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34 Summer Grads Get Their Diplomas

After completing a month’s worth of summer high school credit recovery courses, 34 more New Haven Public Schools (NHPS) students including Wilbur Cross’s Isaila Mendez officially joined the graduating Class of 2024.

“I’m glad I didn’t give up,” she said with pride, diploma in hand and surrounded by family. “And I’m glad my mom didn’t let me give up, because I wanted to.”

District leaders and families celebrated those newly minted grads Wednesday during a summer school commencement ceremony held at Metropolitan Business Academy.

Members of the summer cohort received diplomas from Engineering and Science University Magnet School, Hill Regional Career High School, NHPS’ Gateway to College Program, James Hillhouse, Wilbur Cross, and New Haven Academy.

The summer program for credit recovery was hosted at Metro from July 1 to July 31, and allowed students to make up courses they had previously failed that prevented them from joining their peers at graduation ceremonies in June.

“You could’ve easily given up when you realized you were not getting to the finish line in June,” NHPS Supt. Madeline Negron told the graduates on Wednesday. But instead, each of the students overcame their challenges and seized the opportunities before them.

Families and friends cheered in Metro’s cafeteria for the graduates suited up in blue, red, or purple gowns as they each gave brief shoutouts to family, friends, teachers, and counselors who helped them along their journeys. Several students gave specific thanks to their moms for “always being there for me.”

Wednesday’s keynote speaker was New Haven Police Department Sgt. Ameer Williams, a New Haven native who shared with the crowd his journey from selling drugs in high school to incarceration to getting his record expunged and then becoming a police officer.

Williams said he was convicted in 1999, and served five years in prison and then three years on probation. It all began his senior year, when he started selling weed and crack cocaine, he said. He participated in college programs while in prison and upon his release was granted a pardon in 2012. He joined the police force in 2014 and was promoted to sergeant in 2021. Over the past ten years, Williams has helped over 600 individuals to receive pardons not just in Connecticut, but in Virginia and New York as well.

Now 47 years old, Williams told the class of 2024 Wednesday that he no longer is the person who had 13 felonies at once. He advised the students to “surround yourself with people that are gonna tell you, ‘no’ ” and “people who are going to tell you when you’re doing the

wrong things.”

Cross graduate Isaila Mendez, 17, said Wednesday’s celebration made her proud of herself despite initially feeling bummed she didn’t graduate with her full Cross class. “I was kind of sad I didn’t receive it in June but I still graduated and made it,” she said.

As her younger brother, mom and her mom’s girlfriend cheered her on from the crowd, Mendez thanked her mom for not letting her give up.

She described falling behind in high school and having a tough time after transferring from high school in Stamford to New Haven.

Mendez was raised in New Haven but moved to Stamford for high school then moved back to New Haven and attended Cross for her senior year.

She said while she had support at Cross, she still fell through the cracks this year because it wasn’t enough. While attending summer school to retrieve her final credit in English, she said the supports doubled from teaching staff to administration.

“These teachers really pushed me and if I didn’t come they texted me. They even sent me my work and made sure I did it,” she recalled.

Mendez added that the experience was also better during summer school because her English class, which was larger than the previous one she failed at Cross, had two teachers and a teacher in training to support all students.

“I’m glad I didn’t give up and I’m glad my mom didn’t let me give up, because I wanted to,” she said.

Mendez will next enlist in the Army. Her advice to those heading into senior year is to ask for help and use your village.

Cross graduate Amaury Cooper, 18, also

only needed one English credit to graduate. He said that was due to him slacking and not taking high school serious his freshman and sophomore years. It wasn’t until it was too late that he realized catching up was harder than he expected.

“I thought high school was going to be easy. It wasn’t easy and then once I real-

said. That’s due to having a week between the end of the school year and the start of summer school. Cooper struggled to adjust back to early mornings and a routine of getting to school.

“At first I didn’t want to be here at all. I was waking up late, getting here late, I didn’t want to do none of the work. But then I really just realized if I don’t do this, no diploma means I’ll get nowhere in life,” he said.

During summer school, Cooper was able to make a stronger bond with his English teacher than he did when taking English at Cross. His summer teacher showed him they care, he said, and that gave him to motivation to finish.

After securing the white diploma sleeve reading Wilbur Cross High School Wednesday, Cooper said it helped to give him motivation that he can achieve anything going forward.

His advice to high schoolers Wednesday was to focus on graduating on time. He next plans to follow his family’s footsteps and enlist in the Army.

The sole student to graduate from NHPS’ Gateway to College Program Wednesday was 19-year-old Lauryn Bines. The Gateway to College program is a Gateway Community College-based program for students with outstanding high school credits who for a variety of reasons are not succeeding in a traditional high school setting.

Students like Bines instead take their high school courses at Gateway to fulfill their high school requirements and gain exposure to college-level courses. Bines, who previously attended Amistad High School, said Gateway offered her “way more support” and made her feel welcomed immediately. The college setting helped her to also get back on track because it motivated her to attend a college next.

This year Bines found herself “in a hole and trying to get out,” but struggling to do so on her own.

She also struggled because her freshman and sophomore years were impacted by the Covid pandemic, which limited her access to getting support while remote. “It was going good until Covid hit. When Covid hit that’s when it went down for me,” she recalled.

As things continued to get rocky, she said, she sought out programs that could help.

ized it wasn’t easy, but I realized it was easy to skip, I was always skipping,” he recalled.

He added that throughout his high school journey many of his friends and family members were telling him he would never get his diploma.

Summer school also wasn’t the easiest, he

The credits she needed to graduate Wednesday were for Civics and English. While taking those courses at Gateway, she said, “they don’t just give you the work and tell you to do it, they actually help you.”

Her concluding advice to high schoolers Wednesday was to take school seriously because “you got no time to waste. It’s so easy to slip and fall behind and it’s kind of hard to get back up.”

At Wednesday's summer school commencement.
Lauryn Bines: "Failure wasn't an option.”
MAYA MCFADDEN PHOTOS Newly minted Wilbur Cross grad Isaila Mendez, with supportive family.
The new haven independent

Elicker Taps Former Foe Brennan To Refocus LCI

Former mayoral challenger Liam Brennan will have the chance to enact the “philosophy sea change” he called for last year in the Livable City Initiative (LCI) — as the department’s new director starting Monday.

Meanwhile, current LCI Director Arlevia Samuel is moving to a new position in the city focused on spurring affordable housing development.

Mayor Justin Elicker announced those appointments at a City Hall press conference at Friday afternoon.

Samuel will start on Monday working as a deputy in the Economic Development department helming a new “Housing and Administrative Services division” created in the Fiscal Year 2024 – 25 (FY 25) budget.

Meanwhile, 2023 mayoral candidate Brennan — whom Elicker hired in April as a consultant on how LCI should change course, after raising critiques of the department during his campaign — will take over Samuel’s role as LCI director. Their appointments are the the latest step in the administration’s effort to refocus LCI on code and anti-blight enforcement for existing housing units, while shuffling the department’s affordable housing creation initiatives to a new division under the aegis of economic development.

“We need people waking up every sin-

New LCI head Liam Brennan and

gle day laser-focused on two equally important goals,” said Elicker, referring to LCI’s new focus on residents’ current living conditions as well as efforts to build new affordable units.

Brennan, an attorney who previously served as Hartford’s inspector general, said he will continue to work on the report he was hired to produce as a consultant on how the Livable City Initiative can be streamlined and improved as a department. But his $15,000-per-month consult-

ing contract will end once he starts as the department head on Monday.

When asked about any new ideas they plan to prioritize in their new roles, both Brennan and Samuel said they plan to “build on” work that LCI has already been undertaking.

Asked about LCI’s challenges in enforcing the city’s mandatory landlord licensing program, Brennan said that he’s been speaking with both city lawyers and LCI staff members about possible improve-

ments to that program. He said he could not provide any specific ideas at this time.

Elicker mentioned a forthcoming forthcoming new “dashboard” with status updates on housing code inspections as one soon-to-materialize initiative, as well as the hiring of five new housing code inspectors approved for the FY 25 budget.

Brennan said he hopes to “simplify our procedures” and focus on the big-picture value that “fair housing is at the root of human dignity.”

Samuel has served as LCI’s director for nearly four years. She has spent her career both in local government and in private real estate. She described her role transition as “bittersweet,” saying that she’ll miss working with many of her LCI colleagues, though some are following her to form the new, 11-person Housing and Administrative Services division.

She reflected on her efforts to expand LCI’s outreach and presence at community events. “We went from a not-so-loved agency” to an agency with more public awareness and a better reputation, she said. “We care.”

She named the planned redevelopments of Union Station and the former Church Street South housing complex as two of the projects she’s excited to continue working on.

According to Elicker, the city has 3,500 new housing units “in the pipeline.”

Ward 3 Alder Resigns Amid Controversy

Apologizing for “disappointing” the community, Hill Alder Ron Hurt has stepped down from his elected post — as well as his visible community organizing role — in the wake of a controversy involving his former job at a drug rehabilitation facility.

Hurt wrote his resignation letter Thursday evening to Mayor Justin Elicker and Board of Alders President Tyisha WalkerMyers.He is in his fourth term as alder. He also plays a prominent role in the UNITE HERE-affiliated New Haven Rising activist group.

“It has become clear to me that I can no longer be the effective leader that my neighbors or my city need me to be,” Hurt wrote.

“It has also become clear to me that I must take more time to focus on the challenges in my own life, and to focus on providing the support that my family needs in this moment.

“I understand that I have disappointed many people in my community. I apologize.”

Hurt wrote that he “will cease my efforts in community organizing immediately” in addition to resigning as alder.

Board Majority Leader Richard Furlow informed the full board of the news in an email message sent Friday around 9 a.m. “Alder Ron Hurt (W3) has resigned from the Board of Alders effective immediately. We wish him all the best in his future endeavors,” Furlow wrote.

