THE INNER CITY NEWS

INNER-CITY INNER-CITY

"Worn On Wall Street" Captures New Haven In Style

Abiba Biao, The Arts Paper newhavenarts.org

As Kelsey P. walked down the runway, an electric buzz filled the air. From where she stood, a cropped black t-shirt with the words “God’s Timing” and a black pleated short skirt seemed alive. She owned the stage: each step she took in her lace up combat ankle high black boots was graceful but assertive. The warm spotlight danced across her gold bracelets and hoop earrings. You wouldn't be able to tell that she was nervous, a secret she revealed only after taking the runway by storm. A series of thunderous whoops and cheers followed as she made her way offstage, drowning any insecurities she once had.

That infectious energy followed every model last Thursday, at an inaugural “ Worn on Wall Street” fashion show in CITA Park. The event was part of the city's thurd annual Black Wall Street Festival, showcasing Black and brown entrepreneurs and creatives across the Elm City. For the first time this year, the festival stretched across a full week, culminating in a day-long celebration on the New Haven Green, Each day featured a different cultural event, all leading to the Black Wall Street (BWS) Festival on the Green. City Cultural Affairs Director Adriane Jefferson called these “activation events.”

“We're trying to show that wealth can be created and cultivated amongst us as Black people,” she said.

Thursday's lineup featured 40 models representing six clothing brands, including A Hustler’s Vibe, Alternative Reality, Syd University, Threads by Tea, Duss Wayne, and the Strizz Collection. It was curated by Jayden Pressey, CEO of the Strizz Collection.

Pressey, who goes by the fashion name “Style Strizz,” said that the show was about lowering the barrier to entry for the average person to get into fashion. In addition to running the Strizz Collection, he also serves as a lead stylist for Unsubscribed in Westport.

In addition, he wanted to showcase the number of hyper-local apparel options for consumers in New Haven and beyond. Strizz, 24, curated Worn on Wall Street in collaboration with District New Haven’s Erika Stine, who helped with event logistics.

“I want them [the audience] to just take away the fact that they don't always have to go to Gucci or Prada or all the bigger brands to find something that's aesthetically pleasing to match what you want to be,” he said. “That there's a Black brand right around the corner from me that offers that same luxury aesthetic.”

Strizz added that another focus of the show was on “giving the models a place to be themselves,” including half of the models who had no prior modeling experience. To him, that mentorship—showing people the ropes and giving them a chance to break into the creative field—was just as important as the show itself.

As they prepared for the show, designers and entrepreneurs were aflutter with excitement. Rashaan Boyd, owner and designer of A Hustler’s Vibe at 162 Edgewood Ave., said he couldn’t say no to being a part of BWS fashion show. He’s been a vendor at the festival since its inception in 2022. Inclusivity is a huge ethos for the streetwear apparel brand, which carries toddler fits all the way up to plus size sizes.

“The luxury is in the piece that you have,” he said. “ You are the person. You make the piece, the piece doesn't make you. So in a sense, where I can take a $5 piece of fabric and someone might think it was a Louis Vuitton piece.”

Boyd saw this as a moment to showcase his unreleased fall and winter collections, noting that there is a difference between wearing and styling clothes.

“I just want to close out the year strong, make sure that I get the people what they want this coming fall and winter and continue to just bless the streets with luxury street wear,” he said.

Waiting for the show, Brigitte Cogswell passed the time with her best friend, Jessica Kott, and mother, Que Payne. She had come out to support her daughter, Agape Cogswell, who goes by the model name Agape Renee.

During the day, Agape works as a digital media specialist at Cornell Scott Hill Health Center. Through her job, her mom said, she’s been getting out more around the city and finding recreational activities.

“She has been more connected through her job and coming home and telling us about all the things that are happening in the community,” she said.

“I really do feel that having the opportunity to see the designers will encourage us to kind of stretch out of our comfort zones and to try to support them,” she added.

“Especially because I do want to begin to have fashion that speaks for me, that allows a message, right? I want to be purposeful

with what I wear, right? I don't just want any designer on me.”

Flicking her lemonade braids to the side, model Ciera Murray strutted down the runway in an oversized Syd University shirt, designed by Sydney Bell. Paired with black shades, beige block heels, and chunky gold hoop earrings, the message was clear: don’t mess with her.

Murray, 24, is an animal technician by day and model by night. She holds a host of creative pursuits, also being a makeup artist, hair stylist, and party promoter and is no stranger to the spotlight, thanks to her dance career as a kid. Her entry into the

share their dreams and their aspirations in life with everyone. And that's what I really love about it.”

Minutes later, 20-year-old Imani Tyson wowed the audience as she sported the Strizz Collection’s “God’s Timing” trench coat with a white top and short ruffle skirt. Topped with some beaded necklaces, silver cross earrings, and cowboy black boots, she all but demanded a double take from attendees cheering her on.

She didn’t forget the pièce de résistance to complete the outfit: a clear mini swipe bag, first coined by the French brand Coperini. “You know, it's all about the details,” she said.

Tyson is a rising senior at Southern Connecticut State University studying music. For her, the BWS Fashion Show and partner events were the “stepping stones” for her blossoming creative career, sharing her modeling and content creation journey on her YouTube channel.

Although Tyson is a Stratford resident, she does much of her modeling and influencing work in New Haven, noting the good scenery.

“I always come to New Haven to find those specific spots, but nobody ever knows that I'm in New Haven, because, you know, you gotta master it a little bit,” she said with a laugh. “Otherwise everyones gonna try to jump on that train, and you gotta keep it simple.”

It wasn’t long until Renee took the stage, donning a sleeveless lilac dress designed by Tea Montgomery, owner of Threads by Tea.

By the end of the show, she had not only gained confidence, but made new friends including Kelsey. Both discovered that they are native New Haveners and New Haven Public School graduates: Renee graduated from New Haven Academy in 2014 and Kelsey from the same school just four years later.

As a plus size model, Kelsey said that it can be “disheartening” starting out in the modeling field, but has since learned how to get out of her comfort zone and feel comfortable in her own skin.

fashion world was only natural.

“I've always been the type of person who likes to be creative … so when it comes to fashion, you can literally put anything together, and you can make it your own, be your own person, and it’s a way of showing your authenticity,” she said.

After attending BWS Festival last August, Murray said that she was determined to find a way to join in on the festivities this year.

“It's always been a great experience,” she said. “Just because Black Wall Street is made for Black people to connect, all types of people to connect and be able to

Adding to her worries was her one year hiatus from modeling, thinking she didn’t have the chops, but the night proved her wrong and invigorated her passion for modeling. She shouting out Strizz’s inclusivity in his clothing, saying that she personally resonated with his message. For her, God’s timing with her modeling career was now. “Us coming together is the purpose [of this event], just to share the culture, to share the art, to share it with each other and like admire each other,” she said.

Renee agreed. Just like Kelsey, Renee was also out of the modeling game for a few months and was unsure if she would make the cut after auditions for the casting call, but made it through, and has said that she made memories and connections.

“If you are passionate about it, then pursue it,” she said. “Don't listen to any of the other noise. Take that leap, take that step, and just know that God is going to open the doors and if he shuts the doors, that wasn't the door for you to walk through.”

Renee, wearing Threads By Tea.

Kelsey P and Agape Renee.

Curry Goat, Oxtail, & A Dream Come True

by ELEANOR POLAK

Sandreen Fergusen, the owner of the Jamaican food truck Cool Runnings, has loved cooking since she was seven years old. Fergusen’s mother used to give her money to go buy snacks, and she opted instead to spend it on new ingredients chicken, turkey legs, rice to practice her culinary skills.

“At first, it came out hard, because I didn’t know what I was doing,” she said. “As time progressed, it got better and better. And I always said I wanted to own a restaurant.”

Fergusen moved from Jamaica to the U.S. when she was nearly 12 years old, and her dislike of fast food led her to cook more and more. Her dream came true in 2017, when her husband found her a truck.

“Prior to this, I was cooking and I was selling from my house,” she said. She delivered to barbershops and hair salons, which encouraged her to start a restaurant or food truck.

When she bought her food truck with her husband, it broke down on the side of the road at 1 a.m., as they were driving back to make Fergusen’s shift at Bridgeport Hospital. But her husband fixed it up and made it functional, and Fergusen turned the truck into Cool Runnings. It’s one of a growing number of Jamaican spots in the Elm City, which has seen an increase in recent years in immigrants from the Caribbean country.

Fergusen currently parks her truck at 1399 State St. in Cedar Hill. She is still

searching for her ideal parking location, which would provide space for a fourtable dine-in area. Meanwhile, she cooks all the food served from Cool Runnings, with the help of her son Orlando Fergusen on the grill. Fergusen offers traditional Jamaican dishes with homemade sauces that she makes from scratch: mild, spicy,

and mixed, which is a combination of the first two.

“Everything goes, because everyone has their favorites,” Ferguson said. “I have a little twist on everything that I make.”

Ferguson offers a tasting plate for customers who aren’t sure what they want to try. Wednesday’s tasting plate offered five styles of meat, although on Fridays, she also offers additional options like salmon, pepper steak, fried chicken, and jerk pork. The curry chicken was deliciously seasoned, with a little kick of spice. The jerk chicken was sweet and flavorful. The brown stew chicken was rich without being overwhelming, and the curry goat was tangy with an almost earthy flavor.

Perhaps the best dish was the oxtail, which was chewy and slightly sweet. It was tender enough to practically slide off the bone. Fergusen served it with seasoned rice, beans, and cabbage, which cut into the richness of the meat for a perfectly balanced flavor.

Cool Runnings is popular with locals and visitors alike. “We have people who drive twice a week from Hartford for jerk chicken,” said Fergusen.

Cool Runnings is a family business that emphasizes tradition and culture. And Sandreen Fergusen has come a long way, from Jamaica to New Haven, from her early culinary endeavors to cooking for her community.

See below for other recent articles about New Haven’s Jamaican restaurants.

• “Jammin” Salmon Seasoned Straight From Jamaica

• Daughter Honors Mom’s (Island) Spicy Legacy

• Sunday Dinner Served For Weekday Lunch

Former Budget Director Returns, On Contract

by THOMAS BREEN

The Elicker administration has contracted with the city’s former budget director to help the city’s new budget director transition into her role, with an indefinite agreement that pays $55 an hour for up to 19 hours a week.

