, which gave him a sense of stepping “into a new era of myself.” In a photograph to the right, Rivera faces away from the viewer, wearing a white tank top with tight, tidy cornrows above. The back of a silver chain peeks out from the nape of his neck. In the background, a gray wall rises in all directions, and it looks as though it might swallow his face if he gets close enough.

Meanwhile, several of Rivera’s peers have turned the lens on their friends and families, often with arresting results. A rising senior at James Hillhouse High School, Bethany Edwards took the program as a chance to photograph her mom, Joy Edwards, in the family’s whimsical kitchen. In a knitted, bright white turtleneck, the senior Edwards looks out skeptically at her daughter, arms crossed just above her waist.

But it’s hard to take her too seriously: striped, old-school floral wallpaper rises behind her, no match for the mammoth, painted and carved fork and spoon on either side of her. In a single shot, Edwards has captured the humor and peculiarity in the banal, reframing that which is familiar to her in a way that delights a viewer. Inspired by Frazier (a cohort favorite, to be sure), Edwards said that the chance to photograph her family helped her see them with new eyes.

“Photography is really good for portraying things you may not have [otherwise] noticed,” she said. “I think of how differently I viewed the world after I started shooting.”

So too in Soleil Nelson’s portraits of her

friend, Monaeja Bostik (they are not the only works of hers in the show, and her budding oeuvre is well worth a more sustained close look). In one, Bostik faces the camera, her eyes locked with the lens, and by extension, a viewer. Her hair, braided and wavy, spills gracefully over the sides of her face and down past her shoulders. One arm rests comfortably on a chaise behind her, as the other falls to her side. She’s not stuck in one format, both she and Weston were quick to note at an opening reception in June. In Nelson’s photograph “The Fog,” two palms press up against a frosted windowpane, their outlines clear against it. One, the left, is surrounded in a flat pool of light, as if it comes with a halo. The other falls lower, more subdued. This summer, she said, she’s taking the time to experiment with framing and subject matter, using friends and family members as her models.

“Oh my God, I love it,” she said of photography. As a vocalist studying at Hamden High and ACES Educational Center for the Arts (ECA), she’s primarily a vocalist, and saw the fellowship as a chance to try something new. “I didn’t know that it could be so technical, that there are so many aspects to it.”

But is it Marcus Burson, a rising senior at Lyman Hall High School in Wallingford, who may have best captured the intimacy and candor of one’s kin, one of the weekly assignments that fellows receive. Framed by the everyday workings of her kitchen--the corner of a cabinet, an air freshener, a sliver of door frame-Burson’s mother pages through a tome, her face contemplative.

There’s something quietly holy here, in the peace that comes over her face as she reads. Her eyes trace the text, unbothered by the click of the shutter. Her left hand freezes gingerly between pages, hidden by the folds of paper. On her shirt, a square of text reads We have before us/the glorious/opportunity/to inject, a reference to Martin Luther King, Jr.’s 1957 address to the Conference on Christian Faith and Human Relations.

“I really do it to have other people see the beauty that they have,” Burson said. He added that he is influenced by both the photographers that fellows learned about-Dred Scott, Rania Matar, Bill Jacobson, Frazier and Weems to name just a few--as well as his own faith. In the past few years, his beliefs as a Christian--that people are fundamentally good, and don’t always see that in themselves--have influenced every part of his life. He was excited to capture that through the lens of a camera.

On a recent Thursday evening, Weston looked around the space at her fellows, taking it all in. On a wall behind her, a spray painted trumpeter slouched in a brick doorway, his face in shadow beneath his cap. His hands, emerging from a gray suit that seemed too big, caressed the instrument gingerly.

Kim Weston at a recent opening for the show.

Weston (center) with Marcus Burson and Luca Jaden Rivera.

Report Unveils Puberty’s Role in Intensifying Racial Bias Against Black Children

The issue of adultification is deeply rooted in societal biases and stereotypes, manifesting in harsher disciplinary actions in schools and more severe judgments in the criminal justice system.

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Senior National Correspondent @StacyBrownMedia

A new report from Psychology Today has revealed how puberty exacerbates racial bias against Black children, with the study’s author highlighting the need for immediate educational and societal reforms.

Dr. Rona Carter, an associate professor at the University of Michigan and the report’s author, explained that Black children are often perceived as older and less innocent than their white peers, leading to increased stress, anxiety, and identity struggles. “The psychological toll of being perceived as older can be profound for Black children,” Carter wrote for Psychology Today, the world’s largest mental health and behavioral science destination online, which includes free access to hundreds of thousands of professionals.