Under the charter, the city is to hold a special election within 45 days for Ward 3 voters to choose Hurt’s replacement. Hurt resigned three days after the Independent reported about his firing from a therapist position at the now-shuttered drug rehab center, Retreat Behavioral health, after a months-long sexual and romantic relationship between him and a patient came to light. (Read more about that here.)

Hurt did not return a call Friday seeking comment about his decision to resign. Board of President Walker-Myers told the Independent that she’s thankful to Hurt for his years of service. “We wish him well in his future endeavors,” WalkerMyers said.

Mayor Elicker said Hurt made the “right decision” to resign. He said he found details in the Independent story about Hurt’s relationship at Retreat “concerning.”

Hurt, who’s 52, also serves as an elder at Pentecostal Deliverance Temple

Church, which is in Ward 3. He identified himself as a “clinical team lead” at Retreat, a for-profit rehab center on the Boulevard. Retreat, which operated in three states, abruptly closed all its facilities in June amid a train wreck of executive suicides, corporate debt, mass layoffs, and the sudden discharge of all

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patients.

Hurt had had a relationship with a patient who had checked into Retreat for one month for opioid addiction treatment. Hurt exchanged numbers with the patient inside Retreat’s facility. The pair entered a sexual relationship within weeks of the patient’s discharge from the inpatient program, while the patient was still enrolled in outpatient treatment at Retreat, according to the patient.

The relationship lasted over six months, according to the patient, who was 25 years old at the time. The relationship violated core ethical and professional norms in the addiction treatment field, according to former Retreat employees, a representative of the Connecticut Association for Addiction Professionals, and the Association for Addiction Professionals’ national code of ethics.

After the relationship came to administrators’ attention, Retreat fired Hurt in October 2023, according to two employees with knowledge of the situation.

“There’s really nothing to talk about. It was a matter that happened with me personally,” Hurt said when previously asked by the Independent about the incident. “I don’t think that was a power dynamic.”

Tom Breen contributed reporting.

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LAURA GLESBY PHOTOS
former LCI head, new housing development czar Arlevia Samuel.
BREEN FILE PHOTO Ron Hurt.
The new haven independent
The new haven independent

All Aboard To Camp Farnam

Five-year-old Kency used binoculars for the first time and spotted an (inflatable) bald eagle, while fourth graders Nathan and Gabriel played one-on-one basketball all at a 72-acre outdoor camp site a half hour away from their daily summer camp’s New Haven home.

That was the scene as over 100 summer campers from Fair Haven School took their second trip this month on Tuesday morning to Camp Farnam in Durham.

After a 30-minute bus ride to the Clifford Beers-run camp site, students and their summer educators separated into small groups to experience as much of the site as possible.

Students arrived on five buses Tuesday with backpacks full of bathing suits, towels, and extra clothes.

Under a pavilion some groups kickstarted their morning with arts and crafts by making bird houses and personalizing caps and t-shirts. Others got their faces painted or danced to tunes that rumbled throughout the surrounding trees.

Around 10:40 a.m., kindergarteners and first graders wandered over to a smaller pavilion where members of the New Haven Bird Club taught them how to watch and identify birds in nature.

The five-year-olds shared two sets of binoculars to spot the small creatures that they could hear but not always see. In the distance the kids spotted cutouts of blue jays and cardinals through the binoculars.

“I see it! A blue bird!” Kency called out with binoculars in hand.

Then she went to flip over dozens of rocks in search of ants to capture for the birds to have a tasty snack.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the camp, rising fourth graders and best friends Gabriel and Nathan played on the basketball court in an attempt to calm their excitement before heading to the pool later in the day.

The duo have played basketball together since they met in the first grade. They’ve also been attending summer camp at Fair Haven School throughout July, which they said was fun and “taught us how to be smart.”

For both of their first times at Camp Farnam Tuesday, Nathan said he looked forward to exploring a new place with his best fiend. “There’s so much to explore here and it’s making us smarter,” he said.

They eagerly waited on the court for it to be their group’s turn to play in the pool.

Another hobby the duo enjoy: swimming.

“We don’t have much money to pay for this pool. It’s huge,” Nathan said.

He concluded that he wishes he could spend forever in the pool playing with his best friend.

Others on the court played with jump ropes, hula hoops, and tossed footballs to each other.

An estimated 1,500 New Haven Public School students visited camp Farnam throughout the July summer programming, reported Assistant Superintendent Keisha Redd-Hannans. That’s five times the number of NHPS students that would visit the camp in the past for a six week all-day partnership with Camp Farnam for 300 NHPS students.

This year all ten K‑8 NHPS summer camps visited Camp Farnam twice.

This is the first time NHPS has offered field trips during its summer program, Redd Hannans added. Next year, she hopes to extend the time for students’ visits to the camp to beyond an hour. She noted that for families to enjoy Camp Farnam on their own, it can cost between $300 and $400 a week.

“It’s important to get kids outdoors and get that movement in,” Redd-Hannans said.

Program director Marcquis Knox said Camp Farnam is the oldest community center in Connecticut. It aims to provide

inner city youth with the chance to discover new and interesting hands-on activities through arts, swimming, walking trails, double dutch, four square, basketball, martial arts, fencing, and more.

As a group of students headed to the pool Tuesday, one called out “I wanna play tag in the pool!”

Once suited up and in the pool, students played basketball in the pool’s hoop and had a contest to see who could hold their breath the longest.

Camp director Aisha Knox said she hopes for next year’s NHPS visits to be longer to allow her to introduce the students to all Camp Farnam has to offer such as its trails and camp store to buy goodies with “funny money,” which is the camp’s form of money earned by either helping someone in need, learning something new, and/or using kind words.

Under the pavilion was Camp Farnam counselor and mindfulness leader Melanie Mesa, who painted hearts, basketballs, football players, and butterflies on students faces.

Signage on the pavilion walls read messages like “mindfulness matters” and “school is cool knowledge rules.” Mesa is a Hillhouse graduate who grew up in New Haven and also attended Truman through the 5th grade then Betsy Ross and Wilbur Cross for her first three years of high school. This fall she will enter her sophomore year at Central Connecticut State University with a major in social work.

This year is her second one working as a spring and summer facilitator at Camp Farnam. For her first time Tuesday she painted students’ faces after finding the paint kits in the camps arts and crafts supplies.

For some students, Mesa said, having fun is not always an everyday occurrence during school or summer camp. But it’s impossible to not have fun at Camp Farnam she said.

She recalled not having such opportunities while in middle school to expose her to new places (especially not a half hour away), activities, and NHPS students of different ages.

The closest she got was an end-of-year field day celebration at her school.

“If I got to come here it would of made a huge difference,” she said. “It has everything, so it’s something to look forward to in summer.”

Now a counselor, Mesa aims for the youth she works with to have a funfilled day that creates lifelong memories and introduces them to new hobbies like bird watching, swimming, or mindfulness.

Camp farnam mindfulness team Melanie Mesa, Alexa Elias, and Aisha Knox.
MAYA MCFADDEN PHOTOS Kency’s first attempt at bird watching ...
... face painting, and so much more, at Camp Farnam on Tuesday.
The new haven independent

Family Fun Comes To The Heart of the Hill

Nine-year-old Justice Cokley was pulled in all directions when he arrived at Roberto Clemente School on a recent Wednesday. From one part of the school’s sprawling field, he could see kids streaming into a bounce house, laughter bubbling up inside. In another, families grabbed free popsicles and ice cream sandwiches from the ice cream truck Delicioso CoCo Helado. A third, and people popped into the On The Spot entertainment truck, ready to make friends through video games.

On a sticky July Wednesday, Justice was one of over 100 people at the City of New Haven’s Family Fun Day, a weekly event that has become, in the last four years, something of a citywide summer tradition. Hosted by the city’s Youth and Recreation Department (YARD) and funded with pandemic relief dollars, the actionpacked afternoons are meant to give students a safe space to gather and enjoy themselves when school is not in session. The afternoons include free food, hair styling stations, bounce houses, a water slide, gaming spots and a water table from the Regional Water Authority. Two remain: August 7 at East Rock Park, and August 14 at Scantlebury Park. All are on Wednesdays between 2:30 and 5:30 p.m.

“We wanna make sure we're spreading the love,” said Ronald “Ronnie” Huggins, deputy director at YARD. “We love that Roberto is in the heart of the Hill, there's

such a diverse population over here and we love the fact that there are three schools within a block radius. So we’re able to engage a lot of students.”

On a recent Wednesday, the magic of the afternoon came alive for Justice, a student in New Haven (he did not want to share the name of his elementary school) looking for something to do over the

summer. “I'm here today for this wonderful full day … there's food trucks everywhere,” he said. “My favorite part of this day is the free food.”

Family Fun Day isn’t just for kids, others pointed out. Rising High School in the Community (HSC) senior Josiah Veloza was at the event playing soccer with incoming Yale freshman Jonathan Calde-

ron.

“We both play for Vision FC [Football Club], it's a team my friend made and he recruited us so we could play matches,”

Calderon said. “We were just here practicing and before we knew it there were people everywhere. Free food, entertainment and information, I hope they do it again here.”

The fun extended to several of the vendors. Based in West Haven, On The Spot Is owned by brothers Joel and Adrian Pate, and has for multiple years brought entertainment to the Family Fun days across New Haven. Wednesday, teens packed into the game truck, playing NBA 2K24, WWE 2K24, Fortnite, Nickelodeon Cart Races all on the PS5 and Xbox Series for people of all ages to enjoy with their friends.

“Feels good to help the community and let the kids enjoy it. Some kids don't have that type of game system at home so they can come out and enjoy it here,” Joel Pate said.

Hot 93.7’ s Jenny Boom Boom and DJ Meechie were also at the event, there to get out into the community and meet their listeners. Both said the sight of families together brings them joy.