That’s according to the city’s Aug. 9 weekly personnel report.

The report states that Michael Gormany, who retired from his city post in April in order to take a new job as West Haven’s finance director, is now working as a “part time professional” in New Haven’s Office of Policy, Management, & Grants, under a Special Fund appointment.

Gormany will be paid $55 an hour for no more than 19 hours a week for his New Haven contracted role, which officially began on July 7.

Mayor Justin Elicker stated upon Gormany’s retirement in April that he would continue in a part-time capacity while the city searched for a permanent replacement. He’d also be on hand to help with the close out of the Fiscal Year 2023 – 24 (FY24) budget and the adoption of the FY25 budget, the latter of which took effect on July 1. Meanwhile, on Aug. 6, the mayor announced that the city has found and hired a new permanent city budget director, Shannon McCue. So why continue to contract with Gormany, now that a new city budget director has been hired?

“Michael will be helping out indefinitely as Shannon gets up to speed,” Elicker told the Independent. “It will be particularly important through budget season. There is a lot to learn and he has a lot of institutional knowledge.”

City spokesperson Lenny Speiller added

John P. Thomas Publisher / CEO

Babz Rawls Ivy Editor-in-Chief Liaison, Corporate Affairs Babz@penfieldcomm.com

Advertising/Sales Team

Keith Jackson Delores Alleyne

John Thomas, III

Team

Staff Writers Christian Lewis/Current Affairs

Anthony Scott/Sports Arlene Davis-Rudd/Politics

Contributing Writers

David Asbery / Tanisha Asbery

Jerry Craft / Cartoons / Barbara Fair Dr. Tamiko Jackson-McArthur

Michelle Turner / Smita Shrestha

William Spivey / Kam Williams Rev. Samuel T. Ross-Lee

Contributors At-Large

Christine Stuart www.CTNewsJunkie.com Paul Bass

www.newhavenindependent.org

Memberships

National Association of Black

that Gormany will be serving “in a general advisory and consultatory capacity” for the city’s new budget director. He also stated that Gormany’s contract has no specific end date.

In a separate comment provided to the Independent, Gormany said that this latest contract “formalized the same terms and work that I have been doing since the city announced my retirement in April.”

Although the contract allows for work of up to 19 hours per week, he said he’s actually been working closer to 8 to 10 hours per week, mostly on the weekends. Gormany said that all of his City of New Haven contracted work “will be done in my spare time outside of my normal work hours for West Haven or on the weekends.”

As for the contents of his work under this indefinite New Haven contract, Gormany said, “By and large, the work involves answering any questions or assisting with any reports that are needed by the Finance Department, Budget Office or Mayor’s Office. Budget Director McCue has been working diligently since she started in July with the City of New Haven and has been getting up to speed very quickly.”

The Inner-City Newspaper is published weekly by Penfield Communications, Inc. from offices located at 50 Fitch Street, 2nd Floor, New Haven, CT 06515. 203-387-0354 phone; 203-3872684 fax. Subscriptions:$260 per year (does not include sales tax for the in State subscriptions). Send name, address, zip code with payment. Postmaster, send address changes to 50 Fitch Street, New Haven, CT 06515. Display ad deadline Friday prior to insertion date at 5:00pm Advertisers are responsible for checking ads for error in publication. Penfield Communications, Inc d.b.a., “The Inner-City Newspaper” , shall not be liable for failure to publish an ad or for typographical errors or errors in publication, except to the extent of the cost of the space in which actual error appeared in the first insertion. The Publisher reserves the right to refuse advertising for any reason and to alter advertising copy or graphics deemed unacceptable for publication. The entire contents of The Inner-City Newspaper are copyright 2012, Penfield Communications, Inc. and no portion may be reproduced by any means without the written permission of the publisher.

ELEANOR POLAK PHOTO

Sandreen Fergusen: “I have a little twist on everything that I make.”

THOMAS BREEN FILE PHOTO

Mike Gormany: Working on the weekends to help new city budget director transition into the role.

The new haven independent

The new haven independent

4,000+ Turn Out For Back-To-School Rally

by MAYA MCFADDEN

Backpacks, popsicles, children’s books, and a $4,500 college scholarship were all on hand at Bowen Field as New Haven Public Schools (NHPS) prepared families for the first day of classes in less than two weeks.

That was the scene at NHPS’ annual back to school rally held at Bowen Field at 175 Crescent St. Thursday from 2 – 5 p.m. Darrell Brown, the event’s lead organizer for the past two years, said each year he works to make the event more helpful to prepare families for the new school year, which starts on Aug. 29.

That meant this year Brown made sure to bring Cornell Scott-Hill Health Center’s team and mobile van to do on-thespot vaccinations and screenings that are required of students before they can attend school.

Vaccines, clothing, food, and a lack of supportive resources are all major barriers that have held back families during the school year, Brown reported. So on Thursday in addition to bringing vaccination services to families, Brown also brought community organizations who provided families with free clothing, food, and local after-school programs.

This year Brown estimated a total of 4,500 families attended the event. A total of 4,000 book bags were distributed to families on a first-come, first-served basis.

“We want to cut down on the struggles and make it easier for people,” Brown said Thursday. “Everybody can leave with something.”

Under dozens of tents, NHPS partners handed out frozen popsicles to keep families cool in Thursday’s heat along with brochures to youth programs and services,

Questions about your bill?

activity books, and school supply pouches.

Superintendent Madeline Negrón told the Independent Thursday that now heading into her second school year helming the district, she better understands how essential the event is to get families “pumped up” for the year and, most importantly, prepared.

From essential school supplies to becom-

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, September 16, 2024

Time: 5 - 7 pm

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

ing familiarized with the district’s partners, Negrón said the event is necessary because in New Haven “there’s so much need, and so many services.”

Last year’s priorities for Negrón were attendance and literacy. This year she said those two priorities remain, with the addition of a third, which is improving school culture and climate.

Now a year into the job, Negrón said

through her work with district leads and city departments she gained a broader understanding of NHPS’ challenges around things like finances and facility maintenance plans.

Now with more wisdom from partners, Negrón said she is just as enthusiastic this year as she was her first year to continue working toward a “huge overhaul” within NHPS.

In addition to families getting backpacks and school supplies for the school year, Hillhouse graduate Issac Perry walked away from Thursday’s event with a $4,500 “Beat the Odds Scholarship” from WYBC and sponsors.

Perry, a New Haven native, also attended Brennan Rogers and Jepson for middle school.

Perry plans to use the scholarship to help pay for his first year at Southern Connecticut State University to then help him to save to later transfer to Hampton University. He was introduced to HBCUs from his band director, Joshua Smith, as well as the scholarship opportuanity.

“After my freshman year with Covid, and staying inside, it gave me a purpose to go to college,” he said.

Perry aims to become an airplane pilot which stemmed from his childhood love of trains and planes.

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.

CAREER

Have you thought about a new career path but aren’t sure where to start?

With Career ConneCT, you have a partner through application and training – plus the support and resources to take you even further!

MAYA MCFADDEN PHOTOS Hillhouse graduate Issac Perry scores $4,500 scholarship ..

The new haven independent

Yondr Go Cellphones In Schools?

by MAYA MCFADDEN

Metropolitan Business Academy rising junior Bayan Albakkour thinks that Yondr cellphone pouches a method for creating phone-free spaces that some New Haven schools are adopting are a good idea to help students focus on class by hiding a key source of distraction.

Her best friend, meanwhile, remains unconvinced and thinks these cases that lock away students’ phones for the day will only encourage students to rebel more.

That debate will play out this fall as three New Haven public schools experiment with stowing away phones after a pilot year at Barnard.

As New Haveners gear up for the school year to start back up again on Aug. 29, the Independent spoke with families and students at New Haven Public Schools’ (NHPS) annual back-to-school rally hosted at Bowen Field Thursday afternoon to hear their thoughts about ways to keep students off their phones and focused on class.

Several states, like Florida and Indiana and California, have already announced or adopted school cellphone bans. New York and Connecticut are currently considering the same.

In New Haven, Barnard School piloted use of Yondr pouches last year, according to NHPS spokesperson Justin Harmon. He said the results gathered were promising, and that three more local public middle schools will be rolling out Yondr pilots this coming school year.

“We believe the idea of implementing cellphone free spaces will be beneficial to students’ social and emotional wellbeing,” he said. “Our idea had been to continue promoting their use in middle school, and to start conversations with the high school communities about the potential benefits” later on.

Harmon also pointed to Gov. Ned Lamont’s initial support for getting schools across the state to go cellphone free. “We are awaiting guidance from the Connecticut State Department of Education that could affect how we roll out the use of these pouches, and on what timetable.”

Before Albakkour joined a long line at the event to pick up a new backpack, she said she’s excited for the challenge of her junior year. She hopes the “fresh start” will provide new opportunities to dive deeper into the current law pathway she’s in at Metro.

One way Albakkour said she plans to keep up her rigorous work at school is by staying off her phone, which she typically keeps stored away in her book bag during the school day. This allows her to remain distraction-free as well as be a role model to her two younger siblings and “show them how I would like them to be.”

Albakkour said she has learned how to “separate my school world from my social media world” and that keeps her from using her phone during the school day.

A lbakkour and her friend who asked to remain anonymous in this article agreed that cellphones are a real problem during the school day with students. Albakkour argued that it’s because “they want something that will motivate them” and “guarantee what they’re learning about is going to be useful.”

She thinks some solutions for getting students off their phones might be more lessons outdoors, and more that are focused on students’ interests, which she advised teachers to spend more time trying to understand.

Albakkour also supports an increase in the use of Yondr pouches soft pouches that lock away students’ phones. Students can still keep their phones with them, but the pouches require a magnetic mechanism to open. Albakkour said that Metro uses Yondr pouches on a case-by-case basis for only students who have shown extreme attachment to their phones. Her friend disagreed that Yondr pouches are helpful. She said they will just make students more sneaky and likely to rebel against a school system that doesn’t understand them.