“Educational reforms are necessary to create an environment where Black children can thrive, including curricula that reflect the diverse histories and experiences of Black communities,” Carter wrote.

The issue of adultification is deeply rooted in societal biases and stereotypes, manifesting in harsher disciplinary actions in schools and more severe judgments in the criminal justice system. A 2022 study by researchers Gadson and Lewis examined the experiences of Black adolescent girls, revealing that when these girls counter stereotypical images, they often face gendered

racial microaggressions. They determined this could lead to feelings of invisibility or hypervisibility in classrooms, contributing to over-discipline and a lack of protection within the school system.

Historically, Black children have been perceived and treated as less innocent and more adult-like than their white counterparts, a bias amplified with puberty. Research indicates that Black girls often enter puberty earlier than children of other races, sometimes as young as 7 or 8 years old. This early development can make them ap-

pear older, exacerbating the adultification bias.

When Black children enter puberty early, societal misperceptions of their age and maturity intensify. For instance, a 10-yearold Black girl who looks physically mature might be expected to behave with a level of responsibility and emotional control unrealistic for her actual age. This misperception often leads to disproportionately harsh disciplinary actions. Black girls are six times more likely to be suspended from school than white girls for similar behav-

iors, reflecting a bias that punishes them more severely.

Carter asserted that the consequences of adultification extend beyond the classroom.

“Black boys who mature early are more likely to be seen as older and as threats, significantly increasing their interactions with law enforcement and the likelihood of being treated as adults in the criminal justice system,” she noted. The cases of Tamir Rice, a 12-year-old Black boy shot by police while playing with a toy gun, and Kalief Browder, who was held in solitary

confinement for three years without trial as a teenager, highlight the fatal consequences of adultification and racial bias.

Addressing adultification requires a multifaceted approach, Carter concluded. Policy changes are essential to mitigate bias in educational and judicial systems. Schools should implement bias training for educators to help them recognize and counteract their prejudices. Law enforcement agencies need similar training to prevent tragic misunderstandings arising from adultification biases.

Community and parental involvement are also crucial. Community programs supporting and advocating for Black children can help them navigate these challenges. Carter suggested that parents could play a pivotal role by engaging in open discussions with their children about their experiences and teaching them to assert their rights and identities.

“Imagine an 11-year-old Black girl standing in her school hallway,” Carter said. “She has just entered puberty, and her body is beginning to change in ways that make her look older than her years. Despite her tender age, she is often treated by teachers and peers as if she is much older, expected to possess a maturity beyond her years. This phenomenon—known as adultification—strips Black children of their innocence and childhood, placing burdens on them that their white peers rarely experience.”

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450+ Apartments Eyed For 9th Square

by THOMAS BREEN

Builders are ready to un-pave parking lots and erect hundreds of new mixed-income apartments downtown.

Two dozen officials announced that news Tuesday afternoon alongside developers during a press conference heralding newly inked agreements to redevelop a car-centric stretch of State and George streets.

The press conference took place in a sun-drenched spot of a publicly owned parking lot on State Street just north of Fair and George streets. It marked the latest step in a decades-long process of turning the Ninth Square into a busy mixed-use neighborhood, in part through a new effort to undo Urban Renewal-era planning mistakes by building on car-centric stretches of asphalt.

The city landed a $5 million state grant in 2022 to kickstart an overhaul of much of State Street downtown by narrowing the roadway to reduce car speeds, and by creating half a dozen developable lots to be sold to builders interested in converting space currently reserved for cars into new places for people to live and shop.

Mayor Justin Elicker announced that the city has now signed two memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with two different development teams who plan on constructing more than 450 new apartments and 7,200 square feet of commercial space atop two existing surface lots.

Those developers are a partnership between Gilbane and Xenolith for one lot, and a partnership between the Glendower Group and LMXD for the second.

These developers have nine months under the agreement to refine their building concepts, meet with the public to present their plans, and then ultimately work with the city to come up with Development and Land Disposition Agreements (DLDA) to be reviewed and voted on by the alders. Those to-bewritten DLDAs will include all of final terms of each deal, including the sale price for the lots in question.

The first developable lot includes two acres that spans the State-Fair parking lot, as well as northbound travel lanes and a public greenspace between Fair and Chapel.

The city has signed a MOU with Providence, R.I.-based builder Gilbane and New York-based affordable housing developer Xenolith. Those companies plan on constructing 279 new apartments on that site including 70 below-market rentals.

