INNER-CITY NEWS

INNER-CITY NEWS THE INNER-CITY NEWS - September 292016 , 2021 - October 05, 2021 July 27, - August 02, 2016

Over Half of American Detectable Lead LevelsConvention in Their Blood Financial JusticeChildren a Key Have Focus at 2016 NAACP New Haven, Bridgeport

INNER-CITYNEWS

Volume 29 . No. 24512 Volume 21 No. 2194

Malloy Malloy To To Dems: Dems:

“DMC” Vax Campaign Centers

Ignore Ignore“Tough “ToughOn OnCrime” Crime”

Student Athletes

Color Struck?

Snow in July?

Melvin Van Peebles, Godfather ofUS Black Cinema, FOLLOW ON Dies 1

1

Ghana President Heralds Historic Agreement to Build A World-Class W.E.B. Du Bois Museum Complex

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - September 29, 2021 - October 05 , 2021

Six Artists "Make It Melanin" At Erector Square

By Lucy Gellman

Framed photographs stretched out around Venita Bledsoe, each with a story to tell. By her right arm, a crystal ball floated between two cupped palms, bands of pink, orange and blue stretching across its base. Behind her, a friend surrounded by a sea of pink balloons looked up from her book. In a frame beside it, high school students were all limbs and smiles, their arms lifted jubilantly as they did the chacha-slide.

For the 30-year-old artist, putting them on public display marked a first.

This weekend, Bledsoe was one of the artists to show work at Make It Melanin, a two day pop-up exhibition from six Black women makers at Studio i in Erector Square. Curated by Hill-based painter and multimedia artist Demeree or D. Douglas, the show featured work from Bledsoe, Carin Bernard, Annissa Carter, Aliya Stevenson, Jade Streater and Quentesa Pierce. All are small business owners in the greater New Haven and tristate area.

“I’m so excited that all of these beautiful women came through to showcase their talents,” said Douglas, surrounded by grab-and-go cups of rose, sparkling cider, fruit and cheese and crackers she and her mother had assembled before the show. “We are capable of doing this, but we often don’t have the space to do it.”

The pop-up is the product of Douglas’ longtime desire to amplify the voices of fellow Black women, including many who practice out of their homes and hold down one or multiple jobs in addition to artmaking. After she displayed her own work at Poetic Haven in June, “I started asking, what’s next?” she recalled. She began looking around for space online, and connected with Studio i’s Jennifer Rae. She recruited artists through a call on social media.

Saturday, early fall light flooded the studio as artists set up their displays against the walls, creating a U shape in a gallery that has hosted photo shoots, tap performances, and short exhibitions since launching in 2017.

By the entrance, Bledsoe set out photographs, rubber wristbands and digital art prints for her small business, Veezy Vibetime Creations. Eleven years into her work as an artist, she said that Make It Melanin was her first opportunity to sell work in person. When she’s not making art, she’s working in hospitality in Stratford.

Her initial jitters around vending at the event had dissolved by the early hours of Saturday afternoon, as a steady trickle of visitors came through the door and hovered over her table. In her work, Bledsoe captures a mix of candid shots and posed portraits, from a friend’s roller skating practice in Norwalk to a pajama line that is just getting off the ground. In addition

From left to right: Carin Bernard, Venita Bledsoe, D. Douglas, Aliya Stevenson, Annissa Carter, and Jade Streater on Saturday. Artist Quentesa Pierce was only able to make it on Sunday. Lucy Gellman

to photography, she has been experimenting with digital design and watercolor painting.

“I think people just think art is easy, but it’s not at all,” she said as visitors looked over a mix of digital art and photography.“I like how it feels when I’m creating.”

Saturday, she put some of her favorite works on display to keep her company. In one framed photograph, a friend skated through Norwalk’s Ryan Park, where a huge mural stretches out across the basketball court. In another, a daughter leaned over to her dad and whispered the magic of a secret into his ear. In a third, a masked barber leaned lovingly over their pint-sized client and gave him a fresh fade, maybe just in time for the school year. It seemed like there were dozens of narratives folded into each image, waiting to be unspooled and retold.

That was also true for Bernard, a 29-year-old artist and self-described nerd (she wears the title proudly) who runs Carinista Art out of her home in Rocky Hill.

Born and raised in Waterbury, Bernard has loved art for almost three decades— she was especially enamored of drawing eyes as a kid—but put it on the back burner following her mother’s death in 2010.

Then several years ago, she found herself battling severe depression. She turned back to the blank page with her artmaking supplies in hand.

“It became a way of processing emotion,” she said. After working largely in pencil, charcoal, and pastel, she began painting a few years ago and discovered that she had a knack for it. Because paint can be expensive, she “started small” and grew Carinista Art from there. Many of

her canvases pay homage to her twin loves of math and music, the first of which she minored in during her time at the University of Connecticut. A degree in economics from the school helps her run her business.

“It’s almost like I stumbled back into it,” she said of her artwork. “If I don’t at least try, I’m wasting this gift.”

Now that she has stumbled back, she is sprinting ahead. In one painting perched above her head Saturday, her subject looked out at the viewer, eyes wide behind thick lenses and round, goggle-like frames. Equations danced around her arms; a super-sized pencil and compass floated at her waist. Curly pink and purple hair poured past her shoulders as she blew a wispy stream of smoke.

Another canvas nearby was dedicated to Mae Jemison, who became the first Black woman to go to space when she boarded the Endeavour in 1992. In smaller canvases propped up before Bernard, Lizzo and Rhianna both made appearances.

Bernard said the breadth of her work is so broad because she’s not interested in fitting into any sort of box.

“We need more things like this,” she said of the pop-up, adding that she was feeling inspired to branch out beyond painting. “I feel like the arts are becoming more and more important in the community, and it’s up to us to keep them alive.”

Across the show’s five tables, several of the works also held stories of a cautiously reopening New Haven. At Carter’s booth for Wrap Artist Gems, a pair of pink and purple earrings waited for the right owner to find them. A month ago, the artist was at Partner’s Cafe when a drag queen deposited one of the pieces, a shiny pink

2

bead, in her hand as a thank you for a tip.

After the show, Carter asked if she could have a matching one for a set of earrings.

The queen obliged.

She thought back to that interaction this week, after selling out at PRIDE festivities and pulling several late nights to make new work for the pop-up (“I worked hard to pull this off!” she laughed from behind a mask printed with cats). Carter, who works as a program assistant for Artspace New Haven, makes her work in a home studio in what little free time she has. She said the pop-up had her thinking about how different it will be to be back at the building in October, for Artspace’s Open Source Festival.

Next to her, Aliya Stevenson showed people around her display of painted terracotta pots and clay sculptures. A student in architecture at Springfield Technical Community College, Stevenson has had a long loved houseplants, and began decorating pots a few years ago as a way to unwind.

Then“a lot of friends were like, hey, I need a pot for my cousin,” and she realized she could turn it into a relaxing side hustle while she was also in school. She connected with Douglas through a friend of her brother’s. As she spoke, pots burst into color with designs of big red flowers, dainty climbing vines, orange and gold leaf, and black-and-white ghouls in time for Halloween.

“I never thought I could make a business out of it,” she said. “As long as I can inspire someone with one piece, that would literally make my day.”

To the right of the studio’s door, Jade Streater sat among nine bright canvases.

A single mom and graduate of Coop-

erative Arts & Humanities High School, Streater paints and runs her small art business Lady J The Artist in between raising her son and working multiple jobs between Yale University and Bridgeport Hospital. As she spoke, an eye painted thickly with purple eyeshadow and surrounded by cubist squiggly shapes blinked above her head.

Her work celebrates both Black history and New Haven, the city in which she was born and raised. On a vibrant canvas over her left shoulder, her late father and uncle gathered at a street sign that read “Elm City.” A halo floated over her father’s head. Both of them sported Keith Haring-esque technicolor outlines as they looked out into the place that they called home.

To her right, viewers studied side-byside canvases of Huey Newton and Assata Shakur. Above them, Childish Gambino was depicted mid-movement, one eye closed as the other squinted skeptically at the studio. Nearby, an oil-on-board portrait used old paint to make a woman’s afro into a raised, textured cacophony of color.

“Painting what I paint, it’s giving me a voice without speaking,” she said. “This is Black history, Black culture.”

Going forward, Douglas said she’s interested in making the Make It Melanin pop-up a more frequent event, but needs to find available space to do it. No sooner had she announced the dates for the popup than she had artists asking her about the next iteration. After using Poetic Haven and Studio i, she doesn’t know what other spaces exist in the city.

“I’m feeling around,” she said.

120 Wage “Climate Strike” THE INNER-CITY NEWS - September 29, 2021 - October 05, 2021

by STAFF

New Haven Independent

New Haveners participated in a “Global Climate Strike Day” with a rally on the Green and outside City Hall.

A crowd of 120 participated at the event, where Mayor Justin Elicker (pictured above) spoke and was handed a stack of postcards urging him to take action on climate change.

The youth-led rally had two parts: “mourning the unprecedented damage caused by the climate crisis thus far, including forest fires, flooding, arctic collapse”; and a “die-in” outside City Hall.

The die-in featured 29 drum beats, representing “29 years since the United Nations Earth Summit in 1992.”

The New Haven Climate Movement, which organized the event, is calling on the city to transition from fossil fuels and rely 100 percent on renewble energy.

Newhallville, Dwight Get New Top Cops

by ALLAN APPEL & THOMAS BREEN New Haven Independent

Newhallville, East Rock and Cedar Hill have a new neighborhood top cop—Lt. Dana Smith, who has stepped into the district manager role as Lt. Manmeet Colon moves over to Internal Affairs.

And a little further west in Dwight and Beaver Hills, Lt. Ryan Przybylski has risen to the role of district manager, replacing recently promoted Capt. John Healy.

Both of those assignments were announced at recent community management team meetings.

Smith, Colon, and Interim Police Chief Rene Dominguez announced Smith’s new role Monday evening during the latest online monthly meeting of the East Rock Community Management Team.

Dominguez, who preceded Colon as District 7’s district manager, promised neighbors that the transition between the much-loved Colon and the newly promoted Smith would be seamless.

“I know changing district managers is stressful but we need [Colon] in Internal Affairs,” Dominguez told the roughly 30 people who attended the Zoom-assisted meeting. “She’s been great with the community.” And is “great with the officers as well.”

Colon said her transfer was effective as of Sunday. She is the new officer in charge of Internal Affairs.

In the run-up to that changing of the guard, she has shared all her East Rock/ Newhallville contact info—the area alders and community leaders—Smith.

“I was nervous,” Colon recalled when

she took over from Dominguez, “but I’m more than confident Lt. Smith will be a great fit here.”

If Smith was nervous, he didn’t reveal it.

“I’m parked,” Smith said, Zooming in from his cruiser and introducing himself.

He said he’s been on the force for nine years and his most recent assignment has been heading up the department’s background and recruitment division.

During his interview with city police commissioners before he was promoted from sergeant to lieutenant earlier this year, Smith said the most important qualities in an officer is honesty. Honesty and truthfulness, he said at the time, are at the heart of officer accountability and integrity.

It would also help, he added during that police commission interview, if officers had to be at least 25 years old before joining the police force, as those qualities come with maturity. The current minimum age for city police officers is 21.

“I’m looking forward to being back out there,” Smith said about taking on the role of district manager.

Dirt Bikes/ATVs On Closed East Rock Street He and Colon immediately got to work Monday when David Shimchick, who leads the Friends of East Rock Park, asked if the police have a plan to deter the dirt bike and ATV intruders on Farnam Drive, which, since the early months of the pandemic, has been closed to vehicles.

“It’s awesome to have the roads closed,”

THOMAS BREEN PHOTO Lt. Dana Smith: Now the top cop for East Rock/Newhallvillle.

ALLAN APPEL FILE PHOTO Lt. Colon, with Newhallville resident Briella Adantor, in 2019.

said Shimchick, “but now we have this problem that’s emerged as a safety hazard for residents.”

Last year, Colon replied, the police department addressed that same problem by deploying additional officers to the area for a few weeks. Long term, she said, there might need to be a non-additionalpersonnel solution.

“I’ll talk to Lt. Smith,” she said, “to make sure the resources we had last year can be duplicated as we come up with a

[more] sustainable solution.”

That might consist of a roadway re-design, so that an officer doesn’t have to be at the potential entry points at all times, she added.

Shimchick was satisfied with the response. “I know it’s not an easy solution, but just wanted it on the radar.”

In response to long-time queries from the East Rock neighbors, Colon also reported on monthly traffic accident and enforcement stats for vehicles in the district.

3

That report, to be augmented by stats on pedestrian accidents as well, will become a regular feature of Lt. Smith’s presentations to the team in the months and years to come, she added.

“I will definitely miss District 7,” Colon concluded, “but we will make sure [Lt. Smith] will succeed.”

The new chair of the management team, Elena Grewal, thanked Colon on behalf of residents for all her solid work and added, “We are looking forward to working with you, Lt. Smith.”

Lt. Przybylski Takes Over As Dwight/ Beaver Hills Top Cop Smith isn’t the only newly promoted lieutenant to take on a new role as neighborhood district manager.

Earlier this month during the latest regular meeting of the Dwight Community Management Team, newly minted Lt. Ryan Przybylski took over the role as top cop for District 4’s Dwight and District 10’s Beaver Hills from newly promoted Capt. John Healy.

Przybylski is a 13-year city police veteran who has spent a decade on the city’s SWAT team and most recently worked in the major crimes division of the detective bureau.

Healy thanked the Dwight neighbors present for supporting him during his four-and-a-half years as the neighborhood’s top cop. He also said they’ll be in good hands with Przybylski, who said he’s felt supported in the job so far.

“I just want to say I look forward to working with everybody and moving ahead,” Przybylski said at that meeting.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - September 29, 2021 - October 05 , 2021

Parents Send Pre-School Plea To D.C.

by LAURA GLESBY

New Haven Independent

Selena Calderon has “lost a few jobs” trying to land an early childcare slot for her 1-year-old.

She told two U.S. senators about that in the hope that they can help fix the problem on a national scale.

Calderon shared her story on Monday morning to U.S. Sens. Chris Murphy and Richard Blumenthal, as well as about 20 childcare providers, advocates, and parents from across the state. They sat in a circle beneath a galaxy of disc-like lights in the Dr. Reginald Mayo Early Learning Center auditorium.

Murphy and Blumenthal had convened the roundtable discussion to gain feedback and personal stories from constituents as they advocate for childcare and preschool provisions in the proposed Build Back Better Act currently before the Senate.

Calderon told them that her 1-year-old is on multiple waiting lists for an early childcare program. Calderon called 2-1-1 in her desperation to get her kid a slot — but a pandemic-intensified childcare provider shortage has led her to roadblock after roadblock.

According to the Center for American Progress, Connecticut families spend an average of 10 percent of their income on childcare, amounting to an average of $342 per week. The Build Back Better Act would create two years of universal public preschool for 3 and 4-year-olds and subsidize childcare on a sliding-scale rate, ranging between 0 and 7 percent of a family’s income.

The act would also raise the national early childcare and preschool teacher wage to a minimum of $15 per hour, while requiring preschool teachers to receive commensurate pay to kindergarten teachers with the same qualifications. These programs would be largely funded by a tax on the ultrawealthy.