Sharkia Bookert: My daughter needs her phone for early dismissal on Tuesdays. Meanwhile, mother-of-two Sharkia Bookert said she would prefer it if her Elm City Prep eighth grader kept her phone on her, without it distracting her from school, because her daughter has to leave school early every Tuesday for other appointments. Bookert has to contact her daughter to let her know when she’s coming to pick her up; sometimes she has

trouble reaching her daughter, so she often sets an alarm on her daughter’s phone so that she knows when she has to leave. She said Yondr pouches could be effec-

check it.”

She also suggested teachers just collect phones in a bucket at the start of class and return them to students at the end. Her second daughter, also at the charter school Elm City Prep, is heading to the second grade. She does not have a phone she brings to school ever.

Bookert said she’s already picked up her daughters’ required uniforms for this school year and so she spent the rest of Thursday’s event looking for needed school supplies like glue, erasers, crayons, pencils, and math composition books to start the year. “I’m trying to get what I can here now because rent is going to be due soon,” she said.

Eighth grader Kylie also said she’d rather keep her phone in her bag rather than in a bucket at the front of the classroom or in a Yondor pouch, because she’s afraid someone might steal it.

Twelve-year-old Alyssa Rose, a rising seventh grader at Worthington Hooker, agreed that phones are a huge issue for students. She said while she doesn’t enjoy the idea of Yondr pouches, she thinks it’s the best and only way to really get students off their phones.

Mother Melissa Barnett picked up supplies Thursday with her rising eighth grader Amelia Flood and fourth grader Amir, both at King/Robinson. The family bought a house and moved to New Haven from New York last September.

Amelia said phones are a huge distraction for her peers during the school day. She and her mother vouched for a phone bucket in classrooms for students to drop off their devices at the start of class.

Rising Amistad High senior Adona Blair, 17, said her school also uses Yondr pouches as of last year. She said she doesn’t think it’s the best approach because it sets the tone that schools don’t trust or believe in their students.

At Amistad, she said, all students’ phones are required to be put in Yondr pouches and checked by staff. They are then only unlocked at the end of the day. She noted that the pouches have encouraged students to interact more in person and that her calculated screen time has dropped since the introduction of Yondr, but she thinks there should at least be phone breaks during lunch periods. “It’s not the best approach,” she concluded.

Semira Estep is a rising second grader at Barnard Environmental Magnet School, which piloted Yondr pouches in New Haven schools.

“I think it’s great that they won’t be distracted by their phones,” said her godmother’s mother Felicia Scott. “They need to be focusing on their studies.”

tive if students are offered phone breaks during the day or are allowed to have their phones during lunch because “it is a distraction, but at least have them be able to

While Semira already has limited screen time at home, Scott hopes the program will stick around through her daughter’s goddaughter’s middle school years.

MAYA MCFADDEN PHOTOS Bayan Albakkour: A phone-free example for her siblings.

Melissa Barnett (right) with her kids Amelia and Amir: Why not just a bucket at the front of class to collect phones?

Adona Blair with her cousin and younger sister: Locking away phones tells students you don't believe in them.

The new haven independent

“Who Are We?” “Venezuela!”

by JABEZ CHOI

Krisly Carreno teared up as she spotted dozens of yellow-blue-and-red flags on the backs of protesters while she walked down Church Street.

“It was so emotional,” Carreno said. “I had no idea how many Venezuelans [are] in Connecticut.”

Carreno joined over 100 fellow protesters Saturday evening outside City Hall from 6 to 8 p.m.

The group, organized by community activist Mariá Alejandra Hawke, gathered to speak out against President Nicolás Maduro’s claims of victory during that South American country’s July 28 presidential election.

Since then, protests have sprung up in Venezuela and around the world, demanding that Maduro recognize the results indicating that the opposition candidate Edmundo González won. Numerous countries, including the United States, have recognized González’s victory.

Maduro’s authoritarian regime has responded with violence, with some 100 protestors arrested and 24 killed.

The New Haven protest was part of a larger effort in over 330 cities worldwide where Venezuelan expats gathered on Saturday to bring awareness to the election fraud — as well as to put international pressure on Maduro’s regime.

The protestors chanted “Who are we?” “Venezuela!” “What do we want?” “Freedom!” as they walked up Church to Elm, before walking back to City Hall. Cars rolling down Church beeped in support, waving Venezuelan flags and cheering. One sign read: “I want to go back to a Ven-

ezuela that my grandparents and greatgrandparents tell me stories about.” Participants ranged from small children to elders in wheelchairs.

“He’s facing all this mess out there,” Armando Vizcaya said of his son, who lives in Venezuela. “People from out there really can’t politicize anything from there. Whatever we get from our families is what everyone sees.”

Vizcaya was not alone in worrying about his loved ones. Nicole Viloria lived in Venezuela her entire life before moving to Miami in 2017. Viloria shared that her friends back home feel nervous sharing certain posts and videos about the election. In return, she is asking her friends to send them to her so she can post them herself here in the U.S.

“The idea is that we speak for the people who are in Venezuela who cannot speak up right now,” Viloria said. “They are in danger right now, but we have the privilege of being in a protest.”

She emphasized that people understand that election fraud has happened before. This time, she said, there is proof.

Protestors on Saturday carried around this proof, holding long tally sheets that indicate González’s majority vote count. For Viloria, alongside many of the other participants at Saturday’s rally in New Haven, the frustration lies in bringing awareness to the turmoil. Though she comes from Miami, which she noted has a larger Venezuelan population, she still felt empowered seeing the crowd in New Haven on Saturday.

“I feel very emotional about it because many people don’t care. I post on social media and I wish more people posted,” Viloria said. “But I have hope. I have faith.”

Mbedu ment figure.

ed to be dramatic became Her acting fortune to become tresses named in 30 List, Africans Born Medical Zulu-Natal er and Xhosa enjoyed when she was raised school Her name of her parents Nokwanda Xhosa.

Mbedu and Pietermaritzburg and graduated watersrand she studied ing Arts took a Studio of Her acting played a lar South from Mzansi guest role of the SABC Park.’

She got drama television Mzansi Her international derground historical

‘The Underground Colson In 2022, Woman about Agosie, rior unit dom of She played military In 2017, ‘DSTV

‘International Performance

‘Winnie sion drama In 2018, and Television – TV Drama’ in the 2016

‘IS’THUNZI.’ the ‘International Performance

‘Winnie series ‘IS’THUNZI.’ In

‘Television (Individual

Krisly Carreno (left) and Mariá Alejandra Hawke (right).

The new haven independent

Energy Committee Leaders Ask PURA To Revisit August Rate Hike

by Doug Hardy

Connecticut residents who were still angry over this month’s electricity rate hike were gobsmacked this week when the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) voted unanimously to impose another one, albeit much smaller, with little more than two months before legislative elections.

Republicans reacted by issuing a statement suggesting Democrats were “tone deaf” about the impact of the state’s high electricity costs. But less than 24 hours after the authority’s vote, three of the four top Democrats on the Energy and Technology Committee released a statement announcing that they had submitted a request to PURA to reconsider its April decision.

That decision, which was the subject of loud protest and thousands of complaints being submitted to PURA last week, allowed Eversource and United Illuminating to recover $800 million in costs over only 10 months, rather than amortizing it over two or three years. The two chairs of the Energy committee, Sen. Norm Needleman and Rep. John Steinberg, as well as Vice Chair Rep. Jaime Foster, labeled the decision “extreme.”

Those bills started arriving this month following the two hottest months in state history – further exacerbating residents’ electricity bills because of high usage from air conditioning.

On the heels of last week’s outcry over the rate hike, PURA then voted 3-0

Wednesday to approve an average increase of between $3 and $4 per month for Eversource and United Illuminating customers starting in September. The Aug. 14 vote, which had been scheduled for months, allowed Eversource to start recovering the cost of the state’s electric vehicle charger discount program. Eversource had suspended its participation in that program in June 2023 because of a dispute with PURA over the authority’s votes against other rate hikes.

RELATED

However, most of Connecticut’s residents don’t follow PURA’s dockets closely, or at all, so this week’s vote came as a surprise to many, as did the rate hike that arrived in August, which was reportedly one of the largest increases in decades. It also received news coverage when the authority approved it in April.

Further, no one mentioned the vote

scheduled for Aug. 14 last week while lawmakers were reacting to angry residents who had just experienced “rate shock” when they opened their August electricity bills. Republican lawmakers held a news conference and called upon Democratic leaders to schedule a special session to discuss changes to the state’s energy policies. Democrats had not indicated whether they planned to call a special session before the Democratic leaders on the Energy com-

mittee took a different approach by asking PURA to reconsider.

The August increase, of which about 20% came from the Public Benefits portion of ratepayers’ bills, was mostly (77%) attributable to the state’s agreement to buy electricity from the Millstone nuclear power plant in Waterford at 5 cents/kwh for 10 years. Unless changes are made to that decision, ratepayers will pay about $616 million over the next 10 months to cover that cost. The other $184 million of the $800 million rate hike came from the state’s promise to allow Eversource and United Illuminating to recover costs from the nearly four-year moratorium on shutoffs that started during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The EV program – which provided discounts ranging from $500 to $250,000 for the construction of EV charging stations at every scale – is also part of the Public Benefits portion of residents’ electricity bills. Public and private charging stations were prioritized to increase the sale of EVs in an effort to address the emissions of Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles, which remain the state’s largest source of carbon pollution.

The statement from Needleman, Steinberg, and Foster acknowledges the “serious ‘rate shock’ experienced by ratepayers” as a result of the heat wave and “significant increases to public benefits portions of bills due to PURA’s action.”

Con’t from page 09

Semira Set Up For Success Back At School

by ASHER JOSEPH

Despite Thursday’s high-90 degree temperatures, Felicia Scott and her daughter’s goddaughter Semira Estep waded through the crowd at Bowen Field as they exchanged memories and educational wisdom in preparation for New Haven Public Schools’ first day back. Semira, 6, is a rising second grader at Barnard Environmental Magnet School. She was one of the nearly 20,000 students invited to attend a NHPS Back to School Rally at Bowen Field. NHPS’s first day of school is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 29.

After hearing about the event on 94.3 WYBC, Scott was eager to pick up some school supplies and prepare Semira for the upcoming school year. “We’ve been here since around 3:30, so we missed all [the free school supplies],” she said.

Scott has worked as a nurse at Arden Care Center in Hamden for 21 years. Her family having relocated from Columbia, South Carolina to New Haven just months after she was born, Scott is a product of NHPS. “It looks a lot different from when I went through here. We didn’t have all this technology, and

we certainly didn’t have events like this.”