Twenty percent of the project’s apartments will be reserved for tenants making between 30 and 50 percent of the area median income (AMI), which

currently translates to between around $34,850 and $58,050 a year for a family of four. Another 5 percent of those apartments will be reserved for tenants making no more than 80 percent AMI, or $92,900 per year for a family of four.

The projects would build on mixedincome apartments constructed on other Ninth Square blocks during the 1990s, and more recent apartment complexes under construction on the former Coliseum site as well as across the railroad tracks at Fair, Chapel, and Olive streets.

The city has signed a separate MOU with the Glendower Group, the nonprofit development wing of New Haven’s public housing authority, in partnership with the New York-based developer LMXD to build up a second set of nearby publicly-owned parking lots on the northern side of George Street between Hertz’s rental car agency and Orange Street.

That roughly 0.84-acre site will be built up into roughly 175 apartments, with around 51 set aside at below-market rents. Housing Authority President Karen DuBois-Walton said that the affordable units in this apartment complex to-be will be supported in part by federal Section 8 rental subsidies.

“The housing authority, you are on fire, with the clock factory, Church Street South,” and even more development projects to come, Elicker said to DuBois-Walton. “Just incredible.”

DuBois-Walton stressed that the housing authority and its related agencies believe that the best way to address Connecticut’s housing crisis and the problem of housing affordability is by building more places to live. “We need to be building more housing. That is how we move forward.”

She added that the housing authority currently has 40,000 people on its waitlist. “That’s the reel,” she said: the proof of the need for lots more places for people to live.

Elicker agreed, stating that Connecticut needs 90,000 new residential units “to be able to support the demand for housing.”

“I say, let’s keep this party going,” Livable City Initiative (LCI) Executive Director Arlevia Samuel said about all of the new apartments being built around town.

“Let’s get the parking lots filled in.”

Elicker said that, if all goes well, construction for these two projects should begin in late 2025 or 2026. And the city will have another six lots further up State Street to try to sell to developers for still more housing in the area to come.

Housing authority head Karen DuBois-Walton: "We need to be building more housing. That is how we move forward.”

Mayor Elicker leads Tuesday's presser.

More, more, more housing, planned for State-George parking lots.

Gilbane VP Raj Robinson.

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Amistad History Made New On Long Wharf

Kamini Purushothaman, The Arts Paper newhavenarts.org

Rhythmic drum beats echoed through the salty air, notes ebbing and flowing just like the gentle waves beneath. While some attendees danced, hummed, and played along to Michael Mills’ and his bandmates’ vibrant music, others explored a life-sized replica of La Amistad and asked Discovering Amistad employees questions about its creation.

Last Saturday, Mills and members of Rhythms of the Heart took the stage—or rather, the ship—at New Haven’s Long Wharf, playing drums, clarinets, and tambourines on a model of the Amistad, the 19th-century schooner that became the site of a slave rebellion and ensuing trial in New Haven. The performance, completed atop the Amistad Freedom Schooner, joined a weekend of activities celebrating and sharing the history of the Amistad in New Haven.

The display coincides with the exhibition Amistad: Retold, which was installed at the New Haven Museum earlier this year. It was a collaboration among the New Haven Museum, Discovering Amistad, and Gilder Lehrman Center for the Study of Slavery, Resistance, and Abolition at Yale.

“Welcome, welcome,” said Mills as guests began approaching the ship.

Joined by bandmates Paul McGuire, Brian Jarawa Gray, and Bill Fischer, Mills described the band as a “drum and music group exploring rhythms from many different cultures on a migratory journey, breaking barriers and bridging cultures.”

On Saturday, the band attempted to do just that with a rhythmic backdrop that complemented the exhibition and honored the story of the Amistad.

The walk up to Long Wharf’s dock featured posters recounting the history of the Amistad, which in 1839 saw a rebellion by enslaved West Africans led by Joseph Cinqué en route from Havana to Camagüey, Cuba. Cinqué and his allies then enlisted Spanish navigators to sail back to Africa, only for the Spanish to secretly direct the ship north during the nighttime. The Amistad was captured by the U.S. Navy off Long Island, leading to charges of piracy and murder. The Amistad case was first tried here in New Haven at the U.S. District Court for Connecticut, and a defense by abolitionists led to a successful Supreme Court appeal. Finding success, the Africans returned to Sierra Leone in 1842. The country’s capital, Freetown, is now one of New Haven’s sister cities.