Early childhood education has widely demonstrated, long-lasting impacts on children’s math and reading skills, emotional and behavioral health, and economic mobility as adults. The lack of access to early childhood education is “holding a generation of kids back,” Murphy said.

Murphy and Blumenthal said that on Capitol Hill, they plan to focus on the effects of childcare access on parents’ ability to find employment, as in Calderon’s case, in the wake of a worker shortage.

“In the wake of the pandemic, so many parents can’t go back to work to make a living wage because they can’t afford the childcare that would allow them to go back to work,” Murphy said. He believes that senators still on the fence about the act will be most likely to respond to an argument that parents need childcare in order to work and contribute to the economy.

Parent and advocate Eddie Blue told the group that he had to stay at home to take care of his 5 and 6-year-old kids when the pandemic hit. While his wife worked in special education, Blue, who runs both a security business and a dog training business, reduced his work hours by about 65

LAURA GLESBY PHOTO Eddie Blue talks about cutting his hours to care for his kids — who thrived in Pre-K — during the pandemic.

percent in order to watch his children. His income took a hit. Amid the turmoil, he had to get creative in order to bring moments of fun and calm home — once, going to the Dollar Store to lighten his family’s home with a pack of glow sticks.

While the pandemic affected his business, Blue considers himself lucky that he had the flexibility to stay home with his kids in the first place, he said. Both of his kids went to preschool at Reginald Mayo, where the roundtable had convened. His older son had struggled with speaking before preschool: “I would see him get frustrated because he couldn’t say what he wanted to say,” Blue recalled after the roundtable.

But the pathologists and educators at Mayo helped his son enormously, he said.

Now, he can’t stop talking — about how much he loved his preschool speech pathologist.

Jessica Sager, who runs the family and childcare advocacy organization All Our Kin, said that for every dollar invested in childcare businesses, the economy benefits by $15 to $20, since childcare and preschool allows parents to work and children to grow with lifelong positive repercussions.

Childcare’s critical role in the economy and workforce has seemed clearer than ever during the pandemic, when parents across the country found themselves with no other option but to stay home with their children as schools closed.

Preschool classrooms help teach kids essential social and behavioral skills. Centers that remained open during the pandemic, caring for the kids of essential workers during a turbulent time, offered a particular source of solace. Sager recalled hearing stories, again and again, of childcare providers providing mental health care referrals and “sewing tiny masks for baby dolls to make what was happening outside less scary.”

According to a Connecticut Voices for Children report, only about 70 percent of Connecticut students in lower-income cities (73.9 percent in New Haven in 2016, Con’t on page

according to the city’s website) entered kindergarten with preschool experience in 2018, compared to a statewide average of 80 percent. Connecticut Voices also noted that 80 percent of Connecticut families — and 94 percent of Black and Hispanic families in the state — could not afford to spend 10 percent of their income on infant and toddler care. Connecticut is the fifth most expensive state for childcare in the country.

One parent and educator present Monday noted that for his kid, who attends a local college, “our part time childcare was more than what we pay for college.”

New Haven’s school system provides preschool through a mix of free and sliding scale Head Start, School Readiness, and magnet school-based programs. The district is one of the largest preschool providers in the state. But Connecticut is now facing a severe early childhood educator con’t on page 16

Peace Tree Planted

Penfield Communications Inc

John P. Thomas Publisher / CEO

Babz Rawls Ivy

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

Advertising/Sales Team Keith Jackson 10 Delores Alleyne John Thomas, III

Editorial 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 Seated, at the tree-planting ceremony: Joelle Fishman, ccting chair of City of New Haven Peace Commission; Al Marder, co-founder of City of New Haven Peace Commission; Giacomo (Jack) Mordente, director of SCSU Student Supportive Services for Veterans & Adults. Standing: Manuel (Manny) Camacho, youth director of Ice the Beef; Dian Brown-Albert, coordinator of multicultural student activities at SCSU; Millie Grenough, member of City of New Haven Peace Commission; Alder-Elect Shafiq Abdussabur,

Peace has taken root in New Haven.

At least it has in on the west side of Connecticut Hall at Southern Connecticut State University, where a new Silver Linden “peace” tree has been planted.

Urban Resources Initiative (URI) planted the tree last Tuesday as part of an International Peace Day event sponsored by New Haven’s Peace Commission.

The United Nations established the annual Peace Day in 1981.

“The tree planted here today joins other trees planted on this day in past years in Newhallville, the Hill, Fair Haven, Wooster Square, West River, East Rock, and Westville,” Peace Commission Acting Chair Joelle Fishman noted in remarks at the gathering. “It will serve as a constant call to action to join together to envision and realize a future with justice, equity and peace.”

Manuel Camacho of the youth anti-violence organization Ice The Beef gave the following remarks at the event: “I stand here today on International Peace Day with a message of peace. There is so

4

much focus on conflict and war that we begin to forget that it takes more to fight a war than to invest in our future.

“I believe that instead of solely concentrating the majority of our funding towards the military, we should fund the many other fundamental aspects of our nation. These include the education of future generations, the health of those who have to worry about being denied care because they don’t have access to healthcare, and the thousands of citizens who go without jobs and ways to sustain their families due to insufficient job funding. We have seen the effects of war on countries and their citizens. It is nothing but devastation and destruction.

“Let us fund what truly matters, equal and sufficient opportunities for the people of this nation. It is truly inauspicious that gun violence strikes our communities and leaves none at its mercy. We have to do better and it starts with us. I will leave you with this, in the words of JFK: ‘If not us, who? If not now, when?’”

Memberships National Association of Black Journalist National Newspapers Publishers Association Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce Greater New Haven Business & Professional Greater New England Minority Supplier Development Council, Inc. 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.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - September 29, 2021 - October 05, 2021

Sammy Rivera, a prominent Allingtown business owner received West Haven’s Hispanic American of the Year award at the Hispanic Heritage Celebration on Friday, Sept. 24.

by Michael Walsh, City of West Haven Public Information Coordinator WEST HAVEN, Sammy Rivera, a prominent Allingtown business owner known for his big heart and generous spirit, received West Haven’s Hispanic American of the Year award at the Hispanic Heritage Celebration on Friday, Sept. 24.

Mayor Nancy R. Rossi and the West Haven Hispanic Heritage Committee recognized Rivera, a native of Cayey, Puerto Rico, during a midday ceremony in the Harriet C. North Community Room of City Hall. The event, traditionally held on the steps of City Hall, was moved indoors because of rain.

The committee bestows the award annually on a Hispanic resident who personifies service in West Haven’s thriving Hispanic American community. Last year’s ceremony was postponed because of the coronavirus.

At the 35-minute event, Rivera, who owns Budget Transmission at 950 Boston Post Road and Budget Car Wash at 936 Boston Post Road, honored his Puerto Rican lineage with dozens of friends and loved ones.

Along with descendants of folks from Puerto Rico and Latin America, he was also joined by an array of local and state officials, including City Council Chairman Ronald M. Quagliani, D-at large, as well as state Reps. Michael A. DiMassa, D-West Haven, and Dorinda Borer, D-West Haven, who presented Rivera with a General Assembly citation on behalf of the city’s delegation.

Rivera, 44, told the crowd he was “com-

pletely honored” to accept the Hispanic American of the Year award and thanked the people who helped him along the way, a journey far from easy.

“I grew up very poor — I know what it was to drink powdered milk and government cheese,” said Rivera, who was born in Cayey, a mountain town and municipality in central Puerto Rico, and moved to New Haven’s Fair Haven neighborhood with his mother and brother in 1981 at age 4.

Rivera thanked his aunt in the audience, Violet Cedeño, whom he lived with after his mother died, and his wife, Mallery, who was unable to attend the ceremony because she is pursuing a degree in nursing.

He also thanked his “amazing” employees and “wonderful” customers from both businesses, many of whom attended as well.

“I was grateful yesterday, I am grateful today, and I will be grateful tomorrow for all that I have and all that’s left for me to give,” Rivera said. “Thank you for believing in me.”

A Latin-flavored lunch after the event was provided by Tata’s Restaurant of Wallingford. Two cakes were provided by Costco of Milford.

In observance of National Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs through Oct. 15, West Haven recognizes the important legacy of Hispanic Americans and the inspiring contributions they have made to the culture and history of the United States.

Hispanics have had a profound and positive influence on the civic and cultural life of America, enhancing and shaping the national character with centuries-old traditions that reflect the multiethnic and multi-

Rivera’s good works.

“I hope you reflect with pride on the enduring contributions you have made civically and culturally to our local identity,” Rossi said. “As a man of character, conviction, principle and wisdom, you personify the very best of West Haven.”

The cultural event also included remarks

by Rossi’s executive assistant, Louis P. Esposito Jr., the master of ceremonies, and Joseph Rodriguez, the deputy state director of U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal’s Hartford office.

Planning and Zoning Commissioner Steven R. Mullins, an Episcopalian lay minister and friend of Rivera delivered the invocation. Ana Garcia sang “The StarSpangled Banner” and the Puerto Rican national anthem, “La Borinqueña.”

Rodriguez said his friend Rivera’s “years of service” include donating toys amid the COVID-19 pandemic to the Three Kings Day celebration in January and supporting West Haven Mayor Nancy R. Rossi (left) and Planning and Zoning Commissioner Steven the hurricane relief effort in Puerto Rico.

R. Mullins (right) congratulate West Haven businessman Sammy Rivera, who was named Rivera moved to West Haven in 2005 when “West Haven Hispanic of the Year.” he purchased Budget Transmission Center.

His contributions to the city include servcultural customs of their community. whom she called a man of faith and famHispanic Heritage Month, which traces ily, for his wholehearted devotion to the ing as an alternate member of the Zoning Board of Appeals and a member of the Reits roots to 1968, begins each year on Sept. city and its robust Hispanic American comdevelopment Agency.

15, the anniversary of independence of five munity.

Rivera lives with his wife of six years and Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Rossi presented him with an embroidered Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Ni- “Hispanic American of the Year” jacket and their two children on Hamilton Street in Allingtown. He also has three children from a caragua. Mexico and Chile also celebrate a Puerto Rican flag. She also presented him previous marriage. their independence days during that period. with the first copy of West Haven’s newly Watch the ceremony on West Haven YouRossi said Rivera epitomizes the noble published centennial book, “City of West qualities of serving his vibrant communi- Haven: Village to Town,” and WestHave- Tube.

For the latest news and information, subty and carrying on the proud traditions of nOpoly, the centennial version of the board scribe to the city’s Facebook page at West Puerto Rico. game Monopoly.

City1Hall.

Rossi lauded the public-spirited Rivera, The mayor then read a citation9/23/21 praising3:04Haven GOH_Fall21_Generic_5.472x5.1InnerCityNews.qxp_PM Page

Please Join Us!

YOUR EDUCATION YOUR In-Person Online & Hybrid WAY

Graduate Admissions

Open House Thursday, October 7, 2021  3–7 p.m.

Adanti Student Center Ballroom

JOIN US BACK ON CAMPUS THIS FALL

More In-Person Learning

Enroll Today!

Your Local Shoreline-West CT State Community Colleges!

GATEWAY COMMUNITY COLLEGE

HOUSATONIC COMMUNITY COLLEGE

NORWALK COMMUNITY COLLEGE

20 Church St., New Haven, CT

900 Lafayette Blvd., Bridgeport, CT

188 Richards Ave., Norwalk, CT

Housatonic.edu

Norwalk.edu

R.S.V.P.

GatewayCT.edu

Choose your local CT State Community Colleges for a flexible, affordable, top-notch education!

ENROLL IN A DAY EVENTS

ENROLL IN A DAY EVENTS

APPOINTMENTS & MORE INFO:

APPOINTMENTS & MORE INFO:

Saturday, August 14, 9am-2pm Saturday, August 21, 9am-2pm

GatewayCT.edu/EnrollmentDay

Saturday, August 7, 9am-1pm Saturday, August 21, 9am-1pm

Housatonic.edu/EnrollmentDay

ENROLL IN A DAY EVENTS Saturday, August 7, 10am-2pm Saturday, August 21, 10am-2pm

MORE INFO:

norwalk.edu/records/onsite-registration

5

Register at SouthernCT.edu/grad/open-house

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - September 29, 2021 - October 05 , 2021

Brackeen Campaign Taps 3rd-Quarter Support At East Rock Brewing

by ISAAC YU

New Haven Independent

Upper Westville Darryl Brackeen took his quest to demonstrate viability as a statewide candidate to a tap room in New Haven’s Goatville neighborhood, with a fundraiser at East Rock Brewing Company Twenty supporters showed up at the Saturday night event at the Nicoll Street establishment.

Darryl Brackeen, a five-term alder representing Ward 26, is one of three New Haveners who are exploring campaigns for secretary of the state, Connecticut’s top elections and commercial-records position, along with city Health Director Maritza Bond and former Democratic Town Chair Jacqueline James. Though the election won’t be held until 2022, Brackeen and Bond have filed papers to form exploratory committees, with James saying she’s a couple of weeks away from her formal announcement. All are trying to demonstrate early support to break out of the pack of potential candidates; the pool also includes State Reps. Hilda Santiago of Meriden, Josh Elliott of Hamden and Matt Lesser of Middletown.

The position is drawing interest partly because it’s one of the few top state posts

in which an incumbent (Denise Merrill) is retiring. Secretary of the state positions have also gained prominence nationwide amid debates over voting access and the integrity of election results.

Brackeen, who kicked off his exploratory campaign back in August, has the backing of many. Mayor Justin Elicker and East Rock Alder Anna Festa, who were among the 20 who showed up for Saturday night’s event Saturday. The event was headlined by Rev. Steven Cousin and Newhallville/Prospect Hill Alder Kim Edwards.

“He cares about the city,” Elicker said.

“He deeply cares about social justice and has been particularly focused on voting rights. The state can benefit from someone like him.”

When asked for his elevator pitch, Brackeen positioned himself as an outsider to statewide politics who can bring fresh ideas to protection voters’ rights.

“There’s a difference between talking the talk and actually doing the work,” Brackeen said. “I intend to raise the issues that most state officials are frankly not in touch with. I want to be the working-class champion at the state level. My life has prepared me for this moment.”

The alder pointed to his work co-found-

Dwayne Betts Tapped As MacArthur “Genius”

THOMAS BREEN FILE PHOTO Betts (center) with WNHH Criminal Justice Insider hosts Jeff Grant and Babz Rawls-Ivy.

by STAFF

New Haven Independent

Local poet, lawyer, and criminal justice reform advocate Dwayne Betts can add another title to that list—“genius,” now that he’s been tapped as one of 25 Americans to receive the prestigious MacArthur fellowship award.

Betts received that honor Tuesday.

The 40-year-old nationally renowned author and state Criminal Justice Commission member has long centered his own story of incarceration as a teenager when talking about his love of literature—and his commitment to advocating for the rights of those behind bars.

“My life was changed by a book,” Betts said during that interview when talking about how someone slipped the anthol-

ogy The Black Poets under his door while he was in the middle of a six-month stint in solitary confinement.

“I’m like, ‘Wait,’” Betts recalled upon first reading the anthology. “Etheridge Knight did time in prison. Then he became a poet. And he’s in this book. And I just told myself, I’m gonna be a poet. And that’s when I started writing poetry really seriously. That was 1998. And from that point on, I’ve been a poet.”