“You can't beat it, it's a great positive event for the city of NH, so of course we want to be a part of it,” Jenny Boom Boom said.

Meanwhile, Jimmy Nigretti kept the hot dogs coming. Normally parked in front of

City Hall, Nigretti runs Joe Does It Best Hotdogs. The business stretches back to the 1980s, when he first bought a truck in New York. He’s been in New Haven for decades.

As a self-described hot dog expert, he was excited to help with Family Fun Day because he loves introducing his flavors to potential new and familiar customers alike.

“I try my best, I look my best, because I am the best!” he said. New york cart, got this cart from NY,” said Nigretti As he watched the crowd grow, Huggins took it all in.

“All of our vendors are from New Haven, so we want to make sure that we show love across the city,” he said. “This is what it’s about. Kids can come out here and have a good time, while at the same time families can come out and get access to information.”

He shouted out the Livable City Initiative (LCI) and other city departments that had turned out, and will be at the event each week. “[Our] community partners that are out here to make sure that families have what they need to be successful through the summer.”

This article comes from the 2024 Cohort of the Youth Arts Journalism Initiative. Abraham Perez Orozco is a rising senior at Hill Regional Career High School, where he is student council presidentelect.

Senate Passes Blumenthal’s Kids Online Safety Act With Bipartisan Support

Calling it a “moving and historic day,”

US Sens. Richard Blumenthal and Marsha Blackburn, R-Tennessee, are celebrating the Senate’s passage this week of their bipartisan Kids Online Safety Act, which was part of a package that also included the Children’s and Teens Online Privacy Protection Act.

The legislation’s passage through the Senate is a victory and step forward for parents and advocates who have been demanding changes from giant social media companies to better protect children from bullying, human trafficking, sexual exploitation, addiction, self harm, and suicide while also broadening privacy protections through the separate bill that was attached through a procedural vote last week.

The Kids Online Safety Act, which was originally introduced in February 2022, is the first significant reform for tech companies since 1998. It was written following news reports that led to a series of five subcommittee public hearings on repeated failures by the nation’s largest social media companies to protect children on

their platforms. Blumenthal and Blackburn this week conducted a news conference along with parents holding photos of the children they’ve lost to suicide or viral challenges based on interactions with others on social media.

The bill still needs to pass through the Republican-controlled House of Representatives. It was uncertain Wednesday as to whether Speaker of the House Mike Johnson would call the legislation for debate or a vote. However, if the House passes the bill and President Joe Biden signs it, the new law will require social media companies to:

• Enable their strongest privacy settings by default;

• Prevent and mitigate specific dangers to minors;

• Provide parents and educators with new controls to help protect children, and;

• Require independent audits and research.

The Senate voted 91-3 in favor of the bill.

Blumenthal called it a major win for our children.

“Anyone who doubted whether we’d

reach this milestone has never met our advocates – the parents who have lost children and the young people who refused to be treated like Big Tech piggy banks,” Blumenthal said in a statement.

“Through their shared grief, these families worked with grit and grace to be some of the most dedicated and devoted advocates my colleagues have ever seen.”

Blumenthal and Blackurn both thanked Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell for moving the legislation through the Senate, as well as Commerce Committee Chair Maria Cantwell and Ranking Member Ted Cruz for their leadership getting the legislation through.

“We are excited now to work with our champions in the House of Representatives,” Blumenthal said. “I am confident that the support of our large, diverse, determined coalition will get this bill across the finish line. It will be the first internet safety reform in nearly three decades – a resounding bipartisan achievement show-

Con’t on page 13

Abraham Perez Orozco Photos.
U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal following a press conference

Hiroshima Bombing Remembered On The Green

On the morning of Aug. 6, 1945, a half dozen American aircraft arrived and hovered over Hiroshima, Japan. They included planes tracking the weather, taking pictures, and monitoring weapons systems. One carried the world’s first atomic bomb.

At 8:09 a.m. it was dropped, the first nuclear weapon ever used, wiping out a civilian population roughly the size of New Haven’s and reducing to unrecognizable rubble an area that would be about 25 percent of the Elm City today.

Roll the clock ahead nearly eight decades and, at approximately the same time Tuesday morning, 40 passionate anti-nuclear activists gathered on the New Haven Green.

Their aim: a moment of silence, music, speeches, and poetry to mark the annual vigil in remembrance of that moment and all its implications for peace and survival today.

“We have a lot of war memorials,” said Henry Lowenstein, who heads the City of New Haven Peace Commission, one of three sponsoring organizations of the event, “but few peace memorials.” Tuesday’s vigil featured participants holding posters of the blast, its horrific effects, and, as importantly, calling attention to what vast societal goods might be achieved with even a modest shifting of the huge military budgets to starved humanitarian ones.

The speakers included Jim Pandaru from another of the sponsors, Veterans for Peace, and Mary Compton of the Greater New Haven Peace Council.

Compton said that among hopeful signs in what can sometimes seem the Sisyphean struggle for nuclear disarmament, the U.S. Conference of Mayors has signed on with a resolution calling for the terminating of funding for nuclear weapons modernization — at a cost of staggering tril-

lions of dollars — and moving the money to fund human needs.

Long-time peace activist Stephen Kobasa, quoting Czech author Milan Kundera, said, “The struggle of humanity against power is the struggle of memory against forgetting.”

Former Mayor Toni Harp offered a particularly arresting perspective because, she said, her birthday is August 6.

“As a little girl I’d look on the calendar to see what else happened on the day I was born,” she recalled.

That’s how she began to learn, she said, of the horrific effects of the bomb, and its continuing effects on the earth.

The former mayor said what she personally, spiritually, gets out of attendance at such a vigil is that “it reminds me of how close we are to human destruction, especially these past few years. And how we resolve our problems through violence, and that has to change.”

What made the 79th anniversary particularly poignant, said Lowenstein, is that this is the first vigil that was not attended by Al Marder. The long-time and founding New Haven peace activist died, just shy of 102, in December, recalled Lowenstein,

“He’s here in spirit,” said Lowenstein. “As we organize, we’re mindful of his presence.”

And what would have been Al Marder’s message if he were here?

“We memorialize the wars,” Lowenstein answered, “and the dead and we fight like hell for the living. That’s what he would have said.”

On Friday, at 11:00 a.m. a similar vigil will take place, this time, at the Amistad statue adjacent to City Hall, to memorialize the dropping of the second atomic bomb, on Nagasaki.

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Former Mayor Toni Harp with Veterans for Peace member Jim Brasile, and Henry Lowenstein in background
The new haven independent

Summer Campers Dive Into Sports & STEAM

Nathaniel Joyner took a quick break from reading aloud to a group of middle schoolers to spin an imaginary basketball on his finger before passing it over to eight-year-old Damien who dribbled the “ball” between his legs, and then picked up the book to resume reading with the group.

That was the scene at a sports and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics)-focused summer camp hosted by the Floridabased ALM (Alvin L. Murry) Sports organization on Dixwell Avenue in Newhallville.

Tamiko Jackson-McArthur, the former medical director for Connecticut’s ALM franchise and a former school board member, joined forces with children’s advocate and Dixwell management team member Nina Silva, who serves as the program’s director, to expand ALM’s summer camp services to New Haven youth for a second year in a row. The camp for 5 – 14 year olds is run out of First Calvary Baptist Church at 609 Dixwell Ave. It began July 1 and runs until Aug. 23. The program has rolling admission and runs Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. The camp’s 10hour daily services cost $160 per week for families.

In the fall, the program will offer before- and after-school care. Silva and Jackson-McArthur are looking to open around Sept 3. The program will also be open during all school breaks. “Every day NHPS is closed we will be here,” Jackson-McArthur said.

On Thursday, this reporter caught up with a group of about 40 students who had just come back from the playground and splash pad at Lincoln Bassett School. Last year the camp was based out of Funz Trampoline Park in Hamden. Silva and Jackson-McArthur aimed to move into New Haven this year. They chose First Calvary, which has offered its space to the program for the summer camp and for the before- and after-school care to come this school year.

Silva said the change in location from the trampoline park has helped to provide a less overly stimulating space for the campers. She noted that this year while at First Calvary, she’s had to make fewer calls home to parents about student behavior.

Campers under eight years old brought chairs outside to the church’s back parking lot to join Joyner in reading “The Legend of Gravity: A Tall Basketball Tale” by Charly Palmer. He called up middle schoolers Damien and Aiden to read alongside him.

As they read about a new basketball player named Gravity on the Hillside Projects basketball team, the Eagles, Damien paused at a word.

“You got it, sound it out,” JacksonMcArthur called out from behind the group.

While acting out basketball moves like spinning a ball on his finger, Joyner talked with the students about the scientific force of gravity.

“He once jumped so high that his teammates went out for ice cream before he came back down,” Joyner read aloud to the group.

Across from the parking lot on Hazel Street, neighbors watched and listened along to the students reading.

Joyner and the students reenacted spinning a ball on each others’ heads and dribbling. He randomly picked students from the crowd to show the group their best moves.

Joyner read only the first 15 minutes of the story and promised to continue during his next visit. At the end of the reading he asked students at random to recall parts of the book.

During the week, the campers also make use of Amistad High School’s sports field and the Learning Corridor on the Farmington Canal trail. In late July the students went on a field trip to the movie theater and this week will visit Quassy Amusement.

This year’s camp received grant funds allowing for it to provide its youth with daily hot lunches. On Thursday at around noon, the students enjoyed spaghetti and meat balls with a side of orange slices. The students ate their lunch after a morning playing in a nearby splash pad.

Five-year-old Liannah sat at a table of other five-year-olds to eat her spaghetti. She shared that she enjoys walks to the splash pad and going on field trips by riding a bus. Despite it being Thursday, she

couldn’t help but think about a trip to the trampoline park on Friday.

Around 1 p.m, another group of young students worked with health educator Ruth Gibson during her weekly lesson on nutritional health.