The model ship was created by Amistad America Inc., the Connecticut AfroAmerican Historical Society, the Amistad Committee and the team at Mystic Seaport from 1998 to 2000. Organizations chose Mystic seaport because of its di-

verse shipyard staff, which included shipwrights, riggers, carpenters, ship keepers, researchers, ship smiths, and a naval architect.

In 2015, Discovering Amistad Inc. purchased the ship after Amistad America Inc. was liquidated.

Aboard the ship on Saturday, Discovering Amistad educator Heidi Holmes sold T-shirts raising funds for the nonprofit while her colleagues chatted with attendees. Holmes said the famous schooner was recreated “from three sources:” a painting of the Amistad, the original ship’s registration at the Rhode Island DMV, and other knowledge about Baltimore clippers—the type of ship the Amistad was.

According to one of the educational posters, the model would “ply the nation’s waterways as an educational ambassador, teaching lessons of cooperation and leadership to Americans of all ages, interests and backgrounds.”

That vision came to fruition during Saturday's performance, when attendees of all different backgrounds came together to celebrate this piece of New Haven’s history and its lasting legacy.

Mills said his ensemble has partnered with the Amistad project since its genesis in 2000 upon the model’s completion, noting that the band played for its “Homeport” celebration. That celebration included Bill Pickney, the first Black American to sail solo around the world via the southern capes. Mills highlighted that event, recounting how Pickney engaged with “folks from Sierra Leone to

celebrate freedom.”

One of the posters on display included Pickney’s sentiments about the model ship. It read: “The souls of those who used Amistad to strike out for their freedom will be the masters and the guiding force for her mission: To tell the story of human rights struggles, old and new.”

Mills emphasized the ongoing connection between his ensemble and the Amistad project, underscoring his commitment to building bridges between communities. Throughout Saturday’s performance, he invited guests to dance and sing along. He passed instruments out to onlookers and led vocables before instructing the audience to repeat after him.

“Everybody!” he exclaimed at one point during the performance, gesturing with his hands to clap. Everyone on board eagerly obliged, and soon the band’s infectious drum beats were accompanied by many clapping hands.

A little girl shook Cabasas—a percussion instrument made of a wooden cylinder covered with metal beads, while her father played the tambourine. One woman remained with the band for longer than the rest, playing various instruments with ease and while she enjoyed the group’s performance.

The lively atmosphere exemplified both Discovering Amistad and “Rhythms from the Heart’s” shared commitment to creating a diverse space to bring together, educate, and uplift the community.

“Our purpose,” said Mills, “is to engage and touch the hearts of people from around the world.”

Young photographer Eric Sledge, who graduated from New Haven Academy in June, recalled spotting the image outside Gotham Nightclub downtown. At KNOWN, it feels like it has always belonged, striking up a conversation with the exposed brick that adorns much of the coworking space.

“It unlocked many skills I didn’t know I had,” Sledge said. “I hope to do it again and expand my career.”

That is exactly the hope, Weston said. Three years ago, she started the program on a shoestring budget, asking people to donate used cameras so that students had something to shoot photos on. And extra equipment came from out-of-pocket funds. At the time, she said, she was inspired by both her own experience at the Jamaica Arts Center in Jamaica, Queens, and a similar program at the Studio Museum Harlem that curator nico w. okoro put on her radar.

In particular, she wanted to teach young people of color about photographers of color. “We don’t get that in our college education,” she said. “We just get the ‘great whites.’”

Con’t from page 06

Food Stamp Thieves

the word is getting out about how to keep benefits safe. Still, DSS is working so that recipients don’t need to have the hassle of changing their PIN every month. “You are the only one who can protect your benefits, and we don’t think that should be the case,” she said.

With replacement benefits set to expire in almost two months, DSS wants as many benefit recipients to know how to keep themselves safe as possible.

“So, if everyone tells one person … ” Stuart said.

“… even if you send them to our website, it has a lot of information,” Rodriguez agreed.

Stuart is working with the Secret Service to make sure Congress receives the message of how much of a security threat these scammers pose.

As for skimming the weird trick where thieves can record card information with a magnetic swipe? Luckily, the devices are flimsy and can usually be detected with a shake of the card machine.

“I’m a shaker now,” Stuart said.

Jeff Williams, a digital inclusion librarian who was in attendance at the Ives talk, said he was surprised to learn that scammers can tamper with card readers when employees are nearby.

“They can do sleight of hand easily,” Prendergast said from the audience.

“They’re masters.”

“And think of self-checkout,” Stuart pointed out. “Six registers with one employee.”