For as long as she can remember, education has been integral to Scott’s parenting. Her daughter, Hillhouse High School class of 2010, learned she missed a credit just days before graduation. “They were charging a couple hundred for summer school, so I just told her that she would be going back next year,” Scott said. “And she did, and she finished strong.”

Now, Scott is doing everything she can to set Semira up for success. Spending over six hours a week together, the pair dedicates nearly half of that time to schoolwork. “We started out with flashcards as soon as she could speak. Just basic stuff, you know, numbers and letters. Once she got to kindergarten, I introduced sight words and addition and subtraction.”

Scott’s efforts are paying off. “I really, really like math and reading and recess, too,” said Semira. “If I could plan school, we would just have math and reading. And recess. Like, maybe two recesses. But everything else is math and reading.”

When school is out for the summer, the pair spends the rest of their time together making memories that will last. Next up

on the list: a visit to the trampoline park.

“When are we going back to that really cool trampoline park?” asked Semira about her favorite adventure with Scott.

“I told you, remember? We’re going back on your birthday.”

“September 23!”

“Do you remember the year?”

With a little help from Scott, Semira carried the ones and puzzled over her birth year in this reporter’s notepad. “I got it! 2018.”

When asked about her hopes for Semira’s future, Scott took a step back.

“Last year, it was cheerleading, this year it’s dancing you never know. I just hope she finds something that makes her happy and that she can be successful in.”

Before school starts on Thursday, Scott and Semira have plans to pick a few last essentials for the upcoming school year.

“My mom got me these,” said Semira, gesturing to her pair of black Uggs, “but now I’m going to get unicorn shoes!”

“And black shoes to match your uniform, right?”

“I guess. But, I can wear my unicorn shoes to recess!”

FILE PHOTO: Sen. Norm Needleman, D-Essex, responds to Republican proposals to mitigate electricity costs in Connecticut on Friday, Feb. 23, 2024, at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford. Credit: Hudson Kamphausen / CTNewsJunkie

ASHER JOSEPH PHOTO Semira Estep carries the one to calculate her birth year, at back-to-school rally.

The new haven independent

The new haven independent

Ask PURA

They said that “communication by the utilities and others regarding anticipated bill increases have significantly underestimated impact and public harm is significant,” and cited a subsection in state law, CGS Sec. 4-181a subsection (4)(b), in making their request for PURA to reconsider its April decision.

According to the statement, the written text of that statute says the agency has the power to reverse or modify its decisions at the request of individuals or the agency itself on a showing of “changed conditions,” with procedures in such cases allowing for reversals or modifications of final decisions as long as impacted parties are informed and participate in proceedings. They said the urgency of their request was compounded by Wednesday’s vote.

“An increase of this magnitude impacts all ratepayers, from families trying to keep cool in the heat to businesses of all industries,” the statement says. “Rep. Foster noted that some of the hardest-hit ratepayers are restaurants, grocers, and farms needing electric services to provide their wares as well as nonprofits such as food pantries with refrigeration units. The organizations keeping Connecticut families fed experiencing these cost increases could have ripple effects across the state economy, further compounding this squeeze on consumers.”

Needleman – a business owner who ran for office in part to try to mitigate steadily increasing electricity costs – said that “with four summer heat waves so far making the timing of these increases approved by PURA even worse, and with countless state residents struggling under staggering increases to their bills, now is the time to reconsider this rate increase. There are ways to relieve the pressure on residents, including increasing the amount of time this increase is in place to reduce its monthly impact. Otherwise, our residents will continue to pay extreme costs that harm our state’s economies, families and livelihoods.”

Steinberg added: “Many were critical of PURA’s actions earlier this year, and our concerns have proven to be correct as constituents continue to report dramatic increases in cost statewide. PURA has the power to reconsider this increase in a form that can help hundreds of thousands of households. We are calling for it to do just that.”

Gov. Ned Lamont, responding to reporters’ questions following Friday’s Bond Commission meeting, reminded members of the news media that the big increase was not a surprise – that the vote took place in April – before he left for scheduled vacation time.

PURA chair Marissa Gillett was outvoted 2-1 by Vice Chairman John Betkoski III (D) and Michael A. Caron (R) despite her advocating to spread the cost out over a longer period to avoid rate shock.

100s Rally For “Strike Ready” Hotel Workers

by ASHER JOSEPH

Hundreds of protesters filled a downtown block on Yale’s move-in day to throw their support behind Omni Hotel workers who are ready to strike, if necessary, as they bargain for better pay, healthcare, and pensions in a new contract.

That was the scene Sunday afternoon on a stretch of Temple between Crown Street and Chapel Street, right in front of the 155 Temple St. hotel, which is formally called the Omni New Haven Hotel at Yale. The rally took place between 1 and 3 p.m. and featured a lineup of speeches by elected officials and testimonials from Omni employees themselves.

The rally took place 11 days after the Omni’s unionized employees voted unanimously to authorize a strike amid ongoing negotiations over a new union contract. “We are here because of the bravery and courageous decision of Omni workers to authorize a strike,” said Josh Stanley, secretary-treasurer of the Omni’s union, UNITE HERE Local 217, and the rally’s lead organizer. The Omni employees join over 12,000 hospitality workers nationwide who are in the process of authorizing strikes under the leadership of UNITE HERE’s new leader, native New Havener Gwen Mills.

Omni employees have been in negotiations with the hotel since November, but are still “far apart” in their visions for a fair contract. “We want higher wages, affordable health care, and to raise pensions so that workers can retire with dignity,” Stanley said.

A representative from the management of New Haven’s Omni hotel declined to comment for this story.

“We all know that there is a $40 billion dollar university right up the street, and New Haven is being written up in the New York Times and other places as a thriving city on the rise,” Stanley said.

“But let me tell you about the world that our members live in. Every single one of the workers here is poorer than they were in 2020. They are working second jobs… they are being forced to leave the city of New Haven because they can’t afford to live here anymore.”

According to a Forbes profile in April, the Omni’s parent company generated $3 billion revenue last year. Robert Rowling, the founder of the company that owns Omni’s hotels and golf courses across the country, is reportedly worth $8.9 billion. In contrast, Stanley said at Sunday’s rally, New Haven’s Omni employees are still being compensated at pre-pandemic rates that often demand a second job. And, employees’ costs of living are doubled despite national inflation peaking at 22 percent.

“We work, who profits?” became the crowd’s signature chant.

Barbara Mayberry, a housekeeper at the Omni, criticized the hotel for what she described as its disregard for its employees following the Covid-19 pandemic. Within three months of the pandemic’s onset in March 2020, the Omni had laid off Mayberry and 170 of her colleagues, rendering them without health insurance, she said. Mayberry testified before the Board of Alders that December in support of a local hotel worker recall law that mandated the rehiring of employees who had been laid off during the pandemic at hotels with more than 50 rooms. While Mayberry was reinstated in 2021, “the Omni Hotel is making millions of dollars but they are keeping the service cuts that make our Con’t on page 13

“Jammin” Salmon Seasoned Straight From Jamaica

by ELEANOR POLAK

Damian Clarke, chef and owner of Jammin Jamaican Cuisine at 611 Washington Ave. in the Hill, set to work preparing a salmon entree that has become one of the restaurant’s more popular dishes.

First, he chopped peppers and onions into neat strips. He folded a bunch of scallions in half before dicing them, using both onions and salmon to maximize the flavor. Then he sliced some thyme for extra seasoning.

Next, Clarke heated a pan full of olive oil and added the vegetables, seasoning, and a splash of water. He also added his secret ingredient: special Jammin Sauce.

Clarke placed the pre-cooked and seasoned slabs of salmon into the mixture, and cooked it all together. Salmon, like many seafoods, is a staple of the Jamaican diet. He topped off the dish by pouring more Jammin Sauce over everything, then served the salmon with vegetables, rice, and plantains.

The end result was delicious: sweet and tangy salmon, with vegetables adding texture and rice to balance out the flavors in the dish. The plantains were honeyed but not mushy, and every piece of the meal complemented the others perfectly.

The fried chicken, another popular dish, was equally good during a Monday lunch-

time visit. The chicken felt crunchy but not tough, with a moist inside. The breading wasn’t too heavy, and it had a pepperiness that added kick but not sting. The dish was light and not too greasy, a difficult feat to achieve with fried chicken.

Jammin Jamaican Cuisine is one of a growing number of Jamaican spots in the Elm City, which has seen an increase in immigrants from the Caribbean country ar-

riving in the past few years, joining the existing community. “We use our seasoning directly from Jamaica, so that’s why we get the authentic taste,” said Taneisha Young, Clarke’s partner and fiancé, who is also a nurse at Yale New Haven Hospital. “The way we grew up, that’s how we make it.” Clarke grew up in Jamaica; Young’s parents are from Jamaica, but she grew up in New Haven. They both learned to cook

growing up, as a part of their cultural heritage. “That’s a big thing in the Jamaican culture, when you’re younger, you have to be in the kitchen,” said Young.

The first thing most children learn to make is rice. “You don’t want it too soggy, you don’t want it too burnt, it has to be perfect,” Young said. “It takes time.” The main pitfalls to avoid: too much water, or too much salt.

The couple opened Jammin Jamaican Cuisine on Oct. 1, 2020, during the pandemic. “Damian was actually walking by, and saw this place,” said Young. “We had no intentions of opening a restaurant. It just basically fell in our laps at that time.”

They both loved to cook, but Young was concerned about the difficulty of opening a restaurant during a pandemic. “It was the hardest time ever,” she said. But Clarke was committed to the idea. “It was his dream,” Young said. “His passion is cooking, so I just went along with it. What’s the worst that could happen?”

Fortunately, whatever the worst was, it didn’t happen. Clarke and Young got Jammin Jamaican Cuisine up and running. They filled their kitchen with relatives from both of their families. “We’re all family,” Young said. Everyone in the restaurant cooks, and everyone has a different specialty.

Occasionally, the different family members have disagreements about how to cook

the food. When that happens, they settle it by preparing it both ways “You do it your way, I’ll do mine,” said Young and they have a “taste off” to settle the point. Whoever’s food is declared better, that’s the chosen recipe for the menu.