During their health lesson students learned to read the ingredients on cereal boxes, pancake mix, and crackers. They learned to look for whole grains over refined grains.

The students next did a two minute work out doing several exercises for 20 seconds each.

The camp has about eight counselors that rotate between the day’s morning and afternoon shifts. It also gets support from Youth@Work students. All staff at the site are trained in CPR and first aid.

Silva added that out of the camp’s estimated 55 total students, several youth enrolled have disabilities, providing the full group with a chance to interact with the students their age.

The camps sports component is led by Metropolitan Business Academy senior Amare Jackson, 17, who plays football for Hillhouse. He said many of the students in the camp have a passion for football and running. He typically organizes relay races for the campers in the park or field on a daily basis.

Every day after working at the ALM camp, Jackson then goes to practice for a University of New Haven (UNH) football camp until 9 p.m.

Jackson-McArthur noted that the camp is working to collect tennis rackets to introduce tennis to the campers in the future.

Jackson said his role as lead of sports allows him to offer the youth a chance to learn different skill sets and “maybe start them on a new journey of sports.”

Another camp leader Chris Scott has helped Silva and Jackson-McArthur to run the program since its start last year. Scott noted that the new space at First Calvary has been better for the campers because it was difficult to calm the students down when at the trampoline park. “It just makes it so we can really dive into STEM and focus on helping them build up their foundational skills like the ABC’s,” he said.

Last year was Scott’s first year working with youth and he recalled thinking “I didn’t know I was good with kids.” He aims for all campers to learn more independence, leadership skills, and be prepared to return back to school. “The kids are the future so you have to make sure they have good morals instilled in them,” he said.

At the end of August the program will host a friends and family day celebration on Aug. 24 to celebrate the conclusion of the summer session at First Calvary around 1 p.m.

MAYA MCFADDEN PHOTO Nathaniel Joyner and Damien, reading side by side at summer camp.
Five year old Liannah looking forward to more field trips.
Campers read food box labels Thursday.
The new haven independent

“New Sheriff” Chris Alvarado Is In (Fair Haven) Town

Fifteen-year NHPD veteran Sgt. Chris Alvarado has already seen the estimated 5 percent or so percent of Fair Haven that is troubled by drug dealing and serious crime. As the newly arrived district manager, he’s excited to be discovering the rest.

Alvarado got to know that 5 percent through his previous assignments, often in plain clothe, driving in an unmarked cruiser down Grand Avenue as a supervisor of investigations for the NHPD detective bureau.

Now he’s returning to the uniform as the new district manager for Fair Haven, along with the East Shore.

Alvarado said he’s excited to get to know the other 95 percent, which is engaged neighbors working together, raising families and taking care of each other. Alvarado offered that mesage Thursday at his first Fair Haven Community Management Team meeting.

Twenty people attended the meeting in the community room of the Fair Haven Branch Library, with a dozen more online. Departing District Manager Lt. Michael Fumiatti introduced Alvarado, and said his goodbyes.

“I used to be the ‘fire department,’” quipped Alvarado. “They call me when bad things happen. This is very differ‑ ent. It is good to be on the other side of investigations.”

Alvarado has been on the job for about a month. Fumiatti reported the transition has been good.

“I’m incredibly busy,” Fumiatti said of his new assignment as the police depart‑ ment’s first-ever mental health and wellness coordinator, “but not as busy as Sgt. Alvarado.”

The two policing districts Fumiatti handed to Alvarado covers not just Fair Haven but Bishop Woods and Fair Heaven Heights and The Annex and Morris Cove — from the North Haven border down to the harbor. Or, as Fumiatti, put it, “everything the light touches east of I-91.”

In a chronically short-staffed department, that means that Alvarado at this point has focused his patrol officers on “hot spots” like the open drug dealing around Ferry and Chatham. Neighborhood Alders Frank Redente, Jr. (Ward 15) and Sarah Miller (Ward 14) said they’ve seen results.

Redente said an upcoming new focus on his list is to eliminate the public drinking occurring near the liquor store on Clinton Avenue across from the school.

The site has already quieted in the past month, he said, as if locals knew “a new

sheriff is in town.”

“He’s got a strong track record,” said Alder Miller. “He’s very smart and knows the scene.”

Alvarado said that another focus during the month of transition has been cleaning up the public drinking violations occurring around Fort Hale Park.

He knows the Annex. The 41-year old sergeant said he enlisted in the Marine Corps after high school and served for ten years, mainly in the U.S. Marine motor transport unit housed in facilities on Woodward Avenue.

Alvarado said his unit was deployed for three tours in Iraq, in 2003, 2005, and 2007. He began his application process to join the NHPD during his last tour.

“I always want to do different things,” he said.

Revived Bike Share Gets Ready To Ride

New Haven’s soon-to-return bike share program has a new name, new prices, and a new website — along with 100 e-bikes that should be available to rent by the end of the month for $0.25 cents a minute.

The city’s latest take on short-term bike rentals is called Ride New Haven. It comes more than four years after a previous local bike share effort, dubbed Bike New Haven, went kaput after two years of operation.

This version will be overseen by the city’s parking authority, a San Francisco-based bike share provider called Drop Mobility, and a local company

ALLAN APPEL PHOTO
The new neighborhood top cop Thursday evening with Alder Caroline Tanbee Smith.
THOMAS BREEN FILE PHOTO
The old Bike New Haven bikes, some of which will be re-used for Ride New Haven.

Visiting Nurse’s Murder Leads To $6 Million Grant Program To Improve Safety For Health Care Workers

HARTFORD, CT – On Monday, Gov. Ned Lamont and a bipartisan group of legislators talked about Joyce Grayson, the nurse who was murdered a year ago while visiting a patient with a checkered history in a home in the Willimantic section of Windham.

They were at the state Capitol to celebrate the launch of a $6-million grant program that is being set up to pay for security that visiting nurses can request before they visit the homes of patients whose profiles indicates they are a potential risk to the healthcare worker.

Agencies like the one Grayson worked for will be able to apply to the state Department of Social Services for funding to hire security personnel to help keep nurses safe. The program, according to Social Services Commissioner Andrea Barton Reeves, is just getting off the ground. She said they are in the process of setting up systems to conduct risk assessments for every home health patient before a nurse is sent to visit.

It’s not yet clear how far the $6 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds will go considering that there are tens of thousands of people being cared for by visiting nurses and home health care workers.

Sen. Martha Marx, a Democrat from New London who is also a registered nurse in her day job, championed the leg-

islation with others during the legislative session that ended in May. She said she thinks that it’s only a small percentage of those patients who pose a signficant risk, but Barton-Reeves said that the $6 million is a start and that agencies that apply for grants are likely also going to have to cover some costs on their own as well.

Marx lauded Grayson and memorialized her briefly during the news conference.

“I do think it’s important to say that we are making this investment because of the tragic death of Joyce Grayson, who was a home health care nurse in Windham. Joyce lost her life caring for other people,” Marx said. “And she was someone

who cared for people throughout her life. Her family fostered 35 Children from infants to teens and had some children that had a lot of very complex medical needs.”

Marx continued: “Joyce was a hero. And today we do this in her honor. And in fact, the Department of Children and Families recognized Joyce in 2017 for her family’s

commitment and her commitment to our children. And I know that we’re all here, we’re remembering her legacy and her contributions. And this investment in our home health care worker safety is done in honor of Joyce and her sacrifice.This program is going to include mobile applications for accessing client safety information and also GPS-enabled devices that will be used to help in contacting local police officers and emergency personnel if necessary.”

Barton Reeves said her staff is still working to get the application portal set up on the DSS website, but she expects that to be done soon.

In his remarks, Lamont said he’s been touched over the last six to 12 months by the tragedies – “some of them avoidable” – that have befallen state workers. He said that just like state employees put themselves at risk every day, home health care workers put themselves at risk every time they walk into a home.

“You’ve seen it with our police administering just a routine traffic ticket. You’ve seen our DOT folks working on the side of the road, construction people, some of the danger there. And you’ve heard the story of Joyce Grayson just doing her best to help out a patient,” Lamont said. “And it’s the right thing to do for Joyce and her family and all our home health care workers. We’ve got to show that we take

Con’t on page 06

Thomas Promotes Initiative For No-Excuse Absentee Ballot Voting

HARTFORD, CT – Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas visited the Asylum Hill Congregational Church on Tuesday to discuss changes to Connecticut voting law designed to make voting more accessible, and to push for support of an upcoming ballot initiative that would put Connecticut on the path to adopting noexcuse absentee ballot voting.

“A lot of people ask me, why do we need early voting and no excuse absentee voting?” Secretary Thomas said to a room that included advocates from the League of Conservation Voters of Connecticut’s Education Fund, the Hispanic Health Council, and the American Civil Liberties Union. “And the truth is because many people have many different preferences – some people like to vote in person, so they love early voting because it gives them that election day experience.”

Thomas continued: “Some people, when they came to testify in the legislature, talked about how they really want no excuse absentee voting because they like sitting in the comfort of their home, Googling everything on the ballot and making my decisions in real time. And some people will have reasons totally unknown to us, but the real point to me is we want to make sure we have systems

in place that allow everyone who wants to vote, to vote in a way that works for their lifestyle.”

Thomas explained that this November’s election will include a ballot initiative to ask voters to authorize no-excuse absentee voting. By voting yes, voters will empower the legislature to consider one more time the option to amend the state Constitution to allow no-excuse absentee voting.

The initiative has already passed a relatively high bar for approval as both legislative chambers have approved the measure with simple majorities for two consecutive years, which is the requirement if a 75% majority isn’t achieved in both chambers on the first attempt. Thomas stressed that this year is the best opportunity the state has to change the law.