Then last year, she was able to score a grant from the city’s office of Arts, Culture & Tourism that covered cameras for each student and funding for teaching artists. The program grew, collaborating with the New Haven Free Public Library for the first time in its young history. She enlisted Alexandra Guzman, a fellow from the first cohort, as a teaching assistant, a practice she still carries with her today. But she wanted more for her students, she said (Weston still does not pay herself for the program, but she would like to). This year, she received the support of the Pincus Family Foundation, which allowed her to expand the fellowship and envision its future. She bought new, top-of-the-line DSLR cameras for all 12 students. She worked with photographer Bud Glick to do the printing for the show. The two have worked together on multiple projects, including Truth In Three Colors at the Ely Center of Contemporary Art last year. Thursday, she beamed out at a gathering that filled KNOWN’s main room, two dozen faces smiling back as afternoon sun came through the windows. As she recalled the past months of work on the fellowship, she took time to recognize each student, some nodding or blushing in return. Abril Rosario, who recently graduated from James Hillhouse High School, cracked a huge smile.

“I want you to thank these young people,” Weston said, “For making me feel alive.”

The Beautiful People runs at KNOWN Coworking, 157 Church St. in downtown New Haven, through Sept. 30.

Kamini Purushothaman Photos.

CEO EARL ‘BUTCH’ GRAVES JR. DENOUNCES NABJ DECISION

OUR VOICES MUST BE HEARD

It is with deep regret that I announce my decision to withdraw from our panel, “Black Leadership and Today’s Media Landscape,” at the 2024 National Association of Black Journalists convention in Chicago tomorrow.

The invitation to presidential nominees by NABJ is a great opportunity for the conference constituencies to hear from the respective candidates on their platforms. However, for none of the Black media organizations to be offered the opportunity to interview any candidate is an insult to what NABJ stands for. Moreover, it is indicative of the treatment Black media organizations face in today’s landscape and particularly disheartening that our own NABJ organization would make the decision to exclude Black media organizations from this important discussion.

The Executive Leadership Council (ELC), the sponsor of this panel, has been committed to fostering open dialogue, promoting diversity, and supporting the advancement of Black leaders in various industries, including media. To be clear, it has been the joint decision of the ELC, and all panelists and moderators, to cancel the session and not participate in the conference this year.

We want to emphasize that this decision was not taken lightly, and we regret any inconvenience it may cause those attendees who were looking forward to our panel discussion. We remain dedicated to promoting diverse opinions and support-

TO HOST DONALD TRUMP

ing the voices of Black leaders in media. I must emphatically state that I disagree with the decision of the leadership of NABJ to develop a panel featuring one presidential candidate – in this case, Donald Trump – in a session that does not include any Black media organizations and for that matter, Black male journalists. It appears that this panel was developed to accommodate the presumed Republican nominee and not potentially ask any of the difficult questions to garner responses that Black people want, need and deserve to hear. In fact, this decision was, indeed, one of folly and cowardice and not in keeping with the historic tradition of

NABJ and Black media as a whole. I am withdrawing from this session to take a stand. We must be ready and willing to walk in in harm’s way in order to move Black people—and our nation— forward.

I appreciate your understanding and continued support as we navigate and monitor this situation. BLACK ENTERPRISE remains unwavering in our commitment to the advancement of Black leadership and promotion of meaningful dialogue. We look forward to future opportunities to engage with our communities.

— Earl “Butch” Graves Jr.

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)

Black Folks Are Receiving Delayed Diagnoses: 6 Ways to Advocate for Yourself

by Dominique Lambright, BlackDoctor.org

In an era where healthcare should be equitable for all, it is disheartening to acknowledge the delayed diagnoses that plague the Black community. This issue is deeply rooted in a multitude of factors, including the lack of representation, misdiagnosis, healthcare accessibility, stigma surrounding seeking medical help, implicit biases, and uncooperative attitudes toward diagnosis and treatment. As an advocate for yourself, it is crucial to take charge of your healthcare journey. Here are six powerful ways you can do just that.

Lack Of Representation Impacts The Accuracy & Timeliness Of Diagnosing

Knowledge is your greatest ally in a system where accuracy and timeliness are often compromised. Take the time to research and understand your symptoms, potential diagnoses, and treatment options. This will equip you with the information necessary to communicate effectively with healthcare professionals and properly address your concerns. It is no secret that the underrepresenta-

tion of Black voices in medical settings has detrimental consequences. Advocate for yourself by demanding diverse healthcare providers and medical teams. Seek out physicians who not only possess the expertise you need but also understand and respect your unique experiences as a Black individual.