The award comes with a $625,000 cash prize that recipients can spend as they wish.

Previous New Haven MacArthur geniuses include local artist and NXTHVN co-founder Titus Kaphar—with whom Betts collaborated on a painting-and-poetry exhibition in Dixwell last year.

ISAAC YU PHOTO Brackeen with Rev. Steve Cousin at East Rock fundraiser.

ing and leading the voter participation organization Generation Change CT and increasing voter participation during the pandemic. He also claimed that he is only candidate in the race who has been certified to run a polling station.

With eyes on an overall goal of $80,000, which would qualify Brackeen for Connecticut’s public-financing program, the exploratory committee is nearing a third-quarter filing deadline this coming Thursday. Potential candidates will look to showing early support in that filing to convince others to support their campaigns moving forward.

“We’re seeing lots of supporters from around the state who are very interested in hearing about what he’s exploring, and also those that want to host events,” campaign Treasurer Rhonda Caldwell told the Independent.

Frank E. Brady, a supporter who hosted the August kick-off event, said that he’s glad to have someone close to home vying for the state office.

“I’ve watched him work hard here for 12, 13 years, and he has a heart for people,” Brady said. “I’m excited for him to be at this stage in his life and what he’s pursuing now.”

West Haven Lions Club Donates School Supplies

The new chapter of the West Haven Lions Club International has donated school supplies for underprivileged West Haven students. The supplies that were donated by City residents were presented to West Haven Youth and Family Service Director Diane Dietman. Dietman will distribute the supplies to schools that are in the most need.

The Lions Clubs International is an international service organization, established in 1917 by Chicago businessman Melvin Jones. Jones, then 38, told his fellow business leaders at a local business club that they should think beyond their businesses and work to the betterment of their communities. The group formed the International Association of Lions Clubs.

The motto of the Lions Club is “We Serve.” LIONS is an acronym for Liberty, Intelligence, Our Nation’s Safety.

Local Lions Clubs programs include sight conservation, hearing and speech conservation, diabetes awareness, youth outreach, international relations, environmental issues and many other programs.

The West Haven Chapter is currently collecting used prescription eye glasses.

The eye glasses can be dropped off at Physicians Physical Therapy, located at 544 Campbell Avenue in downtown West Haven.

West Haven’s new chapter is being led by local businesswoman and Branford Town Representative Carolyn Sires and West Haven Planning & Zoning Commissioner Steven R. Mullins. Meetings

6

Photograph by Monica L. Pang

will be held Wednesday evenings at Physicians Physical Therapy, 544 Campbell Avenue, West Haven. New members are welcome. For additional information, please call 203-937-6150.

The new chapter of the West Haven Lions Club International present school supplies to West Haven Family & Youth Services Director Diane Dietman From

left to right are members Marianne Miller, Victor Borras, Rob Craven, Patrick Moore, Club President Carolyn Sires, Past Lions Club District Governor Bill Manthey, Club Vice President Steven R. Mullins, West Haven Family & Youth Services Director Diane Dietman. On the floor is Chapter mascot Victory the Service Dog.

Vax Campaign Centers Student Athletes THE INNER-CITY NEWS - September 29, 2021 - October 05, 2021

by THOMAS BREEN

New Haven Independent

Wilbur Cross High School junior Fredo Delgado looks directly at the camera, a basketball cradled in his left arm.

“What’s up. I’m Fredo. Want your life back?” he asks.

He passes the ball to his classmate and teammate Christian McClease, who now holds the answer to that pandemic-era riddle between his two hands. “Get vaccinated,” McClease says. “We did.”

Delgado and McClease are both 16-yearold juniors and basketball teammates at Wilbur Cross High School.

They’re also both featured in a new student athlete-anchored video campaign launched by the New Haven Health Department and funded by the Connecticut Department of Public Health Vaccine Equity Fund.

The goal: To encourage young New Haveners to protect themselves, their families, and their communities by getting vaccinated against Covid-19 by having fellow Elm City teens step up and talk about why they decided to get the shot.

On Tuesday afternoon, Delgado and McClease joined Mayor Justin Elicker, city Health Director Maritza Bond, New Haven Public Schools Athletic Director Erik Patchkofsky, and a host of community vaccine education partners at a City Hall press conference to promote the youth-focused public health effort.

“I did this because I wanted to help the city out, to make sure everyone gets vaccinated so we can get back to sports and everything else,” Delgado said during Tuesday’s presser.

McClease offered a similar explanation for why he decided to get vaccinated, and why he agreed to participate in the education and outreach campaign.

“I encourage my fellow athletes and teammates and classmates to get vaccinated,” he said. “Make sure everybody’s safe in case another outbreak happens. I encourage them [to get vaccinated] so everybody around them can be safe.”

After the press conference, Delgado and McClease said the Covid-19 pandemic has hit way too close to home for them to turn down a life-saving measure like getting vaccinated.

McClease said both of his parents, as well as several of his younger brothers, have contracted Covid at some point during the past 18 months. Delgado said his mom also came down with Covid earlier this year. Fortunately, all have recovered, and most of their family members are now vaccinated.

The two Wilbur Cross High School basketball teammates said they got their Pfizer vaccine shots at the same time at the city Health Department offices on Meadow Street: Their first shots in June, their second in July.

Neither experienced any side effects.

Community vax education and outreach partners gather outside City Hall.

Amos Smith (center) on Tuesday.

Both are relieved to be back at school and playing basketball.

Asked about the most common concern they hear from their fellow high school classmates who still have not gotten vaccinated, Delgado and McClease both said there’s a lot of fear around what’s in the shots.

“They don’t want Covid in their bodies,” said McClease.

The mRNA vaccines by Pfizer and Moderna do not contain any live virus. Rather,

per the CDC, they teach the body’s cells to make a “spike protein” that serves to ward off the virus that causes Covid-19.

The Johnson & Johnson vaccine also does not contain a live Covid-19 virus; rather, it uses a weakened, inactivated cold virus to spark the body’s immune response to Covid.

Elicker said that 71 percent of eligible New Haven residents have received at least one vaccine shot, while 64.7 percent of city residents over the age of 12

7

are fully vaccinated. Those numbers drop to around 51 percent and around 41 percent respectively for eligible young New Haveners in their teens and early 20s, he said.

Thank you to the NHPS Athletics Department and “our young people for really stepping up and showing their faces all around the city,” Elicker said to Delgado, McClease, and Patchkofsky. “Having young people that are willing to put themselves out there, do the right thing, and encourage their friends, is a big deal.”

Community Action Agency President and CEO Amos Smith and URU The Right To Be Inc. Founder and CEO Crystal Emery also joined Tuesday’s presser to tout the importance of communitybased partnerships for getting New Haven’s vaccination rates higher.

“This is an all out war and it’s time to be taken seriously,” Smith said, directing his comments in particular at New Haven parents who are still wary of the vaccine and who have declined to encourage their teenage children to get vaccinated.

“Those children deserve what all parents want for our children, which is an opportunity to live our life to the fullest and succeed.”

Vaccination clinics that take place at schools and churches and community organizations are so important because “we’re meeting people where they are,” Emery said. “Every time someone is vaccinated, that means we are making the environment more safe.”

September 10, 2021 YNHH: Hospitalizations Down 45%; Vax Is Key To Avoiding Hospitalization & Death In a separate Covid-related virtual press conference hosted Tuesday afternoon by Yale New Haven Health, the regional hospital system’s CEO Marna Borgstrom and top doctor Thomas Balcezak said that YNHH has seen a 45 percent drop in the number of Covid-related hospitalizations over the past two weeks.

That means that the regional health system—which includes seven hospital campuses in Connecticut and Rhode Island—is down to 74 Covid inpatients, 41 of whom are in New Haven.

“This is primarily a disease requiring hospitalization of mostly the unvaccinated,” Balcezak said. He said 33 percent of those currently admitted to the hospital who have Covid have been vaccinated.

Many of those patients are in the hospital for reasons unrelated to Covid, though.

They came in after a car accident or for a surgery and, when they got tested at the hospital, learned that they were also asymptomatic carriers of Covid.

“Vaccination is still your best way of avoiding hospitalization or death,” Balcezak said.

Also, “breakthrough cases can happen, even if you are vaccinated. Which is the reason why we’re still suggesting a layered approach”—including frequent testing and, especially when indoors around other people, wearing face masks.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - September 29, 2021 - October 05 , 2021

IN MEMORIAM:

Melvin Van Peebles, Godfather of Black Cinema, Dies

By Nsenga K. Burton, Ph.D., NNPA Newswire Culture and Entertainment Editor

The film world is reeling over the loss of influential filmmaker Melvin Van Peebles who passed away yesterday in Manhattan.

Van Peebles is best known for his classic independent films Watermelon Man (1970) and Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song (1971), which offered a bold critique of racism, power and Black liberation in the United States. Van Peebles, the father of actor/director Mario Van Peebles, created the blueprint for what would become the Blaxploitation genre of filmmaking with his Sweet Sweetback’s Baaadasssss Song.

Born in Chicago in 1932, Van Peebles was the son of a tailor and homemaker.

After graduating high school, he enrolled in West Virginia State University before transferring to Ohio Wesleyan University.

Following graduation, the future filmmaker joined the Air Force and began writing. In 1956, he married German actress and photographer Maria Marx, who appeared with him in this iconic film Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song. They lived in Europe and Mexico before he returned to the states and worked as a cable car operator in San Francisco.

In the early 1960s Van Peebles published four novels and one-story collection in French and made a short film, Cinq cent balles (1965), about a child trying to retrieve a banc note in a tenuous world. In 1968, Van Peebles made his first featurelength film, The Story of a Three-Day Pass (La Permission). The renaissance man starred with actress Nicole Berger in the film which explored themes around inter-

Georges Biard | Wikimedia Com racial romance, nation and identity. ThreeDay Pass was well-received by audiences and critics and put him on the map in Hollywood, many of whom thought they had discovered a French auteur instead of a talented Black man from Chicago.

In 1970, Van Peebles made his first Hollywood film entitled Watermelon Man starring Godfrey Cambridge. Released by Columbia Pictures, the film told the story of a racist White man who one day wakes up Black and the fallout from his family, friends and place of employment because of it. In interviews, Melvin Van Peebles said it was the experience of making Watermelon Man within the Hollywood film

system that convinced him to work as an independent filmmaker so he could have complete control over his films.

The independent artist struck out on his own with the goal of making Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song, a film that explored themes of Black power and liberation. The auteur raised $500,000 from investments by supporters including Bill Cosby and earnings from his previous work. The film featured a soundtrack by Earth, Wind and Fire, a then up and coming jazz and R&B band and offered a gritty, unapologetic look into Black America’s underground economy. The film highlighted the story of a wrongfully accused Black

man’s journey from sideshow to revolutionary. Sweetback put forth a bold Black aesthetic embracing Black fashion of the time, elements of the Black Power movement and articulating the idea of American freedom through a distinctly Black revolutionary socio-political lens.

Much like Black film pioneer Oscar Micheaux, Van Peebles’ films were celebrated and condemned for exploring controversial topics and for what some critics called technical issues. Using a distribution technique like Micheaux, Van Peebles rented out theaters in Black cities and showed his films to sold out audiences keeping all of the profits. This distribution technique practiced by Micheaux and Van Peebles is now referred to as four walling, a term coined in 1965. Through this distribution model, Van Peebles earned $10 million at the box office and Hollywood noticed.

Film companies like United Artists which was on the brink of economic collapse at the time, appropriated the narrative and stylistic elements of his films, giving birth to what would become the Blaxploitation era of filmmaking. Blaxploitation films were cheaply made, featured Black casts, R&B/ Soul soundtracks, highlighted Black fashion and culture of the time and explored themes of resistance. The genre turned fashion models Richard Roundtree and Tamara Dobson and aspiring actress Pam Grier into bonafide movie stars.

Known as the Godfather of Black Cinema, Van Peebles was a man of many talents, all of which were on display with the film Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song, which he produced, directed, starred in and distributed the film. While Van Peebles continued writing and directing film, he

appeared as an actor in 44 films and television shows including Boomerang, Living Single, Panther, Girlfriends and Peeples.

He also continued writing and performing songs, releasing six solo albums over the years.

In 2014, Van Peebles released The Last Transmission, a spoken word and jazz collaboration with the Heliocentrics. He collaborated with other music artists, appearing in the visual album for Standing on the Corner’s single, “Angel” in 2020.

The Criterion Collection, which will release a retrospective box set of Van Peebles’ work next week, announced his death in a statement. They wrote on Twitter: “We are saddened to announce the passing of a giant of American cinema, Melvin Van Peebles, who died last night, at home with family, at the age of 89. In an unparalleled career, Van Peebles made an indelible mark on the international cultural landscape. He will be deeply missed.”

Mario Van Peebles released a statement about his father’s passing through Criterion: “Dad knew that Black images matter,” Mario Van Peebles offered. “If a picture is worth a thousand words, what was a movie worth? We want to be the success we see, thus we need to see ourselves being free.”

Melvin Van Peebles is survived by three children Mario Van Peebles, Megan Van Peebles and Max Van Peebles and a host of grandchildren. He was 89.

Born in Chicago in 1932, Van Peebles was the son of a tailor and homemaker. After graduating high school, he enrolled in West Virginia State University before transferring to Ohio Wesleyan University. mons

Utterly Sickening: Treatment of Haitians at Mexican Border Sparks Outrage

By Lauren Victoria Burke, NNPA Newswire Contributor After over 12,000 Haitian migrants gathered at the Mexican border, shocking footage of them being herded like cattle, whipped with horse lariats and treated in a way unlike any other immigrants entering the U.S. in recent memory became public.

U.S. Border Control Agents on horseback were widely criticized as were the policies behind their actions after video first broadcast by Al Jazeera went viral for all the wrong reasons.

“If we were to close our eyes and this was occurring under the Trump administration, what would we do? The inhumane treatment of the Haitian refugees seeking help is utterly sickening,” wrote NAACP President Derrick Johnson on September 21.

“Our nation claims to be better than this…

SHOW IT!” Johnson demanded the day before.

“Whips and horses? That’s what we do?

To people that are vulnerable? Do we see any Haitians with guns and knives? No! We see them with the clothes on their back and the babies in their arms,” said Patrice Lawrence, co-Director of the UndocuBlack

Network, during a September 20 appearance on Roland Martin Unfiltered. UndocuBlack Network assists currently and formerly undocumented Black people to find community and access to resources.

“This is cruelty. It’s evil… What I saw today was slave patrol — it is shameful and absolutely disgraceful,” she added.

Members of the Congressional Black Caucus gathered at a reception on the night of September 20 at the National Observatory to celebrate the CBC’s 50th anniversary. Though the reception took place at the Vice President’s residence, there wasn’t a lengthy discussion on the crisis at the border. But members are asking for an investigation into what they saw on video.

America has accepted other refugees from around the world from Syria, Afghanistan and Central America. Policy regarding Haiti appears to be different.

The scenes were reminiscent of illustrations from the early 1800s during slavery in the U.S. when runaway slaves were tracked down by bounty hunters and overseers on horseback. When the footage was shown widely on social media the outrage was quick to follow.

Haiti has recently experienced an earth-

On September 21, the Vice President responded to the controversy.

quake and a presidential assassination.

Many are asking why Haitians at the Mexi-

8

can border aren’t eligible for political asylum.