“I’m still learning about federal and municipal government,” she said in addressing the complicated process of changing voting laws. “But what I remind people, and I’ll leave you with this, is taking the time to get involved and to learn about these things is difficult, but it’s much easier than living under bad policy.”

Megan Scharrer, policy advocacy manager for the Hispanic Health Council, echoed Thomas’ point about the impor-

tance of getting involved in the voting and governing process.

“We’re seeing that the Latino community is not voting. For example, in 2019, in Frog Hollow where the Hispanic Health Council is primarily located, the

population is like 72% Latino. And then for the mayor election alone, only 11% of the neighborhood voted,” Scharrer said.

“So there’s a huge Latino community, but 11% in total of all demographics was voting. And it’s really important to vote because your voice is heard when you vote. The person that is going to represent your town, to represent your state, represent you in the United States, you’re choosing that person.”

Anderson Curtis, senior policy organizer for the ACLU, challenged the audience to make sure that they are working to get more people involved in the political process.

“As an organizer, I’m always inviting you to explore your role,” Curtis said.

“You don’t need to be convinced about the power of the vote. That’s why you’re sitting here. But what I want to talk to you about is, not only what is your voting plan, right, but maybe your voting plan could be helping other people to vote, right? Because if we have 20 people in this room, and each of you teach just two people to help develop the voting plan, guess what? Now, that’s 60 people coming to the polls. And that’s where the power is. That’s where the power of change is. The power is right here in these seats.”

The evening ended with the specter of voting improprieties in Bridgeport still

looming large. During the question and answer session, one audience member asked the secretary how no-excuse absentee voting could be secure based on what happened during the Democratic mayoral primary in Bridgeport.

Thomas explained that there is some confusion about what happened in the state’s largest city. In some cases, the problem was that voters gave their absentee ballots to a third party to deliver to the ballot box. That’s illegal under Connecticut law, but that crime did not alter the vote tally or disenfranchise anyone.

“But that’s very different from some of the stories about people bartering, like, if you vote a certain way, I’ll give you your Section 8 voucher,” Thomas said. “That is a very different type of crime to the voter. So, what we can tell people is that noexcuse absentee voting will not create or solve a worse problem, right? We passed a lot of laws last year that closed some of the biggest loopholes in Bridgeport, and I won’t get into all of them.”

Thomas further explained that many states use no-excuse absentee ballot voting to cut down on fraud, by regulating the distribution of absentee ballots at the local and state government levels, instead of allowing political parties and individuals to request ballots, which she said could lead to wrongdoing.

Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas discusses the upcoming ballot initiative in November to add no-excuse absentee ballot voting to the state Constitution on Tuesday at the Asylum Hill Congregational Church in Hartford
Credit: Jamil Ragland / CTNewsJunkie
CTNewsJunkie Staff
Sen. Martha Marx, D-New London, helped push through the bill to create the grant program to keep visiting nurses and home health care workers safe on the job earlier this year. She spoke about Joyce Grayson, a nurse who was murdered during a home health visit in Windham’s Willimantic section last year. Credit: Doug Hardy / CTNewsJunkie

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)

Sincerely,

Call:

We’re expecting a huge turn-out and we need your help with everything from set-up, to registration, to hospitality. Call: 203-859-5355 Website: Visit MichellesHouseCT.org

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Harris Picks Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as Running Mate

The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) has learned that Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential candidate, has chosen Minnesota Gov. Tim Waltz as her running mate after much speculation and a whirlwind of last-minute vetting and interviewing candidates.

As of Monday, August 4, reports suggested that Harris had narrowed her choices to Walz and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro. Other considered candidates include Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Arizona Senator Mark Kelly.

Walz provides the ticket with a diverse and extensive background. His career spans over two decades in the Army National Guard, including deployment overseas after the 9/11 attacks and a dedicated period as an educator and coach. His political journey began with a surprising victory over a six-term Republican incumbent in 2006, during a Democratic wave year. Walz maintained his seat in a typically red district until he ran for governor in 2018, after which the seat reverted to GOP control.

During his tenure as governor, Walz has faced significant challenges and navigated a series of political and social upheavals, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the murder of George Floyd, which sparked global antiracist protests. Despite criticisms and complaints, Walz’s leadership led to a Democratic trifecta in Minnesota by early 2023.

Forbes Magazine highlighted Walz’s appeal as a moderate Democrat with a working-class background and rural roots, making him an attractive option for independents and moderate Democrats. Former Senator Heidi Heitkamp praised Walz for his relatable life experiences, which align with many rural Americans.

Walz’s political career began with a stint on former Massachusetts Senator John Kerry’s 2004 presidential campaign. His transition from teaching on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota, where he met his wife, Gwen, to teaching in China and later at a high school in Mankato, Minnesota, set the stage for his political aspirations.

As governor, Walz’s accomplishments include ensuring tuition-free meals at state universities, enshrining abortion rights into state law, banning conversion therapy, and protecting gender-affirming healthcare. Recently, he defended those measures against right-wing criticism, emphasizing the importance of accessible healthcare and

education.

In May, Walz expanded voting rights in Minnesota for an estimated 55,000 formerly incarcerated residents. While he has faced backlash from Minnesota Republicans over his stance on gender-affirming care, Waltz has also been criticized for recent comments targeting political opponents.

Meanwhile, Harris’ presidential campaign has continued to gain momentum, securing significant endorsements and unprecedented financial support. The National Association of Social Workers (NASW), the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), and the United Auto Workers (UAW) have all endorsed her candidacy.

Fueling Harris’ campaign is a historic fundraising effort. More than $310 million was raised in July alone, marking the largest single-month haul of the 2024 cycle. That brought her campaign’s total fundraising to over $1 billion, surpassing previous records and outpacing the Trump campaign.

As the Democratic National Convention approaches, Harris and Walz’s campaign seeks to capitalize on the momentum. “We know the hard work required to secure a victory in November, and we are committed to seeing it through,” Harris’ campaign manager, Julie Chavez Rodriguez, declared after the record-breaking fundraising month. “When we fight together, we win.”

$6 Million Grant

seriously your safety every day. What this means in terms of other home health care workers, they’re going to now have a hotline, a helpline.”

Lamont continued: “They can press immediately if they feel at some risk. We’re going to have a GPS monitoring system. We’re going to know where you are so we can respond accordingly. We’re going to have some pre-analysis so we know the type of situation you’re coming into. See if it’s OK that you do that alone, or perhaps you need a buddy to escort you. Do everything we can within reason to keep you safe. It’s the right thing to do for you. It’s the right thing for us to do as we try and recruit more health care workers.”

Lamont also said the state is making efforts to increase wages for health care workers, and have started forgiving student loans to increase the number of health care workers in the state.

He said home health care is a big piece of what the future of elder care is going to look like in Connecticut.

“Thank you so much, Martha, for tak ing the lead on this,” Lamont said.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz By Office of Governor Tim Walz & Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan

Safety Act With

ing democracy still works.”

Blackburn called it a major step forward in protecting children online.

“This legislation provides young people and parents with the tools, safeguards, and transparency they need to protect against online harms,” Blackburn said. She added that the bill’s passage through the Senate could not have been possible without the support of over 240 organizations that endorsed the legislation along with the hundreds of parents who flew to Washington “on their own dime” to lobby Congress and push the bill forward.

“The 91 Senators from across the political spectrum that stood up to Big Tech and voted in favor of this legislation have helped save countless innocent lives from being exploited online,” Blackburn said. Katharina Kopp, Ph.D., the Center for Digital Democracy‘s Director of Policy, lauded the Senate’s vote.

“Today is a milestone in the decades long effort to protect America’s young people from the harmful impacts caused by the out-of-control and unregulated social and digital media business model,” Kopp said. “The Kids Online Safety and Privacy Act, if passed by the House and enacted into law, will safeguard children and teens from digital marketers who manipulate and employ unfair data-driven marketing tactics to closely surveil, profile, and target young people. These include an array of ever-expanding tactics that are discriminatory and unfair.”

Kopp continued: “The new law would protect children and teens being exposed to addictive algorithms and other harmful practices across online platforms, protecting the mental health and well-being of youth and their families.”

Executive Director Michael Toscano of the Institute for Family Studies said the bill must be passed without delay.

“Despite the fact that a huge portion of social media consumers are kids, these platforms have been totally exempted from any regulation for child safety whatsoever,” Toscano said. “And this is the sad result: America’s kids are suffering from a mental health crisis of epochal proportions, driven by social media platforms that are designed to be highly-addictive. The Kids Online Safety Act gives parents and young Americans effective tools to make their own experiences on these platforms more age-appropriate, granting them the freedom to disable the most addictive features. It also imposes upon these Big Tech companies what they should have taken up themselves long ago: a ‘duty of care’ to not design their platforms to exploit children.”

He added that it is time to pass the Kids Online Safety Act because social media companies “do not need or deserve the protection of lawmakers. America’s children do.”

Study Reveals Shifts in Economic Mobility for Black and White Americans

A new study from Opportunity Insights has revealed significant shifts in economic mobility trends in the United States over the past few decades, highlighting a narrowing economic divide between Black and white Americans and a widening gap between low- and high-income white individuals.

First published by the Harvard Gazette and researched by Raj Chetty, Crystal S. Yang, and Will Dobbie of Harvard University, Benjamin Goldman of Cornell University, and Sonya R. Porter of the U.S. Census Bureau, the study revealed that for white children born between 1978 and 1992, earnings increased for those from high-income families. Still, they decreased for those from low-income families, resulting in a 30% increase in earnings gaps by parental income. Conversely, earnings for Black children increased at all parental income levels, reducing the earnings gap between low-income Black and white children by 30%.

The researchers observed similar trends in non-monetary outcomes such as educational attainment, standardized test scores, and mortality rates. For example, the white class gap in early adulthood mortality more than doubled, while the white-Black race gap in early adulthood mortality decreased by 77%.