Misdiagnosis & Symptom Recognition

Incorrect diagnosis might result in major health problems and protracted suffering for the patient. If you obtain a diagnosis that does not correspond with your symptoms or your gut instinct, you should not

be hesitant to seek a second point of view. Up until you obtain an accurate diagnosis, you should put your faith in your gut impulses and advocate for yourself.

Healthcare Accessibility

Accessibility continues to be a major obstacle for many Black people who are looking for medical treatment. To overcome these obstacles, you should take preventative measures and investigate the resources that are accessible to you. Find community health clinics, not-for-profit organizations, and government programs that provide healthcare services that are either inexpensive or free of charge. The limits of your financial situation should never put your health at risk.

Stigma Surrounding Seeking Medical Help

There is no need to stigmatize the act of seeking medical assistance. To question the ideas that society has about mental and physical health, the time has come to have an open conversation about these issues. If you want to break down the hurdles that prohibit people of African descent from getting timely and essential medical assistance, you should share your experiences, urge others to do the same,

National Black Child Development Institute

and tear down those barriers. Together, we have the power to eliminate the stigma that is associated with Black health.

Implicit Biases

You should assert your rights because implicit prejudices may creep into the brains of medical personnel, which can harm the accuracy and timeliness of diagnosis. As a patient, you should advocate for yourself by demanding your rights for yourself. Ask questions, be forceful, and insist on receiving the treatment that you are entitled to. It is important to keep in mind that you can advocate for your own health and make certain that your worries about your health are taken seriously.

Uncooperative Attitudes Towards Diagnosis & Treatment

Black people deserve prompt and accurate diagnoses, free from the barriers and biases that hinder their healthcare journey. By educating yourself, demanding representation, questioning misdiagnoses, overcoming healthcare barriers, overpowering stigma, and asserting your rights, you can actively advocate for yourself and empower others within the community. Let us unite in the fight for equitable and timely healthcare for all.

What Every Black Child Needs in the World

The National Black Child Development Institute is the only national organization focused solely on the unique attributes and needs of Black children, birth through age 8. We exist to fight for the creation of an equitable and just future for Black children and families.

We mobilize communities and ignite movements on the strength of Black excellence. NBCDI is engaged in the process of building the world into which Black children deserve to be born. The work of building a future in which Black people exist is ours to design, and we take seriously the charge to lay the bricks and smooth the mortar to implement ideas that will change the world for Black children and families.

We work to foster a sense of community and belonging, where Black children feel supported and valued. In collaboration with our national Village Network, we amplify the strengths and talents of Black children and mobilize advocates in local communities who address their needs. We also serve as a convener, bringing together advocates, practitioners, policymakers, and stakeholders who share our mission. Our Eight Essential Outcomes provide a framework for Black child develop-

ment from birth through age 8.

We Envision a World in Which Every Black Child… Is Born at a Healthy Weight

When Black children are born between 5.5 and 8 pounds, they are more likely to lead healthy lives.

Is Seen as a Child

When Black children are perceived as children, their self-expression and imaginative exploration are protected. Attends a School That Affirms and Expands Them

When Black children participate in schools that support who they are, it expands the potential for who they can become.

Has Books and Toys That Reflect Who They Are and Can Be

When Black children see characters and read stories that reflect who they are, their positive self-identity and self-esteem improve, as well as their empathy and understanding of their own and other cultures.

Lives and Plays in a Safe Community

When Black children grow up in a safe and supportive physical and social environment, they experience a sense of community that promotes long-term resilience.

Breathes Clean Air and Drinks Clean Water

When Black children have sustained access to clean air and water, they can develop into strong and healthy adults.

Hangs Out on a Safe and Appropriate Internet

When Black children engage with digital content that is both safe and developmentally appropriate, learning is fun, and they build digital skills.

Enjoys Meals with Vegetables

When Black children have access to culturally relevant meals that provide them with the nutrition they need to grow while honoring their culture, they are more likely to maintain their health and well-being.

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

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

SEYMOUR HOUSING AUTHORITY

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

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

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

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

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.

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***

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

Bids wills

ConnCORP

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

Fence Installers: Large CT Fence & Guardrail 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 10-12 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.

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

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

VIVIENDAS DE ALQUILER PRE-SOLICITUDES DISPONIBLES

Union Company seeks:

Police Officer full-time

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

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.

242-258 Fairmont Ave

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

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

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

Invitation to Bid: 2nd Notice

SAYEBROOKE VILLAGE

Senior Sales Representative Wanted

Old Saybrook, CT (4 Buildings, 17 Units)

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

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.