“What I saw depicting and treating human beings the way they were was horrible. I fully support what is happening right now which is a thorough investigation into what is going on here — but human beings should never be treated that way,” said Vice President Harris during a trip to Maryland.

“These are human rights abuses, plain and simple. Cruel, inhumane, and a violation of domestic and international law,” Rep. Ilan Omar (D-Minn.) tweeted. “There needs to be a course correction and the issuance of a clear directive on how to humanely process asylum seekers at our border.”

Though Mayorkas appeared before a Senate committee last week, he is likely to have to answer many more questions in the weeks to come.

Lauren Victoria Burke is an independent journalist and the host of the podcast BURKEFILE. She is a political analyst who appears regularly on #RolandMartinUnfiltered. She may be contacted at LBurke007@gmail.com and on twitter at @LVBurke

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - September 29, 2021 - October 05, 2021

OP-ED:

Medicare Restrictions

MOST PEOPLE DON’T HAVE ENOUGH SAVINGS TO COVER EMERGENCIES.

on Obesity Care Perpetuate Harmful Stigmas

With our Pathways™ Savings account, you’ll earn

2

% APY *

on balances up to $1,000

By Tammy Boyd and Dr. Michael Knight Congress may soon enact a historic expansion of Medicare benefits to include services like dental, vision, and hearing. For millions of seniors, access to these services will be life changing.

But a critical issue is missing from the conversation around Medicare expansion, with serious consequences for millions of Americans nation’s health.

Congress must also prioritize care for obesity, a national epidemic, dire health equity issue, and leading comorbidity for serious cases of COVID-19.

Not only does obesity impact 1-in-3 Americans, it also takes a disproportionate toll on communities of color since almost half of Black Americans are living with obesity. Obesity is also a leading risk factor for COVID-19; 78% of people who were hospitalized, placed on a ventilator, or died from the pandemic were overweight or living with obesity. And we know that COVID-19 disproportionately impacts Black and Latino communities, who are nearly three times as likely to be hospitalized for severe cases of COVID-19 than whites.

In short, obesity is a life-or-death issue, but Medicare restrictions on obesity care perpetuate outdated, dangerous, and, frankly, discriminatory laws that disenfranchise millions of Americans and block access to safe and effective treatment options.

Many people don’t know that when Medicare Part D was first passed in 2003, the nation wrongly viewed obesity as a chosen lifestyle. In the intervening years, the medical community caught up with the science and in 2013, the American Medical Association took the historic step of designating obesity as a disease requiring treatment and medical attention.

Despite this decision, Medicare rules remain dangerously out of step. Today, obesity care is on a short list of excluded drug categories, including hair loss drugs, erectile dysfunction medication, and cold and flu treatments. These categories were meant to exclude cosmetic or traditionally over-the-counter treatments when Part D was passed, yet instead they deny people life-saving obesity care, with farreaching health implications on Black and Latinx

communities.

Along with intensive behavioral therapy, studies show that anti-obesity medications lead to clinically meaningful weight loss of up to 15%. Without action from policymakers, patients will not have access to these new therapies, since weight loss medications are rarely prescribed to eligible patients. As COVID-19 worsens, this lack of access to the full continuum of care for obesity puts our entire community at increased risk from the pandemic, especially communities of color.

Congress must, and can, take action to right this injustice. Obesity care must be part of the conversation around Medicare expansion, including in the ongoing negotiations around budget reconciliation.

The solution is simple, since legislation already exists to fix this problem: The Treat and Reduce Obesity Act, bipartisan legislation that would provide the full continuum of care and relief for the many seniors living with obesity, making their lives safer and healthier. As part of a new nationwide Obesity Care Now campaign, an effort by 25+ obesity care advocacy groups, including the Black Women’s Health Imperative, the YMCA, and others, we are leading the fight to modernize policies and actively working with Congress to provide obesity care, save lives, and pass TROA now.

As lifelong advocates for healthy Black communities, this issue is personal. Over the past 18 months, we have seen friends, family, and community members impacted by obesity and the pandemic. Now, with the rising Delta variant, the threat is only getting worse. We cannot address all of the pandemic related issues affecting the Black community, but we can take action to provide obesity care now to those in need.

Tammy Boyd is the Chief Policy Officer & Senior Counsel for Black Women’s Health Imperative. She leads the strategic policy and government affairs direction for the organization.

Dr. Michael Knight is board certified in internal medicine and obesity medicine, and practices clinically at the GW Medical Faculty Associates in Washington, D.C.

BRANFORD, GUILFORD, HAMDEN, MERIDEN, MONROE, NEW HAVEN, NORTH HAVEN, ORANGE

Open to everyone in New Haven, Middlesex, Hartford and Fairfield County.

1-800-CR-UNION connexcu.org

Equal Housing Opportunity

9

NMLS #458548

Federally Insured by NCUA

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - September 29, 2021 - October 05 , 2021

R. Kelly Convicted of Sex Trafficking and Racketeering

by Jenny A. Casiano, BlackDoctor.org

R. Kelly, the R&B singer who over the years has faced accusation after accusation of sexually abusing young girls, was found guilty of federal crimes on Monday.

For over a month, Kelly has been on trial in Brooklyn federal court on one count of racketeering and eight counts of violating the Mann Act, a federal law addressing sex trafficking. Federal prosecutors accused Kelly of running an “enterprise” through which he exploited his star power time and time again to prey on underage girls, young women, and at least two male victims.

Charges against Kelly started heating up in 2017 after an investigation by Chicago journalist Jim DeRogatis revealed how parents had told police that the singer was allegedly holding their daughters against their will in a “sex cult.” In January 2019, the documentary Surviving R. Kelly further detailed allegations of multiple women, past and present, who said Kelly had abused them, once again raising questions about how Kelly had escaped accountability.

Kelly, born Robert Sylvester Kelly, has been jailed without bail since in 2019. Sex tapes, bodyguard confessions, and multiple witness and victim testimonies have all made their way in this trial over the past month.

His accusers said they were under orders to call him “Daddy,” expected to jump and kiss him anytime he walked into a room, and to cheer only for him when he played

pickup basketball games in which they said he was a ball hog.

The accusers alleged that they also were ordered to sign nondisclosure forms and were subjected to threats and punishments such as violent spankings if they broke what one referred to as “Rob’s rules.” Others were quoted saying that he had them dress up in Catholic girl-style uniforms to address his fetish with young girls. Some have said they believed the videotapes he shot of them having sex would be used against them if they exposed what was happening.

Jurors deliberated for only nine hours to reach their verdict, finding Kelly guilty on all counts. He now faces decades in prison and is scheduled to be sentenced May 4, 2022.

“We got justice today,” Kitti Jones, a former Dallas radio DJ who gave up her career to be with Kelly, told The Daily Beast on Monday after he was found guilty of all nine charges he faced in a federal sex crimes case in Brooklyn. “I wouldn’t say I now have closure, because in the end none of us will get our time back. But this is a small victory.”

Attorney Gloria Allred, who represented three of the six victims who testified in the case, said R. Kelly is the “worst” predator she has ever pursued.

“I have been practicing law for 47 years.

During this time I have pursued many sexual predators who have committed crimes against women and children. Of all the

predators that I have pursued, however, Mr. Kelly is the worst, for many reasons,” she told reporters.

“First, he used the power of his celebrity to recruit vulnerable underage girls for the purpose of sexually abusing them. These were not May-October relationships, which is what his defense attorney wanted the jury to believe — these were crimes against children and some adults,” Allred said.

“Second, to use the power of his business

10

Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)

enterprise and many of his inner circle employees to assist him and enable him in his plan and his scheme to lure his victims to him, isolate them, intimidate them, control them, indoctrinate them, punish them, shame them, and humiliate them. All of which made Mr. Kelly more powerful and more dangerous than many other sexual predators who operate without a network of financial and businesses to support and enable them,” Allred

added.

Kelly lawyer Deveraux Cannick said he was disappointed by the verdict. “I think I’m even more disappointed the government brought the case in the first place given all the inconsistencies,” Cannick said.

Cannick questioned why the alleged victims stayed in relationships with Kelly if they thought they were being exploited.

“You made a choice,” Cannick told one woman who testified, adding, “You participated of your own will.”

For years, the public and news media seemed to be more amused than horrified by allegations of inappropriate relationships with minors, starting with Kelly’s illegal marriage to the R&B phenom Aaliyah in 1994 when she was just 15.

His records and concert tickets kept selling. Other artists continued to record his songs, even after he was arrested in 2002 and accused of making a recording of himself sexually abusing and urinating on a 14-year-old girl.

For the Brooklyn trial, U.S. District Judge Ann Donnelly barred people not directly involved in the case from the courtroom in what she called a coronavirus precaution.

Reporters and other spectators had to watch on a video feed from another room in the same building.

The New York case is only part of the legal peril facing the singer. He also has pleaded not guilty to sex-related charges in Illinois and Minnesota. Trial dates in those cases have yet to be set.

Terence Blanchard at The Met! THE INNER-CITY NEWS - September 29, 2021 - October 05, 2021

By C.C. Campbell-Rock, The Louisiana Weekly Contributing Writer

Louisiana native Terence O. Blanchard is the first Black artist to debut an original Opera at the famous Metropolitan Opera House. “Fire Shut Up in My Bones” is based on the memoir of Charles M. Blow, another Black Louisianan.

Blow is a Best-Selling Author, New York Times columnist, CNN Contributor, and the host of Prime with Charles M. Blow on the Black News Network.

“Fire Shut Up in My Bones” tells about a young man’s journey to overcome a lifetime of trauma and hardship. The opera follows Charles through his adolescence and ultimately leads to a fateful moment: when he must decide whether to break free from his trauma and begin to rebuild his life.

“Terence Blanchard’s ‘Fire Shut Up in My Bones’ is the first work by a Black composer to be presented at the Met. Based on Charles M. Blow’s moving memoir of the same name and featuring a libretto by Kasi Lemmons, the new staging is co-directed by James Robinson and Camille A. Brown. Brown, who is also the production’s choreographer, becomes the first Black director to create a mainstage Met production. Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin conducts a stellar cast, led by Will Liverman as Charles, Angel Blue as Destiny/Loneliness/Greta, and Latonia Moore as Billie,” according to the Met’s press release.

“I had no idea I was the first Black to have an opera at the Met,” Blanchard said in the “Creative Forces Behind Fire Shut Up in My Bones.” “It’s an overwhelming, huge honor, but I know I’m not the first qualified to do it,” Blanchard, a New Orleans native, adds.

Blanchard, 59, began playing piano by the age of 5, switched to trumpet three years later, and played alongside childhood friend Wynton Marsalis in summer band camps.

Blow marvels at the Met’s embrace of his memoir. “I’m still that little boy from a nowhere place in the world. For the Met to say it’s grand enough is truly an honor.

Charles McRay Blow, 51, is a native of Gibsland, Louisiana. Gibsland is a town of 563 residents in Bienville Parish, Louisiana. The city is best known for its connecting railroads, the birthplace of Coleman College, and the nearby capture in 1934 of the bandits Bonnie and Clyde.

Senior VP at Harper-Collins, Jonathan Burnham, describes Blow’s “Fire Shut Up in My Bones” as a psychological thriller. During a public discussion about the memoir, Burnham questioned Blow about his motivation for writing the book.

“The title comes from the Bible,” Blow explains. Jeremiah 20:9 says, “I will not make mention of Him, nor speak any more in His name. But His word was in

mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones; and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not hold back.”

At age 7, Blow was sexually assaulted by a cousin, Chester. Blow didn’t tell anyone about it. He struggled with the trauma Chester caused. As a young man, Blow had to accept that what happened wasn’t his fault. He also had to deal with confusion over his sexual identity.

The memoir opens with 20-year-old Charles sitting in a car, holding a gun, and deciding whether to kill his abuser.

“To me Chester was the devil,” he adds.

He credits the self-sufficiency he learned watching successful Black professionals in a segregated community thrive while owning property, growing their own food, and leading institutions. Blow, like his mother, is a “super survivor.”

Blow came out as bisexual in 2014 upon the publication of “Fire Shut Up in My Bones” memoir. He is the divorced father of three adult children.

Blow survived the trauma, graduated magnum cum laude from Grambling University with a bachelor’s degree in mass communications, and became an awardwinning graphic designer, journalist, author, father and husband.

“With an expansive body of work, including the scores for numerous Spike Lee films and an extensive discography, 2018 USA Fellow and six-time Grammywinning trumpeter/composer Terence Blanchard has been a consistent artistic force for making powerful musical statements concerning painful American tragedies. He studied jazz at Rutgers University and was invited to play with the Lionel Hampton Orchestra in 1982. Following a string of collaborative recordings, he released his first self-titled solo album on Columbia Records in 1991.

In 2015, he released his first album with

his jazz quintet E-Collective, and most recently, the ensemble collaborated with the Turtle Island Quartet for a new album, Absence, that released in 2021 on the Blue Note label. He was nominated for Academy Awards for his original scores for the films ‘BlacKkKlansman’ in 2019 and ‘Da 5 Bloods’ in 2021. In 2013, his first Opera, ‘Champion,’ had its world premiere at Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, and six years later, that same company premiered his ‘Fire Shut Up in My Bones,’” according to the Met. Opening Night of the 2021–22 season, will be a historic occasion – the Met’s first performance of an opera by a Black composer. Yannick Nézet-Séguin conducts Grammy Award-winning jazz musician and composer Terence Blanchard’s adaptation of Charles M. Blow’s moving memoir, which The New York Times praised after its 2019 world premiere at Opera. Theatre of Saint Louis as “bold and affecting” and “subtly powerful.”

Featuring a libretto by Filmmaker Kasi Lemmons, “Fire Shut Up in My Bones” is about a young man’s journey to overcome a life of trauma and hardship.

James Robinson and Camille A. Brown – two of the creators of the Met’s sensational recent production of Porgy and Bess – co-direct this new staging; Brown, who is also the production’s choreographer, becomes the first Black director to create a mainstage Met production.

“Baritone Will Liverman, one of opera’s most exciting young artists, stars as Charles, alongside sopranos Angel Blue as Destiny/Loneliness/Greta and Latonia Moore as Billie,” the Met reported.

“I want to make sure the people whose shoulders I’m standing on will be proud.

My hope and dream is to have some little kids come up knowing they can overcome and succeed in life.”

11

“Terence is a genius. When this is over, I will have a soundtrack to my life written

by Terence Blanchard,” Blow said gleefully.

“Fire Shut Up in My Bones,” a two-

hour, forty-minute Opera, opens on Wednesday, September 27, 2021, and runs through October 23, 2021. metopera.org.

HOUSING PLAN SURVEY SOUTH CENTRAL REGION, CONNECTICUT

Your input and participation is essential in helping understand and address housing needs in your community and across the region.

The South Central Regional Council of Governments (SCRCOG), which brings together local governments to coordinate municipal services, transportation, and land use planning programs, is helping municipalities in the region to create housing plans tailored to each city/town’s individual housing markets and needs.