Young and Clarke prioritize fresh and healthy food. “Everything is made at least two to three times daily,” said Young. “We don’t believe in storing food overnight.” At the end of the night, they give leftovers away. “Before we throw it in the trash, I’d rather give it to someone who doesn’t have that. We get maybe six or seven consistent less fortunate or homeless people that come here, and we give it to them. Bless somebody else.” They even make an effort to have extra leftovers, so everyone who shows up gets fed.

The most popular recipe at Jammin Jamaican Cuisine is the oxtail. “You want a nice, slow-cooked, tender oxtail,” said Young. “The key to Jamaican food is you have to let it marinate, you have to season it.”

The food at Jammin Jamaican Cuisine is healthy, delicious, and made with love and respect for Jamaican culture. When you come to Jammin Jamaican Cuisine, “nobody’s a stranger,” Young said. “Everyone who walks through these doors, everyone’s our family.”

Taneisha Young and Wesley Clarke.

The new haven independent

ASHER JOSEPH PHOTO "STRIKE READY" Omni workers rally outside the hotel.

The new haven independent

WALK RUN BIKE

Dear

WALK,

Sincerely,

James Rawlings SCDAA,CT | Michelle’s House

Call: 203-859-5355

Email: info.scdaasc@gmail.com

Web: michellesHouseCT.org

Support Your

Community

WALK RUN BIKE

Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024

https://runsignup.com/Race/CT/NewHaven/scdaascrunwalk

7:30am. Start: 9:00am)

• Cremation (Choose to be cremated at Evergreen.)

• Columbarium in the Most Beautiful Cremation Garden

• Reserve your Niche in a secure location pre-need.

• Reserve a Niche for family and friends or purchase at-need to safely place your Loved One in the Columbarium.

• Burial Lots (infant, single, two-grave, or four-grave)

• Monuments & Markers (black, gray, or pink granite)

• Flower placement (single or multiple placement)

• All orders can be placed at the Evergreen office or the website.

Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, CT

1 Year Later, Warehouse Hums As Trade Skills Hub

by MAYA MCFADDEN

In a Fair Haven warehouse, Paul Nunez watched closely as his student drilled a hole into a soon-to-be light fixture reminding Nunez that less than a month ago, he was the one learning those same manufacturing skills on the same machine at the Manufacturing and Community Technical Hub (MATCH).

Nearly a full year since its kickoff, when city and state officials descended upon what was then an empty warehouse to celebrate the new program, MATCH has grown its programming aimed at providing paid, hands-on training and experience to local adults looking to enter manufacturing pathways.

The Independent visited MATCH’s industrial home in Fair Haven on Monday morning to catch up with the latest with the program. U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal was also there, checking out the community hub to take note of ways to replicate the program throughout the state.

While last September MATCH’s longvacant building at 20 Mill St. was machineless, it has since acquired several drilling and milling machines with more on the way. That’s according to MATCH board member Lindy Lee Gold, who is helping the program to acquire more equipment from a community college that decided it will not make use of its alreadypurchased manufacturing machines.

Just a few months ago, Nunez said, “I was looking for a path to go down” after only being able to do maintenance work due to his education in Puerto Rico not transferring over to New Haven. He spent nine years living in New Haven and doing maintenance work. Finally, he decided to pursue his General Education Diploma (GED).

He then began the MATCH program on June 16 to chase a new dream toward manufacturing and get paid while training. He graduated from MATCH’s manufacturing program last week with “gold star achievement,” meaning he passed all of his assessments for the program with perfect scores. That’s also when he was hired as an instructor.

Nunez teaches students like Mike Chaves, a current MATCH student who was referred to the program from the prison recenter nonprofit EMERGE. Chaves said MATCH provides him with paid hands-on training, which he appreciates because “hands on is the best way to learn, for me anyway.”

While Nunez worked on Monday morning with students practicing their milling, tapping, and drilling, assistant instructor Robert Wards taught small group lessons on measurements by having students lay out pillars, hammers, and screw drivers and showing him what they’ve learned from computer modules about safety and proper use of tools.

On one warehouse wall was the month’s schedule for each day’s lesson with focus-

es like blueprint reading, fasteners, shop organization, and machine maintenance. Also supporting student learning Monday was master instructor Eduardo Melendez of Penn Globe, who also taught all the current instructors who were once students. Melendez got into manufacturing work with Penn Globe 26 years ago and said he wishes he had access to today’s MATCH decades ago. Melendez recalled graduating from Wilbur Cross in 1998 and learning quickly after enrolling in college that he did not want to pursue university. He then worked in laundromats and grocery stores until he learned about manufacturing from his father and uncle who later helped him secure the job at Penn Globe.

He said students like himself, despite not wanting to go to college, “have the potential” and just need opportunities like what MATCH is offering to succeed. “I think this is the only program that you can come here, learn, and while you’re learning, you’re getting paid also,” he said.

MATCH’s current manufacturing cohort includes 10 students. The group splits during the day to the first or second floor to complete computer units focused on manufacturing basics and safety, and then have hands-on practice with the firstfloor machinery.

Students milled “1 – 2-3 blocks” to practice their measurements and drilling skills. Next they worked with aluminum casts to practice drilling and tapping. Nunez guided the students through the process Monday morning.

During daily lessons, MATCH students also learn from Melendez skills like packaging the products they make and then delivering the materials safely.

MATCH hopes to next work with public comprehensive high schools Wilbur Cross and Hillhouse to develop the school district’s manufacturing pathway for stu-

dents. Melendez said he plans for New Haven students to visit MATCH to learn in the afternoons and for MATCH cohorts to work in the mornings.

“This gives them a choice, and not only go four years in college then find out ‘I don’t like this.’ They can try this stuff here, and if they like it they can pursue it and if not, in the meantime, they get a little bit of money and skills,” Melendez said. He added that the skills students learn from MATCH’s manufacturing program can translate well to their personal life with home improvements or car maintenance. “All these skills that we teach here are not only for work,” he concluded.

MATCH board chair Marcia LaFemina and board member Lindy Lee Gold told Blumenthal that MATCH is the place of “manufacturers teaching manufacturers.” Gold added that MATCH hopes to buy its current warehouse building to avoid allowing further gentrification to reach Fair Haven. MATCH partners with local organizations like IRIS, Junta For Progressive Action, and EMERGE to recruit students for its paid training program. “We’re trying very hard to stay here,” Gold said. By June 2025, MATCH is expected to have trained 123 people for manufacturing jobs, LaFemina told Blumenthal. Blumenthal met administrative assistant Shirell Bolden and human resources trainee Sitara Ahmadi on the second floor. Bolden told him about how the nonprofit’s flexibility with work hours allows her to work from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. This gives her the chance to bring her children to school before work or the bus stop and pick them up at dismissal. Ahmadi shared that she’s enjoyed the chance to dive into paid human resource work as a recent refugee from Afghanistan.

“You guys are really important because we desperately need more people to do manufacturing,” Blumenthal told the group of students.

When asked about his takeaways, Blumenthal said, “I visit training centers like this because there’s a desperate need in our state for more skilled workers. We need to invest more in people.”

He said one of the most common requests he hears from employers of small and large businesses around the state is that they need more trained workers. He described MATCH as an inspiring and great model for the state and country.

“I’m going to take this picture back with me to Washington D.C. and say, ‘We need to invest in exactly this kind of hands-on program that creates mobility,’ ” he added. In addition to bringing economic growth, Blumenthal concluded, “we have a lot of young people and maybe older as well who are really looking for work and could become discouraged by the skill requirements for particular jobs when they don’t have those kinds of skills. It’s just creating a sense of hope for people.”

MATCH's Eduardo Melendez, Laurence Lungulo, Mike Chaves, Paul Nunez, and Robert Wards.

U.S. Sen. Blumenthal meets Shirell Bolden and Sitara Ahmadi.

MAYA MCFADDEN PHOTO Former student, current instructor Paul Nunez hosts drilling practice.

The new haven independent

100s Rally For

jobs harder, even with the high cost of living.”

Bobby May expected fair wages after “making Omni New Haven at Yale wallto-wall union” by leading five of his fellow front desk agents to join Local 217 UNITE HERE in March. But, he said, he currently juggles two jobs in order to make ends meet.

May follows in his father’s footsteps, a coal miner who survived black lung thanks to union health insurance. “We should be able to live here and [receive healthcare] without needing multiple jobs to pay the bills.”

U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal also addressed the workers on Sunday: “You are here for the future of America. I am going to take this down to Washington D.C. and show them that this is what America looks like at its best.”

The crowd, nearly 300 strong and clad in red UNITE HERE T‑shirts, blew horns and touted “WE ARE STRIKE READY” signs.

“If we don’t get it, shut it down!” protestors chanted. The commotion caught the attention of several passersby, earning the occasional thumbs-up and words of encouragement.

Elisha Brockenberry had been volunteering with the Semilla Collective, a grassroots advocacy organization, at a nearby farmer’s market when the group decided to donate their leftover tamales and hibiscus tea to the rally.

“I didn’t even know this was happening, but my friend who invited me to volunteer said we should bring over some food to support the workers.”

As a freelance illustrator with experience in T-shirt design, Brockenberry said she hopes to support the movement as it evolves.

“They might not be poor in this lifetime, but I hope they realize it could be their future,” Brockenberry said about Omni’s owner. “You know, two or three generations down the line, their grandkids could be standing at a picket line because of corporations like these.”

Nicholas Garcia, who has been a bellhop at the Omni for over eight months, caught the end of the rally during his break with receptionist Genesis Lucero. “It’s a big responsibility, so the job has its ups and downs, you know? These are unfortunate circumstances, but it’s empowering to see so many people showing up for us.”

While Garcia and Lucero returned to their shifts, other Omni employees who were at the rally but were not working that day were not allowed inside the hotel, per management’s orders.

“We will shut down this street as many times as it takes to get a contract,” said UNITE HERE Local 35 President Bob Proto.

“We are ready to go all the way,” said Stanley. “But we don’t have to. Let’s get it done now.”