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

pay)

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

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

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

Listing: Technician Apprentice

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

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

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

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, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

VALENTINA MACRI

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

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

Salary Range: $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

APPLY NOW!

Federal Program Subsidized Housing Waiting List Opening Notice (1 bedroom – Elderly Only)

Starting Aug. 12, 2024, at 8:30 a.m. through Aug. 19, 2024, at 4:30 p.m. the Housing Authority of the City of Bristol (BHA) will accept pre-applications for the 1-bedroom at Bonnie Acres, JFK Apartments and Gaylord Towers. This waitlist is for Elderly (62 and over). All properties are rent subsidized, and rent is based on the tenant’s income. To get qualification information on how to apply, go to our BHA website at www.bristolhousing.org or the United Way 211 website at www.cthcvp.org.

We are an equal housing provider and we do not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, marital or familial status.

(1 dormitorio)

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

The State of Connecticut, Office of Policy and Management is recruiting for a Labor Relations Associate

Further information regarding the duties, eligibility requirements and application instructions are available at:

A partir del 12 de agosto del 2024 a las 8:30 a. m. hasta el 19 de agosto del 2024 a las 4:30 p. m., la Autoridad de Vivienda de la Ciudad de Bristol (BHA) aceptará presolicitudes para unidades de 1 dormitorios en Bonnie Acres, JKF Apartments y Gaylord Towers. Esta lista es para personas mayores de 62 años o más. Todas estas propiedades son de renta subsidiada y la renta es basada en el ingreso del aquilino. Para obtener información de calificación y cómo aplicar, visite nuestra página web de BHA, www. bristolhousing.org o la página web de United Way 211, www.cthcvp.org. Somos un proveedor de vivienda equitativa y no discriminamos por motivos de raza, color, origen nacional, religión, sexo, orientación sexual real o percibida, identidad de género, discapacidad, estado civil o familiar.

Lineman – Electric Utility

Invitation to Bid: 2nd Notice

SAYEBROOKE

https://www.jobapscloud.com/CT/ sup/bulpreview.asp?b=&R1= 240723&R2=0190MP&R3=001

The Town of Wallingford Electric Division is seeking highly skilled applicants for First Class Lineman. Applicants must be a H.S, trade school, or vocational high school graduate with 4 years’ experience in electric line construction/maintenance work with experience working with energized 13,800-volt equipment. Must possess and maintain a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) to operate equipment. Current wages: $48.41 to $54.27 hourly which will increase to $51.88 to $57.67 hourly on 9/1/2024.

VILLAGE

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

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

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

The Town offers an excellent fringe benefits package that includes pension plan, paid sick and vacation time, individual and family medical insurance, life insurance, 13 paid holidays, and voluntary deferred compensation plan. To apply online by the August 22, 2024 closing date, please visit: www.wallingfordct.gov/ government/departments/human-resources/. Applications are also available at the Department of Human Resources located in Room #301 of the Town Hall, 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492. Phone: (203) 294-2080; Fax: (203) 294-2084. EOE

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

Maintenance

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

maintenance person for ground

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

Position requires flexible work schedule. Some heavy lifting required. Must have a valid driver’s license to run errands in company vehicle. Computer knowledge a plus. Send resume to HR Department, hrdept@eastriverenergy. com, 401 Soundview Road, Guilford,

Aviso de Apertura de Lista de Espera de Vivienda Subsidiada del Programa Federal

Project FREEDOM Unveiled to Combat Controversial Project 2025

President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have repeatedly warned in campaign speeches that if Donald Trump wins a second term, he plans to use the conservative blueprint to exert unprecedented presidential power, eliminate the Department of Education and federal housing assistance, and significantly cut or restrict food stamps and other social welfare programs.

NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

@StacyBrownMedia

A group of well-known Black Democratic leaders unveiled Project FREEDOM, a fresh strategy to combat Project 2025, a contentious 922-page plan to reform the federal government put forth by a conservative Washington think tank and other political allies.

President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have repeatedly warned in campaign speeches that if Donald Trump wins a second term, he plans to use the conservative blueprint to exert unprecedented presidential power, eliminate the Department of Education and federal housing assistance, and significantly cut or restrict food stamps and other social welfare programs.

Trump has tried to distance himself from Project 2025, calling some of the proposals “seriously extreme,” but its architects helped shape his Republican Party platform. Project FREEDOM, the organizers said in a virtual news conference, is designed to engage Black voters in four key battleground areas.