The link below and QR Code will take you to the housing survey with options for English or Spanish and will be open from September 14 to October 15, 2021. Paper versions of the survey are available upon request.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CN775ZT For questions or to request a paper version of the Housing Survey, please contact: Eugene Livshits, Senior Regional Planner, SCRCOG Email: elivshits@scrcog.org  Phone: 203-466-8626  Website: www.scrcog.org

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - September 29, 2021 - October 05 , 2021

Ghana President Heralds Historic Agreement to Build A World-Class W.E.B. Du Bois Museum Complex H.E. Nana Akufo-Addo, President of the Republic of Ghana, attends signing in New York between W.E.B. Du Bois Museum Foundation and Government of Ghana NEW YORK – H.E. Nàna Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, President of the Republic of Ghana, heralded plans to construct a state-of-the-art museum complex honoring the legacy of world-renown Black intellectual and civil rights pioneer Dr. W.E.B Du Bois as an important symbolic monument.

“The museum will provide in Ghana, yet another important monument to the collective struggle of the African peoples to get their rightful place in this world,” said President Akufo-Addo in his remarks prior to the signing of a historic partnership arrangement between the Government of Ghana and the W.E.B. Du Bois Museum Foundation’s affiliate in Ghana. The signing took place in New York City where the U.S. foundation is headquartered.

The agreement was signed on behalf of the Government of Ghana by Hon. Ken Ofori-Atta, Minister of Finance of Ghana, and Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed Awal, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture.

Signing for the W.E.B. Du Bois Museum Foundation were Japhet Aryiku, Executive Director of the foundation in the U.S., and Humphrey Ayim-Darke, Board

Photo Credits:H.E. Nana Akufo-Addo, President of the Republic of Ghana, shakes hands with Chairman of the Board Daniel Rose (left to right:) Akwasi Agyeman, CEO, Ghana Tourism Authority, Board Members Kwame Anthony Appiah, and Deborah Rose, Daniel Rose, H.E. President Nana Akufo-Addo, Hon. Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed Awal, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Hon. Ken Ofori-Atta, Minister of Finance, Japhet Aryiku, Executive Director, W.E.B. Du Boiis Museum Foundation, Humphrey Ayim Darke, Board Member, W.E.B. Du Boiis Museum Foundation, Ghana H.E. Nana Akufo-Addo, President of the Republic of Ghana, speaking in New York at the historic signing of an agreement for the W.E.B. Du Bois Museum Foundation to build a museum complex in Accra, Ghana, the final resting place of Dr. Du Bois (Photo by Monica Schipper/Getty Images for W.E.B. Du Bois Museum Foundation)

Member of the W.E.B. Du Bois Museum Foundation, Ghana.

“Mr. President, let me reassure you of

our commitment to making your beloved Ghana a hub of Pan-African research and heritage tourism,” said Daniel Rose,

Chairman of the W.E.B. Du Bois Museum Foundation, as he kicked off the ceremony. Rose is a philanthropist and

leading real estate developer with deep ties to Ghana.

The Du Bois Memorial Centre in Accra where Dr. Du Bois and his wife, Shirley Graham Du Bois, are buried, opened to the public in 1985, but in recent years had required additional upkeep and maintenance. Two years ago, Rose and two board members of the foundation, Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr., a professor at Harvard University and foremost scholar on Dr. Du Bois, and Dr. Kwame Anthony Appiah, a professor at New York University whose father had worked with Dr. Du Bois, approached President Akufo-Addo about transforming the Du Bois Memorial Centre into a world-class living museum for scholars and heritage tourists.

The partnership arrangement will grant authority for the W.E.B Du Bois Museum Foundation to construct a multi-million dollar museum complex to preserve Dr. Du Bois’ legacy over a 50-year period.

The complex will be designed by Sir David Adjaye, renowned Ghanaian architect and designer of the Smithsonian Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C. The Foundation’s goal is to realize the Du Bois Museum’s full potential as an international treasure and historic memorial honoring one of the leading and most Con’t on page 14

After 13 Years, Black and Missing Foundation Still Searching for Thousands of Missing People of Color

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent It’s been 13 years since Natalie Wilson and her sister-in-law Derrica Wilson founded the Black and Missing Foundation to help bring attention and closure to the ever-growing number of cases in minority communities.

The estimated number of missing persons is simultaneously incomplete and cringeworthy. One count suggests that of the more than 600,000 individuals currently reported missing, more than 200,000 are individuals of color. Still, the Wilsons forge ahead.

She does so, even 13 years and some success stories later, emotionally.

“We’ve come a long way,” Wilson declared during a recent visit to the new, state-of-the-art National Newspaper Publishers Association’s (NNPA) television studios in Washington, D.C. During a conversation with NNPA President and CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr., Wilson punctuated the need for the Black and Missing Foundation with the story of Phoenix Colden, a young African American woman who went in 2011 missing near St. Louis, Missouri.

“I called every media outlet, and no one covered that story,” Wilson recalled. “Finally, an assignment editor got tired of me calling and asked me to send Colden’s

profile.”

In her interview with Dr. Chavis, which will air on PBS-TV and PBS-World as a special on The Chavis Chronicles, Wilson reflected on how the news media and even law enforcement fail to highlight missing people of color – notably missing Black girls.

she’s paranoid. Not just for her children and grandchildren, but for young ones around the world.

“I’m very aware. I’m hyper-vigilant and paranoid,” Wilson noted.

“But I’m dedicated to making a change, and, as parents, we need to be that nosey parent and look at what our children are doing online.”

She pointed out that since the beginning of the pandemic, there’s been an uptick in sex trafficking, and children are more exposed to online predators than ever before.

“They are tapping into our children,” Wilson said.

“There was a young lady who went missing. She was a gamer, and she was talking to a man online. So, when she went missing, her family was so surprised that she was talking to someone online.”

“I’m so grateful for the Black Press,” Wilson remarked.

“They have used their platform to showcase [these stories]. Media coverage is important. It could speed up the recovery and add pressure on law enforcement to add resources to these cases, and that’s vital.”

Wilson proclaimed that laws are needed to protect children, particularly victims of sex trafficking. She said she had witnessed young boys and girls arrested after becoming sex trafficking victims.

“They need rehabilitation,” she exclaimed.

Wilson recalled a case in Virginia of a young Black woman who went missing.

“She was too old for an Amber Alert and too young for a Silver Alert,” Wilson stated.

MISSING: YASMIN-ACREE Ashanti Billie, 19, was kidnapped while heading to work in 2017. Authorities re-

Wilson continued:

Natalie and Derrica Wilson/Derrica Wilson (left) founded the Black & Missing Foundation to raise awareness about people of color who have disappeared. / Allison Keyes / WAMU missing:

covered her body 11 days later in North Carolina.

Because she didn’t qualify for either an Amber or Silver alert – which notifies the public about missing children and senior citizens – family and authorities lost precious time.

12

Virginia has now enacted The Ashanti Alert, which bridges the age gap.

“This needs to be on the national level because so many of our missing are slipping under the radar,” Wilson stated.

A married mother of four, Wilson said

“You’ve got to be nosey with your children. Have them sit in an open area so you can see what’s going on. Create a fictitious account and see if you can befriend your child online and share information to save their lives. Unfortunately, once they go missing, we don’t have any intelligence to help save them.”

For more information about the Black and Missing Foundation, visit http:// www.bamfi.org.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - September 29, 2021 - October 05, 2021

Con’t from page 04

Parents Send Pre-School Plea To D.C.

shortage, providers attested, as teachers and childcare workers have switched to better-paying jobs.

Iline Tracey, New Haven’s superintendent of schools, said that the city’s early childhood learning resources face four key challenges: equitable access for families, low wages for staff, limited opportunities for staff to obtain more training, and inadequate funding to cover the cost of teaching each student, which amounts to $6,000 per child.

Childcare providers are overwhelmingly women, according to advocate and provider Allyx Schiavone — “women who are being paid to live in poverty,” she said.

On top of sector-wide low wages, Black early educators earn $0.78 for every dollar that white early educators make across the country, according to the Associated Press.

In Connecticut, early childhood education workers earn $26,800, while teachers earn $40,150, according to Connecticut Voices for Children.

Assistant Superintendent Ivelise Velazquez pointed out that preschool programs should include multilingual options for students. Kids who come into preschool knowing multiple languages often forget one or more of those languages in Englishonly preschool programs, she said. “They lose a part of their culture.”

Funding for affordable before and afterschool programs is also essential for parents who work full days, Tracey noted.

Change is Brewing Across the Nation Ben & Jerry’s New Cold Brew Ice Cream Supports a New Vision for Public Safety

You don’t have to be a barista to enjoy Ben & Jerry’s newest Limited Batch flavor—a cool combination of cold brew coffee ice cream, marshmallow swirls and fudge brownies.

“Change is Brewing” was created to help transform the nation’s approach to public safety to one that prioritizes community needs.

Change is Brewing is part of Ben & Jerry’s ongoing work to advance racial justice, calling for the nation to divest from a broken criminal legal system and invest in services that help communities thrive, like mental health treatment, counseling, substance use treatment, and healthcare.

Ben & Jerry’s is joining more than 70 other organizations in supporting The People’s Response Act, landmark legislation introduced by Congresswoman Cori Bush.

The legislation was written to transform a system that disproportionately criminalizes Black and Brown people into a system that provides resources to help every community, and especially communities of color, thrive.

The People’s Response Act was developed in partnership with community organizers, grassroots organizations, and movement partners, including the Movement for Black Lives (M4BL).

“The Movement for Black Lives welcomes Ben & Jerry’s support of The People’s Response Act, which would expand a new vision for public safety rooted in public health; and their investment in local organizations working every day in service of a new future for Black people,” said Monifa Bandele, member of the leadership of M4BL’s Policy Table.

“Now is the time for Congress to embrace

13

bold, courageous leadership and join Congresswoman Cori Bush in co-sponsoring The People’s Response Act and ensuring its final passage.”

“We appreciate Congresswoman Cori Bush for having the courage and vision to introduce the People’s Response Act, legislation that would boldly transform public safety in America,” said Jabari Paul, US Activism Manager for Ben & Jerry’s.

“We’ve come to understand that public safety is also a matter of public health.

Congresswoman Bush’s legislation begins to make that important link by creating a public safety division within the Department of Health and Human Services.”

The deep, rich coffee flavor in Change is Brewing is from BLK & Bold, the first Black-owned, nationally distributed coffee company that gives 5% of its profits to initiatives that support youth in need.

Greyston Bakery, a values-led supplier and longtime Ben & Jerry’s partner, provides the scrumptious fudge brownies.

The bakery has an “open hiring” policy that provides opportunities for people facing barriers to employment.

On the pint, Black multi-disciplinary artist Laci Jordan paints a colorful picture of what the world might look like when Black people feel safe and all communities can thrive.

Change is Brewing will be available as a Limited Batch flavor at participating Ben & Jerry’s Scoop Shops and on store shelves for a suggested price of $4.49-5.69.

A portion of the proceeds from the sale of Change is Brewing will go to grassroots groups working to transform public safety in America.

To learn more, visit benjerry.com/change.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - September 29, 2021 - October 05 , 2021

Over Half of American Children Have Detectable Lead Levels in Their Blood

by Cara Jones, BlackDoctor.org More than 50% of American children have detectable blood lead levels, a new study reveals. And young children who live in places with lots of pre-1950s housing and low incomes have the greatest risk. In all, 58% of children from predominately Black neighborhoods had detectable lead levels in their blood, compared with 49% of kids in white neighborhoods.

Any detectable lead level is abnormal and potentially harmful, particularly in young children, the researchers point out.

A neurotoxin, lead has been associated with brain and nervous system damage, as well as learning, behavior, speech and hearing problems. Lead exposure can also cause kidney damage.

Children under the age of three are most at risk as they tend to crawl around more and put things in their mouths.

“This means limiting exposure and testing” young children’s blood for lead “and having them retested periodically if results indicate a potentially unsafe level,” Dr. Jeffrey Gudin, senior medical advisor at Quest Diagnostics says.

Lead exposure isn’t always apparent, which is why testing is so critical.

Causes of lead exposure Although lead exposure may not always be apparent, it helps to know the common causes to look out for.

Children can be exposed to lead through the following: • Prenatal exposure. If you are pregnant and have been exposed to lead or have had high levels of lead in your blood in the past, the lead that is stored in the bones and can be released and increased during pregnancy and passed to your child.

• Soil and water. Children can be exposed to lead in soil by touching, breathing, eating fruits and vegetables grown in or near lead-contaminated soil or playing in lead-contaminated soil.

• Lead paint. Although the use of leadbased paints for homes, children’s toys and household furniture has been banned in the United States since 1978, leadbased paint can still be found on walls and woodwork in many older homes and apartments, which can result in children eating lead-based paint chips. Lead can also be found in glazes found on ceramics, china and porcelain, which leaches into food and toys and other products produced abroad.

• Children’s products. A child can also absorb lead found in children’s jewelry or products made of vinyl or plastic, such as bibs, backpacks, car seats and lunch boxes by putting them in their mouths, chewing on them or inhaling lead if the product is burned, damaged or deteriorating.

• Household dust. Household dust can contain lead from paint chips or soil

brought in from the outside.

• Food. Food can be contaminated with lead during production, processing, packaging, preparation or storage. Some food containers and pots contain lead, such as lead-glazed pottery, leaded crystal glassware and canned foods.

• Home health remedies and certain cosmetics. Some traditional remedies, such as the indigestion treatments azarcon and greta, may contain lead. Also, women who wear makeup should be aware of some of the paints and pigments used in makeup and hair dye. They may contain lead.

• Artificial athletic fields. Artificial turf made of nylon or a nylon and polyethylene blend may contain unhealthy levels of lead dust, which could be inhaled or ingested by a child.

Protecting your child from lead exposure Protecting your child from lead exposure may be a challenging task, especially when they are younger. Additionally, it may be hard to control what you can’t always see.

However, there are several steps you can take to minimize your child’s risk to lead exposure: • Check your house. If your house was built before 1978, you may be at a higher risk of lead exposure. Having professional cleaning, proper paint stabilization techniques and repairs done by a certified contractor can reduce lead exposure. If you are looking to buy a new home, have it inspected for lead before making any final decisions.

• Keep children away from contaminated areas. Keep your child away from areas with chipping or peeling paint as well as old window putty that may be flaking or chipping.

Tip: Try laying sod on areas of bare soil or cover bare spots with grass seed, mulch or wood chips. Clean up chips immediately and cover peeling patches with duct tape or contact paper until the paint can be removed.

• Filter water. If your water contains lead, try using ion exchange filters, reverse osmosis filters and distillation to remove lead from water. You can also run cold tap water for 15 to 30 seconds before using it to filter out any particles.

When cooking, drinking or making baby formula, use cold tap water. Hot water tends to absorb lead more quickly than does cold water.

• Take precautions in the kitchen. Store food in glass, plastic or stainless steel containers instead of cans. If you’re not sure if pottery has a lead glaze, use it only for decoration.

• Keep your home clean. Wipe floors and other surfaces with a damp mop or sponge.

• Encourage good hygiene. Make sure your child washes his or her hands and face after playing outside or with pets and before eating and sleeping. You should also regularly wash children’s toys, which may become contaminated from soil or household dust.

• Avoid traditional remedies and certain cosmetics. If you’re not sure if a traditional remedy or cosmetic contains lead, don’t allow your child to use it.

14

• Promote a balanced diet. Eating a diet high in iron and calcium may decrease a child’s absorption of lead.

• Avoid certain children’s products and toys. Do not buy any off-brand toys, old toys, and toys from discount shops or private vendors unless you are certain that the toys have been produced without lead or other harmful substances. You should also avoid allowing your child to wear costume jewelry.