Economic mobility fell the most for

low-income white families in the Great Plains and coastal areas, regions with relatively high mobility rates for the 1978 birth cohort. By the 1992 cohort, these areas had levels of economic mobility comparable to the Southeast and industrial Midwest, which had low levels of mobility for all cohorts. Meanwhile, economic mobility for low-income Black families increased sharply in the Southeast and the industrial Midwest, with modest changes on the coasts. Despite these improvements, low-income Black families still had significantly lower levels of eco-

nomic mobility compared to their white counterparts in most regions.

The study attributes these divergent trends to changes in childhood environments, particularly parental employment rates within local communities defined by race, class, and childhood county. Researchers found that outcomes improved across birth cohorts for children who grew up in communities with increasing parental employment rates, with more significant effects for children who moved to such communities at younger ages.

“This is the first big data study to look

at recent changes in economic opportunity within the same place over time,” said Goldman, a research affiliate with Opportunity Insights. “And what we see are shrinking race gaps and growing class gaps.”

The findings suggest that community changes in one generation can propagate to the next, generating rapid changes in economic mobility. The outcomes for children were most strongly related to parents’ employment rates within their own birth cohort, indicating the role of social interactions in mediating economic opportunities.

The study also places current trends in the context of historical factors such as slavery, Jim Crow laws, redlining in credit markets, and the migration of Black Americans from the South to the North. These historical influences continue to impact present-day economic mobility.

“This work reinforces the importance of childhood communities for outcomes in adulthood, consistent with our prior findings,” said Chetty, co-founder and director of Opportunity Insights. “But it shows that it is possible for these communities to change rapidly—within a decade — in a way that has significant causal effects on children’s long-term outcomes.”

The analysis, drawn from 40 years of tax and Census records, included 57 million Americans born between 1978 and 1992. The researchers used anonymized records provided by the federal government to compare earnings at age 27 with

socioeconomic factors from childhood. The study found that Black millennials fared better than Black Gen Xers, with individuals born in 1978 to low-income families averaging $19,420 per year in early adulthood compared to an inflationadjusted $21,030 for poorer members of the 1992 cohort.

Meanwhile, white Gen Xers from poorer families averaged $27,680 per year versus $26,150 for their millennial peers. The gap between the poorest and richest white people ballooned by 28% over the same period as those born at the top watched their fortunes climb.

Results varied widely by region, with Black Americans making the most significant strides in the Southeast and Midwest, areas traditionally associated with high rates of Black poverty. For example, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, poor Black children born in 1992 earned $4,700 more at age 27 than those born there in 1978, according to co-author Will Dobbie, a professor of public policy at Harvard Kennedy School.

The researchers also found that moving to areas with solid parental employment was associated with higher earnings in early adulthood, especially for those who moved before age 10. “Growing class gaps and shrinking race gaps did not result from unequal access to a booming economy,” Goldman said. “Instead, what matters is how many years of childhood were spent in a thriving environment.”

Faith Ringgold, pioneering Black quilt artist and author, dies at 93

NEW YORK (AP) — Faith Ringgold, an award-winning author and artist who broke down barriers for Black female artists and became famous for her richly colored and detailed quilts combining painting, textiles and storytelling, has died. She was 93.

The artist’s assistant, Grace Matthews, told The Associated Press that Ringgold died Friday night at her home in Englewood, New Jersey. Matthews said Ringgold had been in failing health.

Ringgold’s highly personal works of art can be found in private and public collections around the country and beyond, from the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American Art to New York’s Museum of Modern Art and Atlanta’s High Museum of Fine Art. But her rise to prominence as a Black artist wasn’t easy in an art world dominated by white males and in a political cultural where Black men were the leading voices for civil rights. A founder in 1971 of the Where We At artists collective for Black women, Ringgold became a social activist, frequently protesting the lack of representation of Black and female artists in American museums.

“I became a feminist out of disgust for the manner in which women were mar-

ginalized in the art world,” she told The New York Times in 2019. “I began to incorporate this perspective into my work, with a particular focus on Black women as slaves and their sexual exploitation.”

In her first illustrated children’s book, “Tar Beach,” the spirited heroine takes flight over the George Washington Bridge. The story symbolized women’s self-realization and freedom to confront “this huge masculine icon — the bridge,” she explained.

The story is based on her narrative quilt of the same name now in the permanent collection of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York. While her works often deal with issues of race and gender, their folk-like style is vibrant, optimistic and lighthearted and often reminiscent of her warm memories of her life in Harlem.

Ringgold introduced quilting into her work in the 1970s after seeing brocaded Tibetan paintings called thangkas. They inspired her to create patchwork fabric borders, or frames, with handwritten narrative around her canvas acrylic paintings. For her 1982 story quilt, “Who’s Afraid of Aunt Jemina,” Ringgold confronted the struggles of women by undermining the Black “mammy” stereo-

type and telling the story of a successful African American businesswoman called Jemima Blakey.

“Aunt Jemima conveys the same nega-

tive connotation as Uncle Tom, simply because of her looks,” she told The New York Times in a 1990 interview.

Soon after, Ringgold produced a series

of 12 quilt paintings titled “The French Collection,” again weaving narrative, biographical and African American cultural references and Western art.

One of the works in the series, “Dancing at the Louvre,” depicts Ringgold’s daughters dancing in the Paris museum, seemingly oblivious to the “Mona Lisa” and other European masterpieces on the walls. In other works in the series Ringgold depicts giants of Black culture like poet Langston Hughes alongside Pablo Picasso and other European masters.

Among her socially conscious works is a three-panel “9/11 Peace Story Quilt” that Ringgold designed and constructed in collaboration with New York City students for the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks. Each of the panels contains 12 squares with pictures and words that address the question “what will you do for peace?” It was exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

In 2014, her “Groovin High,” a depiction of a crowded energetic dance hall evocative of Harlem’s famous Savoy Ballroom, was featured on a billboard along New York City’s High Line park. Ringgold also created a number of pub-

Con’t on page 18

FILE - Artist Faith Ringgold poses for a portrait in front of a painted self-portrait during a press preview of her exhibition, "American People, Black Light: Faith Ringgold's Paintings of the 1960s" at the National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington, June 19, 2013. Ringgold, an award-winning author and artist who broke down barriers for Black female artists and became famous for her richly colored and detailed quilts combining painting, textiles and storytelling, died Friday, April 12, 2024, at her home in Englewood, N.J. She was 93. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File)

Bike Share

co-run by the owners of Devil’s Gear bike shop.

City parking authority chief Doug Hausladen told the Independent that the new launch date for Ride New Haven should be some time towards the end of August. It had originally planned to start at the end of July, but contractorrelated delays pushed back the start.

Hausladen said the program will start with 100 electric bikes. Another 100 of the “older pedal cycle bikes” from the previous bike share program should be launched within two months of the program’s start. The new bike share program will be using the existing existing stations still out on city sidewalks from the old, now-defunct effort.

Ride New Haven has also published a wealth of information about how the program will work and how much it will cost to use in the month since the Independent last wrote about this revived initiative.

The payment options include:

• Pay as you go, at $0.25 per minute, with a $1 unlock fee;

• $20 monthly payments, with no unlock fee and 60 minutes of free ride time per day (which can be across multiple trips), and $0.15 per minute after that;

• $99 annual payments, with no unlock fee, 60 minutes of free ride time per day, and $0.15 per minute after that;

• An “equity membership” model that costs $4 per month with 60 minutes of free ride time per day, and $0.10 per minute after that, for riders who receive SNAP (formerly known as food stamps) or who are residents or housing voucher recipients of the city’s housing authority.

The Ride New Haven website states that the maximum speed of the program’s e-bikes is around 16 miles per hour; an e-bike’s “boost,” or charge, lasts for around 30 to 40 miles; all riders must be at least 18 years old to participate; and riders have to download and use the Ride New Haven smart phone app in order to rent these bikes.

Hausladen told the Independent that the bike share program is included in the city’s EPA Community Change grant application. That grant, if awarded, would see the program double in size.

Ride New Haven is also partnering with the New Haven REACH grant “to support outreach, engagement, training, and memberships for the bike share system in 6 key neighborhoods of New Haven (Fair Haven, West Rock, Dixwell, Dwight, Newhallville, and the Hill),” he said.

Signs ups have already begun. Stay tuned for more announcements to come.

Kamala Harris’s Presidential Campaign Surges with Key Endorsements and Record-Breaking Fundraising

Vice President Kamala Harris’s presidential campaign is gaining unstoppable momentum as it barrels toward the Democratic National Convention. The presumptive nominee has secured significant endorsements and amassed unprecedented financial support, solidifying her position as the leading Democratic contender. This week, the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), the largest professional union of social workers worldwide, has endorsed Vice President Harris’s bid for the presidency. NASW CEO Dr. Anthony Estreet highlighted Harris’s unwavering leadership on mental health and her commitment to expanding access to care. “Vice President Harris has consistently championed issues vital to our members and the communities they serve,” Dr. Estreet said, urging every union member to mobilize for Harris’s victory.

The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) and the United Auto Workers (UAW) have also thrown their weight behind Harris. In an interview with MSNBC’s Nicolle Wallace, UAW President Shawn Fain drew a stark contrast between the candidates: “You have one candidate in Trump who represents the billionaire class—I call him the lap dog for the billionaires. And you have a candidate in Kamala Harris, who stands for workingclass people and has proven it through her actions.”

Fueling Harris’s campaign is a his-

toric fundraising effort. Team Harris announced a staggering $310 million raised in July, marking the largest single-month haul of the 2024 cycle. The Trump campaign and RNC combined contributions for the same period pale in comparison to this record-breaking amount, resulting from an unprecedented grassroots fundraising surge. Notably, over $200 million was raised in the week following President Biden’s endorsement of Harris. With this latest milestone, Team Harris has surpassed the $1 billion mark this cycle, achieving this historic fundraising threshold faster than any previous presidential campaign. The campaign also re-

ports an impressive $377 million in cash on hand, the largest ever at this point in a presidential cycle, outpacing the Trump team by $50 million.