In the plan, the group says it aims to mobilize voters of color through town halls, community events, digital campaigns, and phone banks in Michigan, North Carolina, Las Vegas, and the Pennsylvania/Tri-State area.

Project FREEDOM aims to provide voters with a substantial policy agenda for Democrats ahead of the November election, offering a clear and precise contrast to Project 2025. Organizers say Project FREEDOM is based on four pillars: Freedom to Live, Freedom to Learn, Freedom to Vote, and Freedom to Thrive.

“When people show you who they really are, you have a responsibility to

speak your Truth. Project FREEDOM is our opportunity to speak in one collective voice and say, ‘This will not stand,” said Rev. Michael McBride, co-founder of Black Church PAC and the National Black Brown Gun Violence Prevention Consortium, which work to center Black and brown gun violence prevention practitioners and scale up life-saving

interventions related to urban and communal violence.

They said Freedom to Live is born from the idea that the Black community should be able to “live freely and without fear.” Organizers are calling for the passage of the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, which Republicans in the U.S. Senate have stalled. “The way to

really engage voters to go to the polls is to make sure they know we’re not just going for a celebratory vote. Instead, we’re going to the polls with our bag of demands with us,” said Tamika Mallory, co-founder of Until Freedom, an intersectional social justice organization.

Mallory emphasized the need to address income inequality, educational

challenges, and police violence. She referenced the case of Sonya Massey, an unarmed 36-year-old Black woman and mother of two, who was fatally shot by former deputy Sean Grayson in her Illinois home. Grayson’s troubled history in law enforcement, including prior disciplinary issues, highlights systemic problems in policing that Project FREEDOM aims to address.

Meanwhile, Freedom to Thrive calls for expanding the Child Tax Credit, increasing the federal minimum wage to match inflation, and a pilot program for Universal Basic Income in low-income communities nationwide. Additionally, Freedom to Learn focuses on education, including canceling student debt and protecting Black American history in public schools. Freedom to Vote aims to strengthen voting rights, advocate for the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act’s passage, and reshape the U.S. Supreme Court.

Michael Blake, founder of Project FREEDOM and CEO of KAIROS Democracy Project, emphasized the urgency of the initiative. “Our democracy is under siege by a man and political machine that put themselves above all those in whom they detect ‘otherness,’” said Blake a former vice chair of the Democratic Party.

“We cannot afford to forget the pain inflicted on our people throughout Donald Trump’s administration, and we certainly cannot afford the destructiveness a second term would normalize,” Blake stated.

Project FREEDOM officials said, “Make no mistake: Communities of color are the frontline communities targeted by the poison that is Project 2025’s Christian Nationalist vision for the future, and Project FREEDOM is the antidote.”

Three Friends Launch Black-Owned Line of "Ghetto" Poptarts and Pancake Mix Now Sold in Target

by Dante Lee, Blacknews.com

Ghetto Gastro, a Black-owned Brooklyn-based brand created by entrepreneurs

Jon Gray, Pierre Serrao, and Lester Walker, is now selling their line of "ghetto" pop-tarts (toaster pastries) and pancake and waffle mix in Target stores nationwide. The name of their brand, however, has caused some controversy because some people feel that the word "ghetto" should not be made synonymous with Black culture.

But the three founders don't quite see it that way. They've notably defined their own lane, merging food, fashion, music, art, and design.

According to their website: "We’re a

flavor company. We layer flavor the same way hip hop layers samples and interpolations: as a way to expand, comment, shake up, share, and revel in our collective memory. To us, 'Ghetto' means innovation. It’s in our name as a reminder of why we do what we do and who we do it to honor the under-represented, underestimated, and too often ignored."

They say that the Bronx New York City serves as their home, muse, and a driver of global culture. It’s where Caribbean, Latin, Asian, and African cultures seamlessly thrive together, often creating new flavors of their own – including us.

They describe themselves as storytellers, food enthusiasts, vibe curators, activists, artists, historians, entrepreneurs, and

everything in between the lines. "We create experiences and products that champion race, identity, and economic empowerment," they add.

Their line of toaster pastries is available in many flavors including strawberry, raspberry, apple cinnamon, and peanut butter & jelly. Their line of pancake and waffle mixes are available in an original flavor as well as strawberry and sweet potato. In addition, they also have various flavors of syrups available in maple cider and spicy maple.

Learn more about their brand at their official website at GhettoGastro.com or buy their products on Target.com Also, be sure to connect with their brand on Instagram @GhettoGastro

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!

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.