Tip: Try regularly checking lead recall lists, and remember to not solely rely on commercial lead test kits as they may not always be reliable.

• Take precautions around artificial athletic fields. Don’t allow your child to eat on an artificial field, and keep drinking when they are not in use in a covered container. Make sure your child removes his or her clothes and turns them inside out to avoid tracking contaminated dust.

If clothing can’t be removed, have your child sit on a towel or blanket in your vehicle. When washing contaminated clothing, towels and blankets, put them in a separate load. Your child should also bathe with soap and water right away after playing on the field. Instruct your child to remove any shoes worn on the field when they enter the house.

With these precautions, hopefully, your child is safer from the dangerous effects of lead exposure. If you suspect that your child may have been exposed to lead, contact your child’s doctor and ask that they perform a lead test.

Con’t from page 12

Ghana President Heralds Historic Agreement to Build A World-Class W.E.B. Du Bois Museum Complex revered Black voices in world history.

The ambitious project features a museum, library and reading room, event hall, outdoor auditorium and amphitheater, lecture space, guest house for visiting scholars and the refurbished bungalow where Dr. Du Bois lived and worked until his death. The complex also includes a Memorial Pavilion, housing the remains of Dr. Du Bois and the cremated ashes of his wife.

Dr. Du Bois, who was a confidant of Ghana’s first president Kwame Nkrumah, became a citizen of Ghana and resided in the country until his death in 1963. While living in Ghana, Du Bois envisioned building a unified ancestral home for Africans in the diaspora around the world.

President Akufo-Addo has invited the Africans Diaspora to follow the footsteps of Du Bois by making Africa their home and contributing to the continent’s development through the government’s “Year of Return” and “Beyond the Return” campaigns.

“The ‘Beyond the Year of Return’ campaign promotes economic empowerment and encourages people in the Diaspora to come to Africa to invest, to live, and to do more to uplift the continent, “ said Japhet Aryiku, Executive Director, W.E.B. Du Bois Museum Foundation. Aryiku, a Ghanaian American with more than 40 years of experience in corporate America and the philanthropic community, was inspired at a young age by Du Bois’ writings and ideals.

Other speakers at the ceremony included Kwame Anthony Appiah, novelist and professor of philosophy and ethics, New York University and board member, W.E.B Du Bois Museum Foundation; and guests included Hon. Shirley Aryorkor Botchwey, Minister of Foreign Affairs, H. E Hajia Alima Mahama , Ghana’s Ambassador to the USA, Akwasi Agyeman, CEO, Ghana Tourism Authority and Humphrey Ayim-Darke of the Du Bois Museum Foundation, Ghana.

ABOUT W.E.B DU BOIS MUSEUM FOUNDATION: The W.E.B Du Bois Museum Foundation is a leading New York-based non-profit organization dedicated to honoring the life, purpose, and legacy of Dr. W.E. B Du Bois. Daniel Rose, a philanthropist and leading real estate developer of major properties serves as the foundation’s Chairman of the Board. Ambassador Harold Doley, Jr. is the foundation’s President. Prominent board members include renowned scholars of the Du Bois legacy Professors Henry Louis Gates, Jr., of Harvard University; Kwame Anthony Appiah of New York University; Emmanuel K. Akyeampong of the Center for African Studies at Harvard University; and Deborah Rose, a Visiting Scholar at the FXB Center for Health and Human Rights at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

INNER-CITY NEWS July 27, 2016 - August 02, 2016 THE INNER-CITY NEWS - September 29, 2021 - October 05, 2021

State of Connecticut Office of Policy and Management

NOTICE VALENTINA MACRI RENTAL HOUSING PRE- APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE Invitation to Bid: LASCANA HOMES 329 Smith Farm Road Columbus House and the Orange, CT 06477

HOME INC, on behalf of New Haven Housing Authority, is accepting pre-applications for studio and one-bedroom apartments at this development located at 108New Frank Street, New Maximum Construction of 7Haven.

Buildings, 46 Units, income limitations apApproximately sf. 5PM beginning Monday Ju;y ply. Pre-applications will be available from 62,573 9AM TO No Wage Rates, pre-applications Taxable on materials 25, 2016 and ending when sufficient (approximately 100) have been received at the offices of HOME INC. Applications Project documents include but not limitedwill to: be mailied upon reSite-work, landscaping, concrete, masonry, & finish quest by calling HOME INCpaving, at 203-562-4663 duringrough those hours.carpentry, Completed prewood trusses, waterproofing, insulation, asphaltINC’s shingles, siding,atgutters & downspouts, applications must be returned to HOME offices 171 Orange Street,doors, Third frames & hardware, windows, drywall, flooring, painting, signage, toilet & bath accessories, Floor, New Haven, CT 06510. residential appliances, casework & countertops, floor mats and frames, horizontal louver blinds, fire suppression, HVAC, plumbing and electrical.

NOTICIA

Bid Due Date: September 29, 2021 @ 3pm Project documents available via ftp link below: http://ftp.cbtghosting.com/loginok.html?username=lascanahomesoforange This contract to state DE set-aside and contract compliance requirements VALENTINA MACRIis subject VIVIENDAS ALQUILER PRE-SOLICITUDES DISPONIBLES All questions be submitted in written formyand to the appropriate estimator:está HOME INC, enmust nombre de la Columbus House de directed la New Haven Housing Authority, Eric Facchini - efacchini@haynesct.com for Site, Concrete, Masonry and MEPs trades. aceptando pre-solicitudes para estudios y apartamentos de un dormitorio en este desarrollo John Simmons - jsimmons@haynesct.com for all trades in Divisions 6 through 14. 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 HCC encourages the participation of all Veteran, S/W/MBE & Section 3 Certified Businesses Construction Company,suficientes 32 Progress Ave, Seymour,(aproximadamente CT 06483 julio, 2016 Haynes hasta cuando se han recibido pre-solicitudes 100) AA/EEO EMPLOYER 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 .

Experience in repair of sewer services, pipe laying and installation & repair of water mains, service lines experience, CDL license Must be able to pass pre-employment drug screen, driving record verification Legal working status, OSHA 10, 30 & OSHA 40 a plus Apply at: Butterworth & Scheck, Inc., 10Thompson St., Stratford, CT 06615

Full Time Construction Position: -

NEW HAVEN

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

!"#$%&'&(")*&+','*"+(,+-('.&(/,)&&)($)&$,),'*"+(/"0)1&1(2"0( +&&-(3")(2"0)('),*+*+45(,%%("+%*+&6(7.&+(8"*+(01("+(/,#$01('"(4&'( '.&(.,+-19"+(&:$&)*&+/&(2"0(+&&-(3")(,(10//&1130%(/,)&&)6(;0)*+4( All new apartments, new appliances, new carpet, close to I-91 & I-95 !"#$%&$'(%)*%+,!'%"-%"./0.1%/1,$.0.23%!"#%40//5

Further information regarding the duties, eligibility requirements and application instructions are available at: https://www.jobapscloud.com/CT/?

Keyword=intergovernmental& Loc=&DeptNumber=&OccList=& JobType=&KeywordFullText=0 #EmpDiv1 The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.

DPW Truck Driver Full-time position Go to www.portlandct. org for details

QSR STEEL CORPORATION

Cambridge Park Lead Based Paint Testing and Risk Assessment Services The Housing Authority of the City of Bristol (BHA) is accepting bids from qualified firms to perform lead-based paint testing and risk assessment services for the Cambridge Park Development located at Jerome Avenue, Davis Drive, and Quaker Lane, Bristol, Connecticut. Please find attached the Request for Proposal and information on proposal requirements.

The selected consultant shall be responsible for compliance with all federal, state and local statutes and regulations. All services provided shall be consistent with the requirements and guidelines of the HUD Office of Healthy Home and Lead Hazard Control and the State of Connecticut.

Please note that in order for the City to consider your bid to perform a risk assessment for this property, the proposal must include all items listed in the RFP. All submitted reports and documents must meet stated requirements.

Sealed bids must include technical and cost information and be submitted to Mitzy Rowe, CEO by 4:00 PM September 15, 2021 in the BHA Office at 164 Jerome Avenue, Bristol, CT 06010. All questions regarding this Request for Proposals shall be submitted via email only to Carl Johnson, Director of Capital Projects, cjohnson@bristolhousing.org.

BHA is an equal employment opportunity contractor. HUD Section 3 companies, small business, minority owned business, and women owned business enterprises are encouraged to participate.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT SPECIALIST

FHI Studio is actively seeking an innovative and self-motivated full-time Community Engagement Specialist to work on projects focused on improving the quality of life in communities. As a community engagement specialist, you are vital to engaging communities in developing high-quality, livable communities that support the community's residents, employees, and visitors. You work on Steel Fabricators, Erectors & Welders Invitationprojects to Bid: that range from major transit, bridge, airport, and related infrastructure Top pay for top performers. Health projects to neighborhood development plans to street activation and community nd Benefits, 401K, Vacation Pay. 2 Notice events. You utilize your understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusiveness in planning and design to increase the diversity of community voices. Your attenEmail Resume: Rose@qsrsteel.com Hartford, CT tion to Old Saybrook, CTdetail and event planning experience fosters an engaging and collaboraAFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER tive environment for a variety of stakeholders. Excellent time management is (4 Buildings,your 17 Units) specialty that is used to be a project team member, provide excellent client Tax Exempt & Not Prevailing Wageand Rate Projectbusiness development. You gain great enjoyment from enservice, conduct gaging others in a collaborative process through social media and various virtual and in-person mediums.

New Construction, Wood Framed, Housing, Selective Demolition, Site-work, CastAssistant Assessor willSiding, hold a degree in planning, marketing, sociology, or related field in-place Concrete, Asphalt Candidates Shingles, Vinyl Full Time – Benefited with a minimum of threeCasework, years of experience in consulting, event organizing, Flooring, Painting, Division 10 Specialties, Appliances, Residential or public relations. Candidates will also demonstrate experience in developing Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing and Fire Protection. and implementing engagement strategies and in social media, targeted publicity, This contract is subject to state set-aside and and event contract compliance requirements. planning.

If you feel you'll be perfect as our Community Engagement Pre-employment physical/drug test reSpecialist, apply now using our initial 3-minute, mobile-friendly application at quired. AA/EOE For more information, Bid Extended, Due Date: August 5, 2016 https://fhistudio.com/join please visit www.bloomfieldct.org

APPLY NOW!

SAYEBROOKE VILLAGE

highways, near bus stop & shopping center Pet under 40lb allowed. Interested parties contact Maria @ 860-985-8258 0$(-."*+$"1(2&%2"34"*+$"531"63-72"7-3,-(894-38"" 0$(-."*+$"1(2&%2"34"*+$"531"63-72"7-3,-(894-38"

!" #$%$&'$"())"*+$"*$%+",$(-".$$/$/" !"

The State of Connecticut, Office of Policy and Management is recruiting for a Manager of Intergovernmental Affairs position.

Request for Proposal

Town of Bloomfield

+(./2:3."*-(&.&.,"*3"%(87;2")&4$"(./"83-$" +(./2:3."*-(&.&.,"*3"%(87;2")&4$"(./"83-$ <./$-2*(./"=3;-"-3)$2"(./"-$273.2&1&)&*&$2"" <./$-2*(./"=3;-"-3)$2"(./"-$273.2&1&)&*&$2" CT. !"

Unified Deacon’s Association is pleased to offer a Deacon’s (2"("531"63-72"2*;/$.*" 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 $125. Classes start Saturday, August 20, 2016 1:3063..$%*">&*+"3*+$-"2*;/$.*2"(./"2*(44"" 63..$%*">&*+"3*+$-"2*;/$.*2"(./"2*(44" 3:30!"Contact: Chairman, Deacon Joe J. Davis, M.S., B.S. >+38"=3;?))"8$$*"3."%(87;2" (203) 996-4517 Host, General Bishop Elijah Davis, D.D. Pastor of Pitts Chapel U.F.W.B. Church 64 Brewster

!" @&2%3'$-"*+$"-$23;-%$2"('(&)(1)$"" St. New Haven, CT *3"=3;"ABCD

SEYMOUR HOUSING AUTHORITY Sealed !"#$%"&'($C/8'($1/0206/1%7)8%(9$"#29%:;8!1,$8"/+'%21(%(91%'<0//'%,.+% bids are invited by the Housing Authority of the Town of Seymour &-0/,'*"+('.&2(+&&-(3")(,(10//&1130%(30'0)&,$P)0C$"=1$%7**%($,0.0.2% until 3:00 pm on Tuesday, August 2, 2016 at its office at 28 Smith Street, ,)&,1Q$0C/$'&"<&*1$'&"@)?/($:"7$B)0C$0C/$.,+-19"+('),*+*+45('""%15(,+-( '&/.+"%"42('"($0)10&(2"0)(-&1*)&-(/,)&&),$!

Seymour, CT 06483 for Concrete Sidewalk Repairs and Replacement at the !

Smithfield Gardens Assisted Living Facility, 26 Smith Street Seymour. %"22/A0$B)0C$*2$*?1)(()"2($A"72(/8"&$0"$?)(A7(($C"B$:"7$A*2$(0*&0$! !"#$%"&'($@)&07*88:,

A pre-bid conference will be held at the Housing Authority Office 28 Smith !"#$%&'(%&)"*+&,+(-./&0(%&'"/%&1#&%2(&/2*34(5 Street Seymour, CT at 10:00 am, on Wednesday, July 20, 2016. !"#$%#&'#"($)*(&+,$$EFGGH"DII:5JKL"MNOADP"3-"53163-72Q,3'

Bidding documents are available from the Seymour Housing Authority Office, 28 !"#$$#% Smith Street, Seymour, CT 06483 (203) 888-4579. &$'()*+$#$ !"#$%"&'($)($*$+,-,$./'*&01/20$"3$4*#"&$567*8$9''"&072)0:$51'8":/&$;&"<&*1,$=7>)8)*&:$*)?($*2?$(/&@)A/($*&/$*@*)8*#8/$ 7'"2$&/67/(0$0"$)2?)@)?7*8($B)0C$?)(*#)8)0)/(,$D..EDDF$0/8/'C"2/$271#/&$)($GHIIJ$HHKLMNOI,

!"#$%

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

$41.82 hourly

Anticipated Start: August 15, 2016 Project documents available via ftp link below: http://ftp.cbtghosting.com/loginok.html?username=sayebrookevillage

Town of Bloomfield

THE GLENDOWER GROUP

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

Proposals

Senior Recreation Assistant for Businesses Redevelopment of Westville Manor for Phase 1 HCC encourages the participation of all Veteran, Lender/Investor S/W/MBE & Section 3 Certified Construction Part Time –Haynes Non BenefiCompany, ted 32 Progress Ave, Seymour, CT 06483

$15.71 hourly

The Glendower Group is currently seeking proposals for a lender/investor for AA/EEO EMPLOYER

Pre-employment physical/drug test required. AA/EOE For more information, please visit www.bloomfieldct.org

15

redevelopment of Westville Manor for Phase 1. A complete copy of the requirement may be obtained from Glendower’s Vendor Collaboration Portal https:// newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/gateway beginning on Wednesday, September 22, 2021 at 3:00PM.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - September 29, 2021 - October 05 , 2021 INNER-CITY NEWS July 27, 2016 - August 02, 2016

Garrity Asphalt Reclaiming, Inc seeks:

Listing: HVAC Technician

MINORITY CONTRACTOR OPPORTUNITY - STAMFORD

PVC FENCE PRODUCTION

Construction Resources, LLC, an AA/EOE, seeks DAS certified MBE/WBE/SBE Subcontractors and/or suppliers and local business enterprises to bid applicable sections of work/equipment/supplies for the following construction project: Coleman Towers Renovations – Renovate existing building increasing number of units to 132, work to be phased, building will be tenant occupied. No Prevailing Wage, Project is Tax Exempt, Non-Union. Located at 72 Spruce Street, Stamford, CT. Pre-Bid Walk-thru: Wednesday, September 15, 2021 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (Masks are mandatory) Bid Date and Time: Tuesday, September 28, 2021 by 12:00 noon (by email to nick@ corebuilds.com or johnt@corebuilds.com. Electronic Plans and specifications can be obtained at no charge by contacting Paulo Ribeiro at (860) 678-0663 or by email to paulo@corebuilds.com.