Kamala Harris Ignites DNC with Surprise Appearance and Biden, Dems Call for Fierce Defense of Democracy and Working-Class Values

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Senior National Correspondent @StacyBrownMedia

In an electrifying moment at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) that likely set the tone for the party’s campaign, Vice President Kamala Harris made a surprise appearance on the opening night, seizing the stage to the triumphant anthem of Beyoncé’s “Freedom.” The crowd erupted with fire in her voice as Harris declared, “I want to kick us off by celebrating our incredible president, Joe Biden. Thank you for your historic leadership, for your lifetime of service to our nation, and for all you will continue to do. We are forever grateful to you.”

The first night of the DNC was more than a celebration; it was a battle cry. Democrats from all political backgrounds came together to honor President Biden’s legacy, which includes unwavering efforts to reduce costs for middle-class Americans, repair a deteriorating infrastructure, and defend democracy from unprecedented threats. The message was clear: Biden’s work is not done, and Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz are ready to continue that fight.

Speakers who are most familiar with Biden, such as Senators Raphael Warnock and Chris Coons, as well as Dr. Jill Biden and Ashley Biden, shared stories that painted a picture of a president who is unwaveringly dedicated to the American people. “In public and in private, President Biden never backed down from his vision for an America where everyone has a fair shot,” Warnock emphasized. Dr. Biden and Ashley Biden gave heartfelt tributes to the man who led the nation and his family with steadfast devotion.

The emotional high point of the evening came when Biden, introduced by his daughter Ashley, took the stage to a thunderous ovation as “Your Love Has Lifted Me Higher” filled the arena. The crowd’s response was deafening, with chants of “We love Joe” and “Thank You, Joe” reverberating throughout the hall, a powerful testament to Biden’s connection with the American people.

In a speech that was as much a rallying cry as it was a reflection on his presidency, Biden delivered a stark reminder of what’s at stake. “Let me ask you… Are you ready to vote for freedom? Are you ready to vote for democracy and America? Are you ready to elect Kamala Harris and Tim Walz?” Biden’s words resonated as he recalled the perilous moment of

his inauguration, just weeks after supporters of the twice-impeached former president stormed the U.S. Capitol. “You cannot say I love my country only when you win,” Biden asserted. “The winter of peril and possibility has passed, and with a grateful heart, I stand before you to report that democracy has prevailed. But now, democracy must be preserved.” Biden highlighted the progress made under his administration, pointing to economic recovery, healthcare expansion, and the battle against corporate greed. He singled out Harris’s critical role in these achievements. “We’ve gone from economic crisis to the strongest economy in the world… More Americans have health insurance than at any time in American history. And we finally beat big pharma. Guess who cast the tiebreaking vote? Vice President and soonto-be President Kamala Harris. Now it’s the law of the land—$35 a month for insulin.”

The evening was charged with passionate speeches that struck at the heart of the nation’s issues. Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton delivered a searing indictment of Donald Trump, contrasting Harris’s steadfast dedication to American values with Trump’s chaotic legacy. “Kamala won’t disrespect our military and our veterans,” Clinton declared to thunderous applause. “She will defend democracy and our Constitution and will protect America from enemies foreign and domestic. Donald Trump fell asleep at his own trial, and when he woke up, he made history as the first person to run for president with 34 felony convictions.” Representative Alexandria OcasioCon’t on page 15

Leading Democratic Women Excoriate Trump During Fiery DNC Speeches

By Stacy M. Brown

NNPA Senior National Correspondent @StacyBrownMedia

CHICAGO — At the Democratic National Convention, a cadre of leading Democratic women took the stage, unleashing a barrage of critiques against Donald Trump and J.D. Vance, framed by the Republicans’ notorious record on women’s issues. The stark differences in vision and values of the twice-impeached and 34-times convicted former president, his vice presidential nominee, and Vice President Kamala Harris and her surrogates were on full display in Chicago.

Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton opened with a searing take on Trump’s legal woes. “Donald Trump fell asleep at his own trial,” Clinton recounted to an amused crowd. “When he woke up, he’d made his own kind of history — the first person to run for president with 34 felony convictions.” The statement sparked a wave of laughter and wild applause, leading to chants of “Lock him up!” echoing

the irony of Trump’s previous attacks on her.

“We have him on the run now,” Clinton declared. “But no matter what the polls say, we can’t give up.”

Rep. Jasmine Crockett of Texas highlighted the divergent paths of Harris and Trump. “One candidate worked at McDonald’s while she was in college at an HBCU. The other was born with a silver spoon in his mouth and helped his daddy in the family business: Housing discrimination,” Crockett said, sparking boisterous applause from the audience. She continued, “She became a career prosecutor, while he became a career criminal, with 34 felonies, two impeachments, and one porn star to prove it.”

Reflecting on her early days in Congress, Crockett shared a personal testimony about Harris’ influence. “When I first got to Congress, I wasn’t sure I made the right decision,” she admitted. “That chaos caucus couldn’t elect a speaker, and the Oversight Committee was unhinged.”

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New

York also critically panned Trump’s priorities. “We know Trump would sell this country for a dollar if it meant lining his own pockets and greasing palms of his Wall Street friends,” Ocasio-Cortez asserted. Her speech vividly championed Harris as a beacon for working Americans. “To love this country is to fight for its people — all people, working people, everyday Americans like bartenders and factory workers and fast-food cashiers who punch a clock and are on their feet all day in some of the toughest jobs out there.”

Ocasio-Cortez then stirred the thousands of delegates with a forward-looking promise: “America, when we knock on our neighbor’s door, organize our communities, and elect Kamala Harris to the presidency on November 5, we will send a loud message that the people of this nation will not go back. We choose a new path and open the door to a new day: one that is for the people and by the people.”

Kamala Harris

Cortez delivered a fiery endorsement of Harris, framing her as the champion the middle-class needs. “In Kamala Harris, we have a chance to elect a president who is for the middle class because she is from the middle class,” Ocasio-Cortez proclaimed. “She understands the urgency of rent checks, groceries, and prescriptions. She is as committed to our reproductive and civil rights as she is to taking on corporate greed. She is working tirelessly to secure a ceasefire in Gaza and bring hostages home.”

Ocasio-Cortez didn’t hold back in her critique of Trump, accusing him of being a self-serving demagogue. “Donald Trump would sell this country for a dollar if it meant lining his own pockets and greasing the palms of his Wall Street friends,” she said. “I, for one, am tired of hearing about how a two-bit union buster thinks of himself as more of a patriot than the woman who fights every single day to lift working people out from under the boots of greed trampling on our way of life.”

The night was filled with moments that galvanized the crowd. Golden State Warriors Head Coach Steve Kerr, invoking the words of Steph Curry, declared, “After the results are tallied that night, we can tell Donald Trump, ‘Night, night.’“ UAW President Shawn Fain tore off his jacket to reveal a shirt emblazoned with the words “TRUMP IS A SCAB,” igniting the crowd into a fervent chant of “Trump’s a scab! Trump’s a scab!”

In one of the night’s most pointed moments, Rep. Jasmine Crockett drew a stark contrast between Harris and Trump: “She became a career prosecutor while he became a career criminal. Who would you hire? Donald Trump or Kamala Harris? Kamala Harris has a resume, and Donald Trump has a rap sheet with 34 felonies, 2 impeachments, and 1 porn star to prove it.”

The NAACP President Derrick Johnson and Melanie Campbell, the President and CEO of the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation, led a standing ovation for civil rights icon Rev. Jesse Jackson during the celebration.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson also delivered a powerful message that resonated deeply with the audience. “I know that my daughter will see not only a reflection of herself in the White House, but she will experience the deepest part of American values… Kamala Harris— she’s got us.” Harris’s words from earlier in the night echoed as the event ended: “We are at a pivotal moment. The choices we make now will determine the future of our nation. Together, we will fight for the soul of America and build a future where everyone has a fair shot. Our best days are still ahead, and we are ready to lead.”

Where Does VP Kamala Harris Stand on Healthcare?

We look at her position on everything from Medicare for All to Maternal Health

ByFajr Eutsey, BlackHealthMatters.com

As the 2024 election approaches, health is a critical election platform topic. In this piece, we wanted to examine Vice President Harris’s position on healthcare and issues related to women’s health and the potential implications for our future.

The Early Years

During her tenure as California’s Attorney General, Harris was a dedicated advocate for the Affordable Care Act (ACA). She recognized its potential to significantly expand healthcare access for millions of women and took decisive action to defend the ACA in court. Her efforts ensured that women could access essential health services without financial barriers. This commitment to women’s health laid a solid foundation for her career in the U.S. Senate and beyond.

Her Fight Against Fibroids

Harris’s focus on women’s health intensified as she transitioned to representing California in the U.S. Senate. One of her early legislative efforts was the introduction of the Uterine Fibroid Research and Education Act in 2020. This bill was geared toward increasing funding for research and raising awareness about uterine fibroids, a condition that disproportionately affects our community.

Her Push for Affordable Healthcare

In 2019, Kamala Harris proposed a plan to prevent the U.S. from paying more for prescription medication than other developed countries. Her plan aimed to cap drug prices at an average of those in different nations.

During her presidential run, Harris also advocated for Medicare for All, a singlepayer insurance proposal. She emphasized the deeply personal nature of healthcare for Americans and envisioned a comprehensive healthcare system covering all medically necessary services, from emergency

room visits to mental health and reproductive health care. She also proposed empowering the Secretary of Health and Human Services to negotiate lower prescription drug prices, aiming to make health care accessible and affordable.

“There is perhaps no more complicated or personal issue for Americans than health care. I know this from my own personal life, caring for my mother as she battled colon cancer. And I also know it from talking to so many Americans in this campaign — seniors and union members, young people and parents, workers and caregivers,” said Harris in the article she wrote for Medium.

She Prioritizes Black Maternal Health

First, the federal Maternal Health Day of Action at the White House called to improve health outcomes for parents and infants in the United States. “Before, during, and after childbirth, women in our nation are dying at a higher rate than any other developed nation in our world,” Harris stated during the Maternal Day of Action Summit. “Black women are three times as likely to die from pregnancy-related complications. We should do something about that.” She has highlighted the alarming rates of maternal mortality, especially amongst our community. As a Senator, she co-introduced the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act with Congresswomen Lauren Underwood and Alma Adams in 2020. This bill aims to improve maternal health outcomes, particularly amongst our community and other communities that face disparities. As a result, a significant achievement was the passage of the Protecting Moms Who Served Act on November 30, 2021, which focuses on maternal care for veterans. Still, the complete Momnibus package is being advocated for, with the latest version introduced on May 15, 2023.