Two-thirds of the contributions from firsttime donors drove July’s fundraising success. More than 3 million donors made over 4.2 million contributions, with over 2 million making their first donation this cycle. Grassroots support was solid, with 94% of donations under $200 and significant increases in donations from Gen Z, Millennials, and women.

Officials said the Harris campaign’s grassroots machine is a testament to its broad and energized coalition, which included:

• July marked the highest grassroots fundraising month in presidential history.

• Team Harris raised more from grassroots donors in the four days following Biden’s endorsement than Trump’s entire monthly total.

• Teachers and nurses are among the most common donor occupations, reflecting Harris’s appeal across diverse sectors.

Coalition groups like Black Women for Harris, Latinas for Harris, and White Dudes for Harris collectively raised over $20 million, underscoring the widespread enthusiasm for Harris’s candidacy.

“This historic fundraising haul is a powerful indicator of the momentum and

energy behind Vice President Harris. Our coalition is mobilized and ready to work tirelessly to ensure victory in November,” Campaign Manager Julie Chavez Rodriguez declared.

Democratic National Committee Chair Jaime Harrison echoed Rodriguez’s thoughts. “From unprecedented grassroots fundraising to a surge in new volunteers, it’s clear that voters are fired up to elect Kamala Harris and defeat Donald Trump,” Harrison stated. “This overwhelming support is a testament to the belief in Harris’s vision for America.”

As the campaign progresses, officials say the funds are being strategically deployed to reach critical voters. They noted:

• Over 260 coordinated campaign offices and more than 1,400 staff are now operational across battleground states.

• A $50 million paid media campaign is targeting key demographics ahead of the Democratic National Convention.

• Team Harris recently welcomed 170,000 new volunteers and organized 2,300 mobilizing events across key states.

In stark contrast, the twice impeached and 34 times convicted felon and former president’s campaign continues to cater to the ultra-wealthy and corporate interests, making promises to billionaire oil and gas executives while lagging in campaign infrastructure in crucial battleground states.

“This historic 2024 fundraising operation is the product of a dedicated coalition ready to fight and win,” Rodriguez asserted. “We know the hard work required to secure a victory in November, and we are committed to seeing it through. When we fight together, we win.”

Historic Victory for Black Farmers: $2 Billion in Relief Payments Announced

two years ago, President Biden

(USDA) farm lending practices before 2021. This week, around 43,000 farmers

This week marks a monumental victory for Black farmers as they begin receiving payments from the $2.2 billion Discrimination Financial Assistance Program (DFAP). After decades of advocacy and struggle, John Boyd, President of the National Black Farmers Association (NBFA), declared the day “a huge win.”

Nearly two years ago, President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) Section 22007, authorizing compensation for farmers who faced racial discrimination in the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) farm lending practices before 2021. This week, around 43,000 farmers will receive payments of up to $500,000, with the average award being $82,000.

Reflecting on this long-awaited achievement, Boyd recounted his journey, which began almost 40 years ago when he first experienced these injustices. “No matter how it is sliced, the $2.2 billion in payouts

is historic,” he said. This follows previous settlements, including a $1 billion payout in 1999 and a $1.25 billion settlement in 2013.

The NBFA’s relentless efforts have also paved the way for similar settlements with Hispanic and women farmers ($1.3 billion), Native American farmers ($800 million), and the Cobell case settlement ($3.4 billion).

Boyd’s dedication to justice has been challenging. He faced hateful phone calls, mail, and even death threats. Despite these obstacles, he remained steadfast in his fight. “Total restoration is impossible, but for me, the fight was about justice,” Boyd emphasized.

Midtown Group, an unbiased third-party administrator, oversaw the DFAP’s administration to ensure a fair adjudication procedure for each farmer’s case. Although the 40-page application process and long wait times added to the farmers’ pain, the payments represent a bittersweet victory. Boyd acknowledged that issues such as banks denying operating funds or farm

ownership loans persist, as do recent allegations of racial discrimination against companies like John Deere.

For those denied assistance through the DFAP, there is no appeal or review process, a reality Boyd profoundly regrets. Many Black farmers have died waiting for justice, but today’s announcement brings

some closure. Boyd reflected on his tireless efforts, from lobbying Congress to protesting with his mules “Struggle” and “Forty Acres,” and riding his tractor, “Justice,” to Washington. Listening to Senior White House Advisor Stephen Benjamin detail the award notifications and check disbursement made it all worthwhile. “To-

day is a huge win for the NBFA,” he declared.

In October 2022, civil rights attorney Ben Crump announced a class action suit against the United States government on behalf of the NBFA. The lawsuit came after findings that Black farmers lost approximately $326 billion of land due to discrimination during the 20th century. Crump and the farmers argued that the federal government breached its contract with socially disadvantaged farmers under the American Rescue Plan Act.

Despite these challenges, President Biden reaffirmed his commitment to addressing inequities in farming. “Farmers and ranchers work around the clock to put food on our tables and steward our Nation’s land. But for too long, many farmers and ranchers experienced discrimination in farm loan programs and have not had the same access to federal resources and support. I promised to address this inequity when I became President. Today that promise has become a reality,” Biden stated.

Reparations, Project 2025 not discussed as Trump clashes with Black journalists

While the world was watching, three Black journalists questioned former Republican presidential candidate and former President Donald Trump before a Black media organization.

He insulted the moderator and in classic Trump style, he made many false claims that he repeated as political talking points. Some questions during the interview were tough, while others were not. However, in a highly watched interview that lasted just 37 minutes, two of the most critical issues that concern Black America were not discussed. Does Trump support giving reparations to Blacks who are still struggling centuries after wealthy white plantation owners prospered on the backs of poor enslaved Blacks? And does Trump support Project 2025, his former conservative cabinet members’ plan to radically transform the federal government?

Those questions were not asked during a contentious interview on Wednesday, July 31, the first day of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) convention at the Chicago Hilton. The interviewers were ABC News Reporter Rachel Scott, Semafor’s Kadia Goba and Fox News host Harris Faulkner.

Over 1,100 people crowded the hotel’s grand ballroom to hear Trump spew false information about Vice President Kamala Harris’ racial identity and his claim that most Americans wanted the landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision Roe v. Wade overturned.

Scott opened the interview with a hard question that set the tone for the entire discussion. She asked Trump, “…You’ve used words like animal and rabbit to describe Black district attorneys. You’ve attacked Black journalists, calling them a loser, saying the questions they asked are ‘stupid and racist.’ You had dinner with a white supremacist at your Mar-a-Lago resort. So, my question, sir, now that you’re asking Black supporters to vote for you, why should Black voters trust you after you have used language like that?”

Trump replied, “I don’t think I’ve ever been asked a question in such a horrible manner—a first question. You don’t even say hello, how are you? Are you with ABC? Because I think they’re a fake news network, a terrible network. I think it’s disgraceful that I came here in good spirits. I love the Black population of this country. I’ve done so much for the Black population of this country.”

During the interview, Trump said he had been the best president for Black people since President Abraham Lincoln. He also said he had been invited to the interview under “false pretenses” after being told that Vice President Harris would be present at the convention.

Trump repeated the unsubstantiated claim that undocumented immigrants were planning on taking “Black jobs,” an assertion that many have condemned as racist.

When Scott asked Trump to clarify his statement, the former president replied, “Anybody that has a job – that’s what it is. They’re taking the employment away from Black people.”

Also, during the interview, Trump falsely claimed that Harris did not pass her bar exam to become a lawyer. When Scott asked Trump as president if he plans to pardon the rioters who were convicted for their actions on 6 January, Trump evaded the question by focusing on rioters in cities like Seattle and Minneapolis, the sites of the George Floyd civil unrest.

Scott also asked Trump about Republicans’ claim that Harris is a diversity, eq-

uity and inclusion (DEI) replacement for Joe Biden.

In response, Trump claimed that Harris suddenly “became a Black woman” and had previously only been identifying with her Indian heritage. “Is she Indian or is she Black?” Trump said, as the audience audibly gasped. “I respect either one, but she obviously doesn’t because she was Indian all the way and then all of a sudden, she became a Black woman.”

Scott replied that Trump’s claim was not true because Harris, whose father is a Jamaican, has always identified as a Black woman.

Jasmine Harris, the Black media di-

moderators asked a question about Project 2025, but time ran out, and the question was never answered.

Along with giving reparations to descendants of enslaved Blacks, Project 2025 has been a hot political topic that concerns Black voters, many of whom still don’t know anything about it. As he seeks re-election, Trump has distanced himself from the plan.

Released in 2023 by the conservative Heritage Foundation, Project 2025 is a 900-page document that outlines plans to radically transform the U.S. government to reflect the values of Trump’s Republican Party. Most of it was written by former members of Trump’s cabinet and administration.

The document calls for the sacking of thousands of civil servants, expanding the power of the president, dismantling the Department of Education, sweeping tax cuts, a ban on pornography, halting sales of the abortion pill, and more.

Project 2025 aims to remove police departments under federal oversight because of racial discrimination. The plan calls for stricter sentencing guidelines for convicted felons that could lead to higher prison populations for Black men.

The plan also aims to reduce Medicare and Medicaid as well as affiliated offices that research treatments for insidious diseases and approve prescriptions, medical devices, and personal products like cosmetics.

A year into Trump’s term in office, the foundation reportedly boasted that Trump’s administration had adopted nearly two-thirds of its proposals.

Con’t on page 14

Black quilt artist

rector for Kamala Harris’s campaign, released a statement in response to the former president’s lies and attacks on members of the press.

“Not only does Donald Trump have a history of demeaning NABJ members and honorees who remain pillars of the Black press, he also has a history of attacking the media and working against the vital role the press play in our democracy,” Harris said.