Construction Equipment Mechanic preferably experienced in Reclaiming and Road Milling Equipment. We offer factory Fast paced Petroleum Company is hiring for a full time, CT training on equipment we operate. Location: Bloomfield CT HVAC Technician. License required – S-10,S-2 or S-1. ApWe offer excellent hourly rate & excellent benefits plicant must have experience in oil, propane, natural gas and Contact: Tom Dunay VALENTINA MACRI RENTAL HOUSING PRE- APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE A/C. Competitive wage, 401(k), sign on bonus and benefits.

Send resume to: Attn: HR Manager, Confidential, PO Box 388, Phone: 860- 243-2300 HOME INC, on behalf of Columbus House and the New Haven Housing Guilford,Authority, CT 06437.

Email: tom.dunay@garrityasphalt.com is accepting pre-applications for studio and one-bedroom Women & Minority Applicants are encouraged to applyapartments at this develAffirmative opment locatedAction/ at 108 Frank New Haven.

Maximum income**An limitations ap- Action/Equal Opportunity Employer** Affirmative EqualStreet, Opportunity Employer ply. 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 reGarrity Asphalt Incduring seeks: CT Fence quest by calling HOMEReclaiming, INC at 203-562-4663 those hours.Large Completed pre- Company looking for an individual for our Reclaimer Operators and Milling Operators with current licensing PVCStreet, Fence Third Production Shop. Experience preferred but will applications must be returned to HOME INC’s offices at 171 Orange and clean driving record, be willing to travel throughout the Northtrain the right person. Must be familiar with carpentry hand Floor, New Haven, CT 06510. east & NY. We offer excellent hourly rate & excellent benefits & power tools and be able to read a CAD drawing and tape measure. Use of CNC Router machine a plus but not required, will train the right person. This is an in-shop production poContact: Rick Tousignant Phone: 860- 243-2300 sition. Duties include building fence panels, posts, gates and Email: rick.touMust have a valid CT driver’s license & be able to obtain VALENTINAsignant@garrityasphalt.com MACRI VIVIENDAS DE ALQUILER PRE-SOLICITUDESmore.

DISPONIBLES a Drivers Medical Card. Must be able to pass a physical and Women & Minority Applicants are encouraged to apply drug test. Please email resume to pboucher@atlasoutdoor.com.

Affirmative Action/deEqual Opportunity HOME INC, en nombre la Columbus House y Employer de la New Haven Housing Authority, está AA/EOE-MF 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 Tractor Trailer Driver for Heavy & Highway Construction Equipjulio,Must 2016have hastaacuando se han recibido suficientes pre-solicitudes ment.

CDL License, clean driving record, capable of (aproximadamente 100) en las oficinas HOME INC. Las pre-solicitudes serán enviadas porSeeking correo atopetición operating heavyde equipment; be willing to travel throughout the employ experienced individuals in the labor, foreman, llamando HOME INC alexcellent 203-562-4663 horas.Pre-solicitudes deberánand remitirse Northeast &aNY. We offer hourlydurante rate &esas excellent benefits operator teamster trades for a heavy outside work statewide. a las oficinas de HOME INC en 171 Orange Street, tercer piso, New Haven , CT personal 06510 . transportation and a valid drivers license reReliable

NOTICE

NOTICIA

Union Company seeks:

Construction

The Housing Authority of the City of Norwalk, CT is requesting proposals for

Ludlow Commons Management Services.

Request for Proposal documents can be viewed and printed at www.norwalkha.org under the About Us tab, Doing Business tab, Proposal Request. Norwalk Housing is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Adam Bovilsky, Executive Director.

SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNER/DESIGNER

FHI Studio is actively seeking an innovative and self-motivated full-time Senior Environmental Planner/Designer to manage projects in our environmental service line. As a project manager, you are vital to helping clients meet regulatory requirements and identify quired. To apply please call (860) 621-1720 or send resume to: and achieve their project goals. You focus on projects that are resilient and adaptable to meet existing and future community needs. Being a highly organized senior environmental Personnel Department, P.O. Box 368, Cheshire, CT06410. planner, you efficiently prepare NEPA, MEPA, CEPA, SEQRA, and CEQR documentation.

Email: dana.briere@garrityasphalt.com Excellent time management is your specialty that is used to lead project teams, provide Women & Minority Applicants are encouraged to apply Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/V excellent client service, and conduct business development. You gain great enjoyment from Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer Drug Free Workforce engaging in the community with various meetings, public workshops, and public hearings. will hold a degree in urban planning, environmental planning, environmental Invitation Candidates to Bid: science, or related field with a minimum of 7 years of experience in environmental consultState of Connecticut 2nd Notice ing or related field. Candidates will also demonstrate experience in leading environmental Office of Policy planning and compliance projects. Our ideal candidate preferably has experience with a and Management variety of stakeholders, presenting public presentations, and can travel for projects. If you All new apartments, new appliances, new carpet, close to I-91 & I-95 Old Saybrook, CT be perfect as our Senior Environmental Planner/Designer, apply now using our feel you’ll highways, near bus stop & shopping center (4 Buildings, 17 Units) initial 3-minute, mobile-friendly application at https://fhistudio.com/join.

The State of Connecticut, Office of

Contact Dana at 860-243-2300

NEW HAVEN

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

SAYEBROOKE VILLAGE

We all have

DREAMS.

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

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 of Pitts Chapel U.F.W.B. Church 64 Brewster

Let Job Corps help you achieve yours.

SEYMOUR HOUSING AUTHORITY

St. New Haven, CT

Sealed bids are invited by the Housing Authority of the Town of Seymour Now enrolling! until 3:00 pm on Tuesday, August 2, 2016 Tuition-free at its officecareer at 28training Smith Street, High school diploma programs Seymour, CT 06483 for Concrete Sidewalk Repairs and Replacement at the College credit opportunities Smithfield Gardens Assisted Living Facility,Housing, 26 Smith Street Seymour. meals and medical care provided

A pre-bid conference will be held at the Housing Authority Office 28 Smith For more information, visit jobcorps.gov or call (800) 733-JOBS [5627] Street Seymour, CT at 10:00 am, on Wednesday, July 20, 2016.

New Haven County - Jesselica Rodriguez – Rodriguez.Jesselica@JobCorps.org !"#$%&'(")*+,$*-+#".&/$*0(1,)2*3*4&//2*0(,,&"*5*Conner.Kelly@JobCorps.org Waterbury and Surrounding Areas – Abdul Shabazz – Shabazz.Abdul@JobCorps.org

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

Job Corps is a U.S. Department of Labor Equal Opportunity Employer Program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. TDD/TTY telephone number is (877) 889-5627.

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

Policy and Management is recruiting Tax Exempt & Not Prevailing Wage Rate Project for a Policy Development Coordinator position.

Listing: Dispatcher

New Construction, Wood Framed, Housing, Selective Demolition, Site-work, CastFurther information regarding the duties, petroleum company needs a full time (which includes on call and eligibility requirements and application in-place Concrete, AsphaltExtremely Shingles,fast Vinylpaced Siding, instructions for this position is available weekend coverage) detail oriented experienced Dispatcher. A strong logistics backFlooring, Painting, Appliances, Residential Casework, at: Division 10 Specialties, ground and a minimum of one year previous experience required. Send resume to: HR Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing andP.O. Fire Box Protection. https://www.jobapscloud.com/ Manager, 388, Guilford, CT. 06437 ThisCT/sup/bulpreview.asp?R1= contract is subject to state set-aside and contract compliance requirements.

210506&R2=1581MP&R3=001

********An Affirmative Action/Equal The State of Connecticut is an equal Bid Extended, opportunity/affirmative action employer Due Date: August 5, 2016 and strongly encourages theAnticipated applications Start: August 15, 2016 of women, minorities, and persons Project documents available via ftp link below: with disabilities.

Opportunity Employer**********

The Housing Authority of the City of Norwalk, CT

http://ftp.cbtghosting.com/loginok.html?username=sayebrookevillage is requesting proposals for QSR STEEL CORPORATION

APPLY NOW!

INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT SERVICE.

Email Resume: Rose@qsrsteel.com Hartford, CT AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Equal Opportunity Employer.

Adam Bovilsky, Executive Director.

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 Steel Fabricators, Erectors & Welders AA/EEO EMPLOYER Request for Proposal documents can be viewed and printed at www.norwalkha.org Top pay for top performers. Health under the About Us tab, Doing Business tab, RFPs & RFQs. Norwalk Housing is an Benefits, 401K, Vacation Pay.

16

INNER-CITY NEWS July 27, 2016 - August 02, 2016 THE INNER-CITY NEWS - September 29, 2021 - October 05, 2021

School Security

Greeter- The Town of Wallingford’s NOTICE Board of Education is seeking qualified individu-

als to perform a variety of duties associated with monitoring access to the building or assigned station, implementing security protocols as provided by district and building VALENTINA MACRI RENTAL HOUSING PRE- APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE level administrative staff. Requires graduation from high school, plus a minimum of one year experience working with the public. Individual considered for the positions HOME INC, onto behalf Columbusand House and the New Haven Housing Authority, will be required be fiof ngerprinted undergo background checks.

Hourly Rate: is accepting pre-applications for studio andDepartment one-bedroom at this devel$13.00 plus benefi t package. Apply to: The ofapartments Human Resources, Town located 108 Frank Street, Wallingford, New Haven. Maximum apof opment Wallingford, 45atSouth Main Street, CT 06492.income Formslimitations will be mailed ply.request Pre-applications will be available from 9AM TO 5PM beginning Monday Ju;y upon from the Department of Human Resources or may be downloaded from 2016 andofending sufficient (approximately 100) have the25, Department Humanwhen Resources Webpre-applications Page. Fax #: (203) 294-2084. Closing date been received6,at2021 the offices of HOME INC. Applications will be mailied upon rewill be October or the date the 50th application is received, whichever occurs quest by calling HOME INC at 203-562-4663 during those hours. Completed prefirst.

EOE.

applications must be returned to HOME INC’s offices at 171 Orange Street, Third Floor, New Haven, CT 06510.

THE GLENDOWER GROUP NOTICIA

Request for Qualifications

DELIVERY PERSON

NEEDED

Must Have your Own Vehicle If Interested call

Part Time Delivery Needed One/Two Day a Week,

(203) 435-1387 QSR STEEL CORPORATION

APPLY NOW!

VALENTINA MACRI VIVIENDAS DEfor ALQUILER DISPONIBLES Project Architect the PRE-SOLICITUDES Repositioning of

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

aceptando pre-solicitudes para estudios y apartamentos de un dormitorio en este desarrollo

Email Resume: Rose@qsrsteel.com Hartford, CT AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Elm Scattered Sites Properties HOMECity INC, enCommunities nombre de la Columbus House y de la New Haven Housing Authority, está The Glendower Group is Frank currently seeking a project architect the reubicado en la calle 109 Street, New Proposals Haven. Se for aplican limitaciones defor ingresos positioning of Elm City Communities scattered sites properties.

A complete copy of25 the máximos. Las pre-solicitudes estarán disponibles 09 a.m.-5 p.m. comenzando Martes requirement may cuando be obtained Glendower’s Vendor Collaboration Portal https:// julio, 2016 hasta se han from recibido suficientes pre-solicitudes (aproximadamente 100) newhavenhousing.cobblestonesystems.com/gateway beginning en las oficinas de HOME INC. Las pre-solicitudes serán enviadason por correo a petición

llamando a HOME INC al 203-562-4663 durante esas horas.Pre-solicitudes deberán remitirse Monday, September 27, 2021 3:00PM. a las oficinas de HOME INC en 171 Orange Street, terceratpiso, New Haven , CT 06510 .

NEW HAVEN POLICE OFFICER 242-258 Fairmont Ave

Competitive examinations held for the position 2BR Townhouse, 1.5will BA,be3BR, 1 level , 1BAof

Police cer in the All new apartments, newOffi appliances, newGuilford, carpet, close to I-91 & I-95 Madison, Orange, Wallingford and West Haven center Police Departments. highways, near bus stop & shopping Pet under 40lb allowed. Interested parties contact Maria @ 860-985-8258 Candidates may register for the testing process at www.policeapp.com/southcentral.

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 of Pitts Chapel U.F.W.B. Church 64 Brewster

Application deadline is Friday, October 15, 2021.

St. New Haven, CT

The written and oral board exams will be administered by the South Central Criminal Justice Administration. All candidates must possess a valid CHIP card dated after April 15, 2021.

Sealed bids are invited by the Housing Authority of the Town of Seymour THE DEPARTMENTS PARTICIPATING IN THIS DRIVE until 3:00 pm on Tuesday, August 2, 2016 at itsRECRUITMENT office at 28 Smith Street, ARE EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS. Seymour, CT 06483 for Concrete Sidewalk Repairs and Replacement at the Smithfield Gardens Assisted Living Facility, 26 Smith Street Seymour.

SEYMOUR HOUSING AUTHORITY Listing: HVAC Technician

A pre-bid conference will be held at the Housing Authority Office 28 Smith

Fast paced Petroleum hiring for a full time, CT20, HVAC Street Seymour, CTCompany at 10:00isam, on Wednesday, July 2016.Technician. License required – S-10,S-2 or S-1. Applicant must have experience in oil, propane, natural gas and A/C. Competitive wage, 401(k), sign on bonus and benefits. Send resume documents available from Seymour Authority Ofto:Bidding Attn: HR Manager, are Confi dential, PO Boxthe 388, Guilford,Housing CT 06437.

fice, 28 Smith Street, Seymour, CT 06483 (203) 888-4579.

**An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer**

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

POLICE OFFICER

State of Connecticut Office of Policy and Management The State of Connecticut, Office of Policy and Management is recruiting for two (2) Fiscal and Program Policy Section Directors, a Leadership Associate (confidential) and a Broadband Mapping Coordinator.

Further information regarding the duties, eligibility requirements and application instructions are available at: https://jobapscloud.com/CT/sup/BulPreview.asp?R1=210901&R2= 1585MP&R3=001&Viewer=Admin&Test=Y; https://jobapscloud.com/CT/sup/BulPreview.asp?R1=210913&R2= 1585MP&R3=001&Viewer=Admin&Test=Y; https://jobapscloud.com/CT/sup/BulPreview.asp?R1=210902&R2= 5989VR&R3=001&Viewer=Admin&Test=Y; and https://jobapscloud.com/CT/sup/BulPreview.asp?R1=210831&R2= 6856AR&R3=001&Viewer=Admin&Test=Y The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.