Her Support for Reproductive Rights

As Senator, Harris co-sponsored legislation aimed at eliminating state-level restrictions, such as mandatory tests for doctors or the requirement for doctors to have

hospital admitting privileges to perform abortions. During her 2019 presidential campaign, Harris proposed that states with a history of violating Roe v. Wade should undergo pre-clearance for new abortion laws, securing federal approval before they could be enacted. In December 2023, Harris launched the “Fight for Reproductive Freedoms” tour, aiming to counteract the effects of abortion bans and advocate for the restoration of Roe v. Wade protections. As reported by CNN, in March of 2024, Harris made history by becoming the first sitting vice president to visit an abortion clinic. She toured a Planned Parenthood clinic in Minnesota, highlighting the ongoing healthcare crisis.

“The reason I’m here is because this is a health care crisis,” Harris said. “Part of this health care crisis is the clinics like this that have had to shut down and what that has meant to leave no options with any reasonable geographic area for so many women who need this essential care.”

Kamala Harris’s advocacy for women’s health is extensive. While we have touched on some of the key highlights, her work spans a much broader spectrum. By looking back at some of her major contributions, we can gain insights into potential future developments. By staying informed, we can collectively strive to create a healthier and more equitable future for ourselves, our mothers, sisters, friends, and women everywhere.

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)

Delegate Dunleavy: There’s Work To Do In Chicago

by PAUL BASS

Chicago — New Haven’s Marty Dunleavy can be counted on to cheer when the Democratic Party formally christens the Harris-Walz presidential ticket here this week. He and fellow delegates will have lots of less glamorous work to do before that.

So Dunleavy said Sunday as he and other Nutmeggers set out from Bradley International Airport to the Windy City, excited to attend the Democratic National Convention in Chicago at a time when their once-flagging presidential ticket has the wind at its back.

Dunleavy, one of four New Haven convention delegates (along with Democratic Town Committee Vice-Chair Audrey Tyson, State Treasurer Erick Russell and high schooler Jacob Schonberger), knows what the job entails: He has attended nine Democratic National Conventions. He has served in various convention capacities ranging from delegate to credentials committeeman, from member of the national committee to … a page, at his first convention, in Chicago in 1968.

Right. That convention. When hell broke loose on the streets as well as in the hall.

“I was a little kid,” recalled Dunleavy, a 68-year-old former Upper Westville alderman (as the position was called then) in New Haven. “They wouldn’t let me go in or do anything. They took me from the hotel to the hall and back to the hotel because all that was going on. It was almost like being babysat.”

Starting in 1976, Dunleavy went to each presidential convention without missing

a cycle and played roles ranging from national committee member, credentials committee member, and, like this year, a Connecticut delegate.

“Getting elected a delegate doesn’t make you a leader. Being a leader helps you get elected delegate,” Dunleavy said.

Delegates usually cast formal votes for the party’s presidential nominee at the convention. They won’t do that this year: Delegates already nominated Kamala Harris online.

In the modern age, when tickets are set in advance of conventions, the delegates seek to whoop and holler for TV cameras during four nights of prime-time speeches

to build momentum for the fall campaign. They’ll do that again this week. Away from the cameras, they attend morning breakfasts where they hear from national figures about party strategy. This week the Connecticut Democrats will host James Carville, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, and Pennsylvania Gov. (and VP nominee runner-up) Josh Shapiro. They then attend issues-oriented sessions held by different party caucuses, ranging from labor to various religions to people of color to an “ethnic” gathering focused on retaining support of working-class past

or just-barely remaining white Democrats. Dunleavy participates in that one.

In the course of both kinds of sessions, the delegates hash out where the party stands on major issues, in the hopes they’ll return home with a consistent message to transmit to voters. They also approve a party platform, which is worked out by a separate committee.

In general, beyond making connections and having fun, they seek to strengthen a sense of mission and strategy then to bring back home as they work at the grassroots level to deliver a Democratic win in November.

“Most delegates are activists themselves. So the fact that many of us are on town committees or state committees or candidates themselves or statewide elected officials … we are considered leaders.” What makes an effective delegate? Understanding politics and policy, and seeing a convention not as an opportunity for career self-advancement but rather an opportunity to work with a team to prepare to deliver a unified message, he argued. Storied conventions past were more than made-for-TV programs: Factions used to come prepared to negotiate in back rooms and among state delegations to choose the nominee. Dunleavy’s favorite memories include watching legendary Connecticut Democrat John Bailey, who served as national party chairman, work the floor.

He also will never forget delivering one of the welcoming speeches at the 1992 convention in New York. At the time he headed the Democratic Municipal Officials of America organization; he blasted the Republicans’ urban policy record.

This week, as in other recent conventions, the nominees are set, but a lot is riding in how those prime time speeches and crowd reactions play out. Dunleavy is looking forward to hearing from vicepresidential nominee Tim Walz, whom he’s never met. He’s especially looking forward to Monday’s night’s keynote by President Joe Biden. Dunleavy was one of Connecticut’s first major backers of the 2020 Biden campaign, trekking to New Hampshire when Biden’s prospects seemed dim.

And, of course, he’s ready to clap and cheer with the other delegates when Harris takes the stage Thursday on the final evening.

Black Couple From NYC Charged Their Guests $333 Each to Attend Their Wedding

ding as a high-profile concert and deciding to charge their guests for tickets to attend.

Nova and Reemo Styles, an African American couple from New York City with a unique approach to wedding planning, found a creative way to finance their special day. The pair faced the daunting reality of the rising costs associated with modern weddings, which can easily run into tens of thousands of dollars. Determined not to let financial constraints dampen their celebration, they decided to turn their wedding into an event that not only brought joy but also covered their expenses.

Wedding costs have been steadily climbing, with the average couple spending a significant portion of their budget on the venue alone. According to Esther Lee, Deputy Editor at The Knot, the venue typically accounts for about 37% of the total wedding cost. Faced with this hefty price tag, Nova and Reemo thought outside the box, conceptualizing their wed-

Nova’s inspiration came from the world of entertainment. “People choose to go to Beyoncé’s concert because they know they’re going to have an experience,” she explained. Embracing this idea, the couple decided to sell tickets for their wedding, putting the financial burden on their guests rather than themselves. While Reemo was initially skeptical, worried that their friends and family might not be on board, they moved forward with their plan.

Despite some initial backlash—some guests questioned the audacity of charging for a wedding and likened it to a celebrity event—their strategy paid off. Tickets were priced at $333 each, granting guests a seat on a double-decker bus and an exclusive 12-hour adventure through New York City. This unconventional approach allowed the couple to save approximately $70,000 on wedding expenses, proving that creativity could indeed alleviate the

financial strain of a modern wedding.

Nova and Reemo’s innovative approach is part of a broader trend among couples seeking to break free from traditional wedding norms in favor of more budgetfriendly alternatives. Esther Lee notes that many couples are now opting for brunch weddings, which tend to be less expensive than evening receptions. These earlier celebrations often feature more casual dining options, such as pizza and mimosas, rather than the typical filet and fish dinners. For example, Courtney and Alex Quist decided to hold their wedding earlier in the day and served their guests a laid-back menu. By doing so, they estimate that they saved around $40,000. The couple was delighted with the outcome, noting that they still had a beautiful wedding and a memorable reception with their closest loved ones, and wouldn’t have changed a thing about their special day.

Dunleavy and Tyson by Bradley Gate 23 with fellow veteran New Haven Dem Nick Neely, who also headed to the

Photo Credit: REEM Photography

The new haven independent

ELM CITY COMMUNITIES

NOTICE

Invitation for Bids

ELM CITY COMMUNITIES

Invitation for Bids

Pest Control Services for Low Income- Agency Wide

VALENTINA MACRI RENTAL HOUSING PRE- APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE

Essex Townhouses Fire Damage Repair & Exterior Improvements

The Housing Authority of the City of New Haven d/b/a Elm City Communities is currently seeking bids from qualified Contractors. A complete copy of the requirement may be obtained from Elm City’s Vendor Collaboration Portal https://newhavenhousing. cobblestonesystems.com/gateway beginning on

Wednesday August 21, 2024, at 3:00 PM.

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

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.

Invitation for Bids SNOW REMOVAL SERVICES

VALENTINA MACRI VIVIENDAS DE ALQUILER PRE-SOLICITUDES DISPONIBLES

The State of Connecticut, Office of Policy and Management is recruiting for a Budget Analyst Trainee (Leadership Associate (Confidential))

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

Monday, August 26, 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

NEW HAVEN

(RFP)

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

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

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

Further information regarding the duties, eligibility requirements and application instructions are available at: https://www.jobapscloud.com/CT/ sup/bulpreview.asp?b=&R1= 240726&R2=5989VR&R3=001

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

Scattered Site: Garden, Martin & Nelson Streets Hartford, CT 9

RES. BLDGS + 1 CB, 78 Units

Project Documents include but not limited to: Sitework, landscaping, asphalt paving, repair and sealing, selective site demolition, fencing, concrete, masonry, misc metals, rough carpentry, finish carpentry, roofing, doors, frames and hardware labor and material, gypsum board, flooring, painting, manufactured casework, window blinds, fire suppression, plumbing, HVAC, electrical, windows, residential equipment / appliances, sanitary facilities and final cleaning.

Bid Due Date: 9/5/24 @ 3pm

Invitation to Bid: 2nd Notice

If you have not already received a bid from us and would like to bid, please email Taylor your business & contact information, she will add you to Procore and send you the ITB. Email Questions & Bids to: Taylor Els tels@haynesct.com

SAYEBROOKE VILLAGE

This contract is subject to state set-aside and contract compliance requirements.

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

State law requires a minimum of (25%) percent of the state-funded portion of the contract for award to subcontractors holding current certification from the CT Dept of Admin Services (“DAS”)

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

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.

SEYMOUR HOUSING AUTHORITY

under the provisions of CONN. GEN. STAT. § 4a-60g. (25% of the work with DAS certified Small & Minority owned businesses and 25% of that work with DAS certified Minority, Women and/or Disabled owned businesses.)