“We know that Donald Trump is going to lie about his record and the real harm he’s caused Black communities at NABJand he must be called out,” she added. Near the end of the interview, one of the

lic works. “People Portraits,” comprised of 52 individual glass mosaics representing figures in sports, performance and music, adorns the Los Angeles Civic Center subway station. “Flying Home: Harlem Heroes and Heroines” are two mosaic murals in a Harlem subway station that feature figures like Dinah Washington, Sugar Ray Robinson and Malcolm X. In one of her recent books, “Harlem Renaissance Party,” Ringgold introduces young readers to Hughes and other Black artists of the 1920s. Other children’s books have featured Rosa Parks, the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Underground Railroad.

Born in Harlem in 1930, Ringgold was the daughter of a seamstress and dress designer with whom she collaborated often. She attended City College of New York where she earned bachelor and master’s degrees in art. She was a professor of art at the University of California in San Diego from 1987 until 2002. Ringgold’s motto, posted on her website, states: “If one can, anyone can, all you gotta do is try.”

THE GLENDOWER GROUP, INC.

NOTICE

VALENTINA MACRI RENTAL HOUSING PRE- APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE

ELM CITY COMMUNITIES Invitation for Bids

Pest Control Services for Low Income- Agency Wide

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.

The Housing Authority of City of New Haven b/b/a Elm City Communities is currently seeking bids for Pest Control Services for Low Income Public Housing- Agency Wide. A complete copy of the requirements may be obtained from Elm City Communities Vendor Collaboration portal https:// newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/gateway

beginning on Monday, August 5, 2024, at 3:00PM.

Notice of Public Hearing

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

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.

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

All new apartments, new appliances, new carpet, close to I-91 & I-95 highways, near bus stop & shopping center Pet under 40lb allowed. Interested parties contact Maria @ 860-985-8258

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

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

SEYMOUR HOUSING AUTHORITY

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

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

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.

Invitation to Bid: 2nd Notice

SAYEBROOKE VILLAGE

Old Saybrook, CT (4 Buildings, 17 Units)

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:

Tax Exempt & Not Prevailing Wage Rate Project

Housing Authority of the City of Danbury

Two Mill Ridge Road

Danbury, Connecticut, 06811

This project is federally assisted. Therefore, bidders must comply with the following requirements: Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968; Equal Opportunity provisions of Executive Order 11246; Non-Discrimination provision of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; Labor Standards provisions of the Davis-Bacon Act and related acts and Contract Work Hours Standards Act; prevailing wage determinations as issued by the United States Department of Labor; and all applicable provisions under Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974. The Housing Authority of the City of Bristol is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. SBE, MBE, W/DBE, and Section 3 businesses are encouraged to respond.

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

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.

Bid Extended, Due Date: August 5, 2016

Anticipated Start: August 15, 2016

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

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

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

Listing: Full Time Receptionist

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

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

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

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.

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

Salary Range:

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

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

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

NOTICIA

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

VALENTINA MACRI VIVIENDAS DE ALQUILER PRE-SOLICITUDES DISPONIBLES

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

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

QSR STEEL CORPORATION

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

NEW HAVEN

Dial-in password: 7262415346

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

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

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

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

Construction

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

Electric

Utility System Operator/Dispatcher

Invitation to Bid: 2nd Notice

SAYEBROOKE VILLAGE

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

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

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.

Operates electric distribution substation and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system for an electric utility serving 25,000 customers. Coordinates electric system switching and places equipment in and out of service during routine and emergency operations. Requires H.S. diploma/GED with 2 years experience in the operation of Distribution SCADA equipment and/or switchboards used in the distribution of electricity or other qualifying experience in a related field. Experience and training may be substituted on a year for year basis. Must maintain valid system operation certification from Connecticut Valley Exchange (CONVEX) or other approved agency or be able to obtain the same within 90 days of hire. Must posses and maintain a valid State of CT driver’s license. Wages: $43.05 to $50.36 hourly, plus 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 September 3, 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) 2942080; 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

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

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

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

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

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

Immediate opening for a full-time maintenance person for ground and building maintenance. 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, CT 06437.

America’s High School Students to Descend Upon Walt Disney World Resort for HBCU Week Foundation College Fair in October

College fair at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex expected to be among the foundation’s largest ever; More than 8,000 high school students from the Southeast and beyond invited to attend; College admissions and fouryear scholarships to be awarded on the spot; Event is part of Walt Disney World’s ongoing support of Historically Black Colleges and Universities nationwide

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (Aug. 1, 2024) – The HBCU Week Foundation is bringing its college fair to Walt Disney World Resort for the second time, continuing Walt Disney World’s support of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The HBCU Week Foundation is a nonprofit organization that encourages high school-age youth to enroll in HBCUs, provides scholarship dollars for matriculation, and sustains a pipeline for employment from undergraduate school to corporate America. It’s a two-day event that takes place every other year and is happening Oct. 23-24 this year at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, which last hosted the event in 2022.

The event will feature a reception along with a college fair that’s expected to draw nearly 8,000 high school students from across the Southeast and beyond, making it one of the foundation’s largest ever. On hand will be more than 40 representatives from the nation’s HBCUs, some of whom will be granting on-the-spot admissions and four-year scholarships worth millions of dollars. There will be lots of Disney magic sprinkled throughout the event, including appearances by beloved Disney characters, entertainment, music, and some special surprise moments that can only happen at The Most Magical Place on Earth. The 2022 event at Walt Disney World featured more than 8,000 attendees and over $11 million in scholarships, which were both event records at that time.

“I am incredibly grateful to Walt Disney World Resort for its unwavering support in providing high school students with the opportunity to participate in one of the largest college fairs in the nation,” says Ashley Christopher, founder of HBCU Week Foundation. “Their commitment not only opens doors to HBCUs but also paves a path towards a debt-free education for these bright young minds. Together, we are shaping a future where dreams know no financial barriers.” Walt Disney World’s

CAREER CONQUER YOUR YOU CAN

support of the HBCU Week Foundation College Fair is part of an ongoing collaboration between the foundation and Disney on the Yard, an initiative focused on deepening Disney’s engagement with HBCUs. By working closely with HBCUs, Disney aims to continue building a long-term pipeline for HBCU graduates through the development of student internships, mentorship opportunities, career and employee spotlights, scholarships, and more. "It’s incredibly heartwarming to see the

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smiles and excitement on these students' faces when they receive acceptance letters and scholarships," says Avis Lewis, executive champion of Disney on the Yard. "This kind of joy fuels Disney's commitment to supporting this event and Disney on the Yard. We want to provide these students with the chance to attend college and pursue successful careers, and we view this as just the beginning of their journey." Likewise, the HBCU Week Foundation plans to deepen its commitment to supporting

HBCUs through a recent $1 million grant, which will assist in expanding the foundation’s ongoing efforts to advance HBCU enrollment, offer academic scholarships, and guide students through successful transitions from university life to professional careers.

For more information about the HBCU Week Foundation College Fair and for students to register for the college fair, visit www.HBCUWeek.org.

Questions about your bill?

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

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

Date: Monday, August 19, 2024

Time: 5 - 7 pm

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

Parking available (handicapped accessible)

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

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

Spanish-speaking counselors available.

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!

or downgraded, regular charges apply to all services and devices. Service limited to a single outlet. May not be combinable with some other offers. Free 5G Phone: Ends 8/11/24. Requires qualifying phone trade-in, and purchase of a new eligible 5G phone while supplies last, a 24-month Xfinity Mobile Device Payment Plan Agreement (“Device Agreement”), and activation of a new Xfinity Mobile line within 30 days of phone purchase date. Trade-in must be completed within 21 days of phone shipment date. Must maintain line required for offer until trade-in is completed. Up to $830 via trade-in credit applied monthly to your account over 24 months so long as Device Agreement is in effect. Actual trade-in amount varies depending on models of phones for trade in and purchase and will not exceed the retail value of purchased phone. If line is canceled, voluntarily or involuntarily or phone payments are accelerated, balance of credits associated with Device Agreement are forfeited. Out of stock phones are not eligible. Offer not valid with prior purchases, returns or exchanges. May not be combined with other device offers. Xfinity StreamSaverTM: Requires Xfinity post-paid Internet or Xfinity TV. Includes Peacock Premium (with ads) ($7.99/mo), Netflix Standard with ads ($6.99/ mo), and Apple TV+ ($9.99/mo). Price includes all applicable discounts. Programming subject to change. To access Netflix, Apple TV+, and Peacock, activation of an account for each service required. Subject to terms of use of each streaming service. Internet delivered service will count against any Xfinity data plan, if applicable. Management of any existing subscriptions may be required to avoid multiple active subscriptions and corresponding charges. If you have an existing Netflix subscription in a bundle with a third party, manage your account to avoid multiple subscriptions. Existing paid Peacock or Apple TV+ subscriptions billed by a third party may continue unless and until you cancel. You may not receive any refunds/credits for overlapping subscription periods. Internet: Actual speeds vary and not guaranteed. For factors affecting speed visit xfinity. com/networkmanagement. Xfinity Mobile: Residential post-pay Xfinity Internet req. Line limitations may apply. Equip., intl., and roaming charges, taxes and fees, including reg. recovery fees, and other charges extra, and subj. to change. $25/mo. charge applies if Xfinity TV, Internet or Voice post-pay services not maintained. Pricing subject to change. During times of network congestion, your cellular data speeds may be slower temporarily. After monthly data use threshold for a line is exceeded, speeds are reduced until the billing cycle ends. A minimum $20.00 charge applies per month, per account for By the Gig lines, regardless of data usage. Charges apply to each GB or partial GB of shared data. No rollover data. For Xfinity Mobile Broadband Disclosures, visit xfinity.com/mobile/policies/broadband-disclosures. 36 USC 220506 NPA400760-0014 NED-GoldMedalOffer-V11

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