City of Bristol $69,017 - $83,893/yr.

Required testing,

Ducci Electrical Contractors, Inc. Seeks an experienced accounts payable specialist to join the fast paced AP department.

Duties include coding invoices, routing for approvals, problem solving, invoice entry, registration info, and apply cutting checks, matching packing slips, filing, compliance. Full-Time Position. Excelonline: www.bristolct.gov compensation and benefits package. Send resume to Ducci Electrical Contractors, Invitation lent to Bid: Inc. 74 Scott Swamp Rd. Farmington, CT 06032 or via email at humanresources@ nd DEADLINE: 10-29-21 2 Notice duccielectrical.com.

An VILLAGE affirmative action equal opportunity employer. EOE/M/F/D/V. SAYEBROOKE

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

WATER

Full Time, Benefits, Top Pay INSPECTOR – WATER/SANITARY SEWER – New Construction, Wood Framed, Housing,The Selective Demolition, Site-work, Cast- is seeking a highly responsible individual to Town of Wallingford Water Division Apply:Pace, 1425 Honeyspot inspect work involving the installation or repair of water and sewer lines for insure comin-place Concrete, Asphalt Shingles, Vinyl Siding, Rd. Ext., Stratford, CT EOE pliance with codes and specification. The position requires a A high school diploma or Flooring, Painting, Division 10 Specialties, Appliances, Residential Casework, G.E.D., plus two years of progressively responsible utility construction experience, or an Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing and Fire Protection.of education and qualifying experience substituting on a yearequivalent combination DRIVER CLASS A and for-year basis.compliance A P7 license from The State of Connecticut, or the ability to obtain the This contractCDL is subject to state set-aside contract requirements. license within one (1) year of appointment is required. Must possess and maintain a valid Full Time – All Shifts State of Connecticut Motor Vehicle Operator's License. Salary $65,669 - $84,027 ApplicaTop Pay-FullBid Benefi ts Due Date: Extended, 2016 at the Department of Human Resources, Town of Wallingford, 45 tionsAugust may be5,obtained EOE Please apply in person: South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492. Forms will be mailed upon request from the Anticipated Start: August 15, 2016 1425 Honeyspot Rd. Ext. Department of Human Resources or may be downloaded from the Department of Human Project documents available via ftp link below: Resources Web Page. The closing date will be the date the 50th application or resume is Stratford, CT 06615 http://ftp.cbtghosting.com/loginok.html?username=sayebrookevillage received or October 5, 2021 whichever occurs first. EOE

Town of Bloomfield

Heavy/Highway general contractor

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 Part Time - Foster Care Family Support Haynes Construction Company, 32 Progress Ave, Seymour, CT 06483 is looking to hire a skilled Carpenter with willingness and eagerness to become a Carpenter Worker (non-benefited) AA/EEO EMPLOYER Foreman. Training will be provided. Prefer candidate to be familiar with ConnDOT procedures, bridge, and road construction work. Must communicate effectively with clients, $20.00 hourly be well organized and safety conscious, and must be able to read plans. This is hands-on Pre-employment drug testing. field leadership position. Top compensation and benefits are available. Full time position.

For more details, visit our website We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourage qualified woman and minorities to – www.bloomfieldct.org apply. Email resume to jobs@rothacontracting.com

17

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - September 29, 2021 - October 05 , 2021 INNER-CITY NEWS July 27, 2016 - August 02, 2016

Custodian NOTICE

Maintenance workers needed for the Wallingford Public Schools to work the 2:00 P.M. to 10 P.M. shift. Hourly rate: $19.49 to $24.46 hourly plus shift differential. Requires some experience in building maintenance work. The closing date for applications is VALENTINA MACRI APPLICATIONS September 29, 2021 or theRENTAL date we HOUSING receive thePREfiftieth (50) applicationAVAILABLE whichever occurs first. Apply: Human Resources Department, Town of Wallingford, 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492.

FormsHouse will be mailed uponHaven request from the DepartHOME INC, on behalf of Columbus and the New Housing Authority, ment of Human Resources or may be downloaded from the Department of develHuman is accepting pre-applications for studio and one-bedroom apartments at this Resources Web Page.

Phone # (203) 294-2080 Fax #Maximum (203) 294-2084. opment located at 108 Frank Street, New Haven. incomeEOE. limitations ap-

ply. 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 preThe Town of Wallingford’s SewertoDivision is seeking qualifi ed applicants for theThird posiapplications must be returned HOME INC’s offices at 171 Orange Street, tion of Maintainer II to perform skilled sanitary sewer construction and maintenance Floor, New Haven, CT 06510. repair work for the sewage collection system, including its appurtenances. The position requires 3 years employment in a field related to heavy sewer construction work of which 2 years shall have involved a special skill in operating manual and mechanical equipment, or an equivalent combination of experience and training substituting on a year-for-year basis. $26.16 to $31.18 plusPRE-SOLICITUDES an excellent benefi ts package. ApVALENTINA MACRI VIVIENDAS DEhourly ALQUILER DISPONIBLES ply to: Department of Human Resources, Town of Wallingford, 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492. Application materials can be emailed to wlfdhr@wallingHOME INC, en nombre de la Columbus House y de la New Haven Housing Authority, está fordct.gov. Application forms will be mailed upon request by calling the Department aceptando pre-solicitudes para estudios y apartamentos de un dormitorio en este desarrollo of Human Resources, (203) 294-2080 or may be downloaded from the Department of ubicado en la calleWeb 109 Page.

Frank Fax Street, Se aplican limitaciones Human Resources’ #: New (203)Haven.

294-2084.

The closing date de foringresos applicamáximos. disponibles 09 a.m.-5 p.m. comenzando 25 tions will beLas thepre-solicitudes date the 25th estarán application or resume is received or OctoberMartes 12, 2021, julio, 2016occurs hasta cuando se han recibido suficientes pre-solicitudes (aproximadamente 100) whichever first. EOE. 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 .

MAINTAINER - SEWER NOTICIA

ELECTRIC UTILITY

CHIEF ELECTRICIAN – The Wallingford Electric Division is seeking a highly respon-

sible individual to direct and assign the work related to the installation, maintenance, repair, inspection and operation of all facilities and equipment within the division’s substations. This position requires a high school, trade/vocational school diploma or a GED, plus six (6) years of experience in the maintenance and operation of electric utility substations and/or utility grade protection and control systems. Two (2) years of college-level education or advanced training in a related field may substitute for two Ave (2) years of the experience242-258 requirement.Fairmont Must possess and maintain a valid Protective Switching and Tagging Procedures certifi cation from other approved 2BR Townhouse, 1.5 BA, 3BR, 1CONVEX level ,or1BA agency or obtain same within six (6) months of hire. Must possess and maintain a All new apartments,motor new vehicle appliances, new carpet, to$I-91 & I-95 valid State of Connecticut operator’s license. close Wages: 42.77 – $ 45.83 highways, near bus stop & shopping center (hourly) Apply to: Department of Human Resources, Town of Wallingford, 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492.

Application materials can@ be860-985-8258 emailed to wlfdhr@ Pet under 40lb allowed.

Interested parties contact Maria wallingfordct.gov. Application Forms will be mailed upon request by calling the Department of Human Resources, (203) 294-2080 or may be downloaded from the DeCT. Unified is pleased to offerFax a Deacon’s partment ofDeacon’s HumanAssociation Resources Web Page. #: (203)294-2084. The closing date will Certificate Program. This is a 10 month program designed to assist in the intellectual formation of Candidates beinOctober 19, 2021.

EOE response to the Church’s Ministry needs. The cost is $125. Classes start Saturday, August 20, 2016 1:30-

NEW HAVEN

3:30 Contact: Chairman, Deacon Joe J. Davis, M.S., B.S. (203) 996-4517 Host, General Bishop Elijah Davis, D.D. Pastor of Pitts Chapel U.F.W.B. Church 64 Brewster St. New Haven, CT

WATER TREATMENT

Superintendent-Water – The Town of Wallingford is seeking a highly qualified

Manager to direct the technical and administrative work involved in the operation of the collection, storage, pumping, treatment and distribution systems of the Water Division. This position requires a bachelor’s degree from a recognized college or uniSealedin bids invitedengineering by the Housing Authority the Town of responsible Seymour versity civil are or sanitary plus seven years of of progressively experience the on water utility fiAugust eld with at years of supervisory experience, until 3:00inpm Tuesday, 2, least 2016five at its office at 28 Smith Street, orSeymour, an equivalent of education and qualifying substituting on a CT combination 06483 for Concrete Sidewalk Repairsexperience and Replacement at the year-for-year basis. Must possess and maintain a valid State of Connecticut DepartSmithfield Assisted Living Facility,System 26 Smith StreetCertifi Seymour. ment of PublicGardens Health Class II Water Distribution Operator cation or be able to obtain the same within 6 months of hire. Must possess and maintain a valid State ofAConnecticut Driver’s License.

Salary; $ 94,207 - $ 120,532 (annually). pre-bid conference will be held at the Housing Authority Office 28Apply Smithto: Department of Human Resources, Town of Wallingford, 45 South Main Street, WallStreet Seymour, CT at 10:00 am, on Wednesday, July 20, 2016. ingford, CT 06492. Application materials can be emailed to wlfdhr@wallingfordct. gov. Application forms will be mailed upon request by calling the Department of HuBidding documents are available the Seymour Authority Ofman Resources, (203) 294-2080 or mayfrom be downloaded fromHousing the Department of Human Resources Web Page.

Fax#: (203) 294-2084.

The closing date for applicaitons will be fice, 28 Smith Street, Seymour, CT 06483 (203) 888-4579.

October 21, 2021. EOE

SEYMOUR HOUSING AUTHORITY

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

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 AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

DELIVERY PERSON

NEEDED

Part Time Delivery Needed One/Two Day a Week, Must Have your Own Vehicle If Interested call

(203) 435-1387

Town of Bloomfield Custodian

Control Room Operations/Dispatching The Town of Wallingford Electric Division is seeking qualified candidates for the position of System Operator/Dispatcher for a municipal electric utility serving 25,000 customers. Coordinates electric system switching and places equipment in and out of service during routine and emergency operations. Requires HS diploma/GED with 2 years experience in the operation of Distribution SCADA equipment and/or switchboards used in the distribution of electricity or other qualifying experience in a related field. Experience and training may be substituted on a year for year basis. Must maintain valid system operation certification from Connecticut Valley Exchange (CONVEX) or other approved agency or be able to obtain the same within 90 days of hire.

Must posses and maintain a valid State of CT Driver’s License. $34.63 - $41.15 hourly plus an excellent fringe benefits package to include a defined benefit pension plan. Apply to: Department of Human Resources, Town of Wallingford, 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492. Application materials can be emailed to wlfdhr@wallingfordct.gov. Application forms will be mailed upon request by calling the Department of Human Resources, (203) 294-2080 or may be downloaded from the Department of Human Resources Web Page. Fax #: (203) 294-2084. Closing date will be September 10, 2021. EOE.

Large CT Fence Company

looking for a full-time individual for our Wood Fence Production Shop. Experience preferred but will train the right person. Must be familiar with carpentry hand & power tools and be able to read a CAD drawing and tape measure. This is an in-shop production position. Duties include mortising & drilling wood posts for fence panels, building fence panels, gates & more. Use of table saws, routers, miter saws, nail guns and other woodworking equipment is required. Some pickup and delivery of materials will be required. Must have a valid CT driver’s license and be able to obtain a Drivers Medical Card. Must be able to pass a physical and drug test. Please email resume to pboucher@atlasoutdoor.com. AA/EOE-MF

$23.40/hourly (benefited)

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

Invitation to Bid: CITY OF MILFORD 2 Notice nd

Seeking qualified condidates to fill SAYEBROOKE VILLAGE numerous vacancies to include, Old Saybrook, CT Deputy Assessor, Mechanic Buildings, 17 Units) Sewer Line, Public Health (4 Nurse Exempt & Not and more. For Tax information andPrevailing Wage Rate Project detailed application instructions, New Construction, Wood Framed, Housing, Selective Demolition, Site-work, Castvisit www.ci.milford.ct.us Click on SERVICES, JOBS and in-place Concrete, Asphalt Shingles, Vinyl Siding, JOB TITLE. Flooring, Painting, Division 10 Specialties, Appliances, Residential Casework,

Portland

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 Youth Services Administrator Anticipated Start: August 15, 2016 full-time Project position. documents available via ftp link below: Go http://ftp.cbtghosting.com/loginok.html?username=sayebrookevillage to www.portlandct.

org for details.

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

DPW Truck Driver Full-time position Go to www.portlandct. org for details 18

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - September 29, 2021 - October 05, 2021

THE RIDGEFIELD PLAYHOUSE

Non-profit 501 (C) (3)

PRESERVATION HALL JAZZ BAND

RHIANNON GIDDENS

The legendary band celebrates 60 years of New Orleans Jazz!

Co-founder of the Grammy Award-winning Carolina Chocolate Drops!

TROMBONE SHORTY

MARILYN MCCOO & BILLY DAVIS JR.

W/ FRANCESCO TURRISI

SEPTEMBER 10

SEPTEMBER 3

& ORLEANS AVENUE

UP, UP & AWAY!

SEPTEMBER 19

SEPTEMBER 30

Multi-instrumentalist and Grammy Award nominee returns to the Playhouse!

Founding members of the The 5th Dimension!

COMING UP IN 2022

THE 5TH DIMENSION

BLACK VIOLIN APRIL 10

FEBRUARY 20

Classically trained string players Wil B. (viola) and Kev Marcus (violin) blend classical and hip-hop music!

Led by original member Florence LaRue — with hits “Age of Aquarius” & more!

203.438.5795 · RIDGEFIELDPLAYHOUSE.ORG

TWO PARKS, ONE GREAT PRICE!

All-Day Rides & Waterpark Less Than $35

OINK. HONK. FREE! NEIGH.

Purchase Daily & Season Passes Online quassy.com 2132 Middlebury Road, Middlebury CT

Through September 6, Connecticut children 18 and under plus one accompanying adult enjoy FREE Zoo admission courtesy of the CT Summer at the Museum program.

Reserve your tickets now at www.beardsleyzoo.org!

1-800-FOR-PARK 19

THE INNER-CITY NEWS - September 29, 2021 - October 05 , 2021

HBCUs are more than an education They are a legacy. It's the place you become, where you're uplifted by past generations. It's your family's history and newfound family's future. It's your HBCU. That’s why Xfinity recognizes the legacy, community, and importance of HBCUs. And now that gatherings are a little different, it's time to reconnect to the culture. Just say, "HBCU," into your Xfinity Voice Remote to experience more HBCU.

Visit xfinity.com/blackexperience to learn more.

Restrictions apply. Not available in all areas. Requires Xfinity TV with X1 and compatible TV box or Xfinity Flex and Xfinity Internet. © 2021 Comcast. All Rights Reserved. NPA237195-0001 NED AA HBCU V3

141175_NPA237195-0001 HBCU More Print 9.25x10.5 V3.indd 1

20

8/9/21 6:37 PM