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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)

NOW HIRING FOR 2024-2025 SEASON

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

Roma Construction, Inc. has openings for Laborers, CDL Drivers with Class A & B Licenses and Operators. We are an Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer

NOTICIA

Email: rick.tousignant@garrityasphalt.com

Women & Minority Applicants are encouraged to apply

Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer

DE ALQUILER PRE-SOLICITUDES DISPONIBLES

Union Company seeks:

Police Officer full-time

Go to www.portlandct.org for details

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

Invitation to Bid: 2nd Notice

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

SAYEBROOKE VILLAGE

Old Saybrook, CT (4 Buildings, 17 Units)

Senior Sales Representative Wanted

Tax Exempt & Not Prevailing Wage Rate Project

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

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

SEYMOUR HOUSING AUTHORITY

Salary

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

Knows effective ways to

and

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

and learns about new offerings

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.

Works well independently and has advanced time management and organization skills. Potential to manage sales representatives and has good leadership skills. Builds relationships with customers and coworkers and has strong interpersonal skills. An associate or bachelor’s degree in marketing, business, or a related major is a plus but not required. At least [number] years of sales representative experience is preferred. Interested candidates should apply to John Thomas, JThomas@penfieldcomm.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

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 VIVIENDAS

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

LAROSA GROUPS IS GROWING

LaRosa Building Group LLC, a General Contractor is currently looking to add the following full-time positions to our Team:

NEW HAVEN

242-258 Fairmont Ave

Town of Bloomfield

Salary Range:

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

QSR STEEL CORPORATION APPLY NOW!

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

Email Resume: Rose@qsrsteel.com Hartford, CT

Construction

Laboratory Technician

The Town of Wallingford Sewer Division is seeking qualified applicants to perform tasks in the sampling and physical, chemical and bacteriological laboratorial analysis of raw (untreated) and potable (treated) water and wastewater. The position requires 2 years of experience in the laboratory analysis of water and wastewater, plus an A S. degree in biology, chemistry or related field from an accredited college or university, or an equivalent combination of experience and training may be substituted on a year-for-year basis. Must obtain and maintain during the course of employment any required local, State and federal certifications in laboratory analysis work. Must possess and maintain a valid State of CT driver’s license. Wage rate: $30.20 to $36.31 hourly, plus an excellent fringe benefits package that includes pension plan, paid sick and vacation time, medical insurance, life insurance, and 13 paid holidays. To apply online by the closing date of August 29, 2024, please visit: www.wallingfordct.gov/government/departments/humanresources/. Applications are also available at the Department of Human Resources located in Room #301 of the Town Hall, 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492. Phone: (203) 294-2080; Fax: (203) 294-2084. EOE

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR BID HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF DANBURY

Please register here to obtain Bid Package: https://ha.internationaleprocurement.com/requests.html?company_id=49968

PROPOSAL SUBMITTAL RETURN:

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

General Office Administrator Assistant Project Manager/Project Engineer Construction Accountant Superintendent

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

LaRosa Earth Group LLC, a Site/Excavation Company is currently looking to add the following full-time positions to our Team:

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

Heavy Equipment Operators Diesel Mechanic Skilled Laborers

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

Please submit resumes to HR@LAROSABG.COM or stop by our main office to fill out an application: 163 Research Parkway Meriden, CT.

SEYMOUR HOUSING AUTHORITY

Salary will be commensurate with experience and best fit for the positions. Health plan; 401K; company- paid holidays in addition to paid time off.

LaRosa Groups is an Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer who values diversity and encourages all qualified applicants to apply.

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

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

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

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

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

Invitation to Bid: 2nd Notice

Housing Authority of the City of Danbury, 2 Mill Ridge Rd, Danbury, CT 06811 Envelope Must be Marked: IFB No. B24007, Chimney Cleaning and Repair Services Attn: Lisa Gilchrist, Purchasing Agent

SAYEBROOKE VILLAGE

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

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

SUBMITTAL DEADLINE

September 12th, 2024 at 10:30am (EST)

CONTACT PERSON FOR IFB DOCUMENT: Lisa Gilchrist – Purchasing Agent Telephone: 203-744-2500 x1421 E-Mail: lgilchrist@hacdct.org

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.

[Minority- and/or women-owned businesses are encouraged to respond]

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

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.

New Study Uncovers Racial Bias in Language Used by Physicians in Medical Records

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA National Correspondent @StacyBrownMedia

A ground-breaking study found glaring disparities in the language that healthcare professionals use when recording patient interactions, which could have an impact on the caliber of care that minority groups receive. Titled “Examining Linguistic Differences in Electronic Health Records for Diverse Patients with Diabetes: Natural Language Processing Analysis,” the study analyzed electronic health records (EHRs) of Black, white, and Hispanic or Latino patients treated by 281 physicians in a major metropolitan area. The findings highlight how racial and ethnic biases may permeate even the most intimate and routine aspects of healthcare.

The research, which Eden King, the Lynette S. Autrey Professor of Psychological Sciences at Rice University, led, sought to ascertain whether doctors use biased language when describing patients in postvisit reports. “Language and communication are central to social interactions across cultures, including the critical exchanges that occur between clinicians and patients,” King stated. “Our study sought to uncover whether the words physicians use in health records reflect biases, and the results are concerning.”

The study employed a sophisticated natural language processing tool, the Sentiment Analysis and Social Cognition Engine (SEANCE), to examine various linguistic markers in the EHR text. The analysis revealed that physicians’ notes for Black and

Hispanic or Latino patients contained significantly more negative adjectives—such as “unkind,” “negative,” and “stupid”— and words associated with fear and disgust, including “intimidate,” “attack,” and “cringe.” In contrast, notes for white, nonHispanic patients featured more positive language, including adjectives like “supportive” and “kind,” as well as verbs indicating trust, such as “affirm” and “advise.”

“These findings align with a growing body of research demonstrating that racial and

ethnic minorities often receive inferior care, marked by less empathy, reduced rapport, and diminished patient trust,” King explained in a news release. The study’s results are consistent with previous reports, such as the 2018 National Healthcare Disparities Report, which found that Black and Hispanic patients frequently experience worse care on numerous quality measures compared to their white counterparts. This includes receiving less respect and attention from physicians, further contributing

to health disparities. Researchers assert that the implications of these linguistic biases are far-reaching. Language in EHRs not merely reflects a physician’s observations but also influences future medical decisions, as these records are reviewed and referenced in subsequent patient encounters. Bias in these records can perpetuate negative stereotypes and lead to ongoing disparities in care. The study’s authors emphasize that understanding and addressing these biases is crucial

for improving health outcomes for minority populations.

King and her team hope their research will be a wake-up call to the medical community. “If we can develop and refine algorithms to detect such biases, we can raise awareness among clinicians during patient interactions,” King said in the release. “This heightened awareness could be a critical step toward more equitable healthcare.”

The study also points to the need for systemic changes in how medical professionals are trained and how EHRs are utilized. While EHRs are essential for documenting patient care, officials noted that the language used in these records can reflect unconscious biases that may influence patient outcomes. They said the research underscores the importance of ongoing education and training for healthcare providers to recognize and mitigate these biases.

The study’s findings open the door for further research into the relationship between biased language in medical records and patient outcomes. The research team, which includes experts from institutions such as the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, the University of Houston, and Duke University, plans to explore whether biased language correlates with poorer health outcomes for minority patients and whether interventions can reduce these disparities.

The study, supported in part by a grant from the Rice Race and Anti-Racism Research Fund, was published in JMIR Medical Informatics and is available online.

The New Face of Cancer is Getter Younger and Younger

ByFajr Eutsey BlackHealthMatters.com

Cancer. It’s a word that sends chills down anyone’s spine. Traditionally, it’s been a disease we associate with older adults. However, recent trends have been introducing different pictures. Increasingly, people under the age of 50 are being diagnosed with various forms of cancer. This isn’t just a coincidence or a series of unfortunate diagnoses; it’s a healthcare shift that demands our attention.

The Generational Shift

Imagine this, or rather, you don’t have to imagine it because it’s our reality. Today, a woman in her 30s faces a higher risk of being diagnosed with cancer compared to her grandmother at the same age, according to Scientific American. And this isn’t limited to just one type of cancer. We’re talking about colorectal, breast, pancreatic, and many others. This widespread issue spans several types of cancer, making it even more alarming. According to a comprehensive model-based cohort analysis of nationwide, high-quality cancer incidence and mortality data, the incidence rates for 17 cancer types have

increased in progressively younger birth cohorts in the USA. In other words, more young people are being diagnosed with cancer than ever before.

What’s Behind the Rise?

You may wonder what’s driving this in-

crease. Several factors are involved. The modern diet, rich in processed foods and sugary drinks, is a primary culprit. Sedentary lifestyles and rising obesity rates among younger generations also contribute.

It’s not just about diet and exercise; envi-

ronmental factors play a crucial role, too.

People today are exposed to more pollutants, chemicals, and radiation than previous generations. Additionally, tobacco and alcohol use remain prevalent among younger generations, consistently harming their health.

Early Detection

One of the most effective ways to combat the rise in cancer diagnoses is through early detection. Regular screenings can catch cancer in its early stages. For instance, colorectal cancer screenings can detect precancerous polyps, allowing for early intervention and potentially saving lives.

Research and Education

Addressing this issue requires a multifaceted approach. We need more research to understand the underlying causes of cancer in young people.

In an interview with PBS News, the CEO of the American Cancer Society mentioned that they have been seeing early indicators of a rise in cancers at an earlier age over the last several years. Early onset colorectal cancer, for example, has

shown declining incidence in populations aged 65 and above but rising in those 50 and younger. These are ages for which they previously did not consider someone to be at risk for colorectal cancer.

According to the American Cancer Society, the incidence rate of colorectal cancer among Black adults under 50 has been increasing by about 2% per year. Additionally, the overall cancer incidence rate for Black people under 50 is higher compared to other racial and ethnic groups. Our community needs more targeted prevention and early detection efforts.

Taking Action

This is a reminder that cancer doesn’t discriminate by age. It’s a call to action for healthcare providers, researchers, and policymakers to develop strategies to alleviate this surge. By understanding the contributing factors, we can work towards reversing this trend and ensuring a healthier future for all generations. If you are under 50, know that you are not too young to develop cancer. Consider getting screened, explore your family health history, and stay informed.

Where personal breakthroughs are powered by medical ones.

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

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!