The North Haven Citizen

Familiar face leading Clintonville

By Nicole Zappone The Citizen

Clintonville Elementary School has a new principal; and she’s a familiar face in town.

After serving as assistant principal at North Haven Middle School, Brigit D’Angelo has been picked to lead the Clintonville community.

D’Angelo’s first day as principal was Nov. 28, 2022, and Clintonville students and parents had the opportunity to get to know her during a Dec. 15 meet and greet at the school.

See Principal, A2

Clintonville’s new principal, Brigit D’Angelo, is pictured with students during a meet and greet at the elementary school on Dec. 15, 2022.

Shelters cope with increased surrenders

By Jessica Simms Record-Journal staff

Area animal shelters are struggling to cope with a drastic increase in pet surrenders after seeing a rise in adoptions in 2020. According to the national nonprofit database Shelter Animals Count, in the first nine months of 2022, 7.3% more animals entered shelters compared to those that left.

Shelter Animals Count also states that all regions in the United States experienced more cats and dogs entering shelters than leaving.

“We have found 2022 to be a very difficult year where we’ve never had so many requests for surrenders,” said Linda Marino, president of The Animal Haven, a shelter in North Haven. “We’re nokill so we can only take up to

our capacity, so it’s really heartbreaking for us when we can’t take in a lot of these animals that need to be surrendered by people.”

See Shelters, A2

Black Labrador Duke tugs at a toy held by Kaitlyn Wahl, kennel assistant, at Animal Haven, 89 Mill Road in North Haven.

Dave Zajac, Record-Journal

Luxury

Magnificent

Slate School’s curiosity-driven focus recognized

Press Release

Slate School, a nonprofit K-12 independent school located in North Haven, is thrilled to announce that it has received an award from VELA Education Fund, which supports entrepreneurs who are boldly reimagining education.

VELA Education Fund is a national nonprofit fund dedicated to accelerating education innovation and opportunity for every learner.

This award comes with a $10,000 gift to Slate School.

• Fully furnished accommodations, if desired.

• Complimentary cable, wireless, and telephone.

• All-inclusive rates- care packages available.

• Respite/vacation stays available

Beauty salon, movie theatre, exercise center.

Nicole Zappone, The Citizen

See School, A3

Shelters

From

Earlier this month, the Record-Journal reported that the Meriden Humane Society has also seen an increase in animal surrenders. Marino said The Animal Haven staff have also found that people are dumping animals on the street, as Meriden Humane Society staff reported.

“A cat and a carrier on an abandoned street, dogs tied to a sign post on our property,” Marino said. “It’s very, very heartbreaking.”

During the peak of the pandemic in 2020, many shelters and adoption agencies saw an increase in pet adoption inquiries.

“During COVID, we saw a ton of inquiries,” said Susan Mazer, founder of Southington Animal Rescue

She said “2020 just had hundreds of people interested because everyone was home, so even during that time, we were careful to make sure that, yes they were home and they were with their pet, but were they still want that pet when they were back to work and traveling again and that wasn’t just a whim too.”

Marino said The Animal Haven is also careful with adoptions, trying to avoid failed adoptions, but the increase in surrenders could be a result in a surge of COVID adoptions. Because of the number of surrenders, Marino said The Animal Haven has had to turn away animals. “We hope that there is someplace else those animals can go or the person may decide to keep the animal, but there’s nothing we can do when we’re at capacity,”

Marino said “... They’re not animals adopted from us, they’re adopted from other places.”

Due to the current state of the economy, Mazer said people may be struggling financially,

Feline Grinch rests in the cat room at Animal Haven, 89 Mill RoadinNorthHaven. Dave Zajac, Record-Journal

which makes it hard to continue to be able to afford the necessities that come with having a pet.

“They have trouble feeding their pets, they have trouble spaying and neutering their pets, so a lot of people call and say, ‘I have to move and I can’t take my pet anymore, can you take it?’ Or, ‘Can you help with food or things like that?’” Mazer said.

Mazer said in those situations, she and other volunteers at Southington Rescue try to help keep the animals with their owners.

“So if somebody says I can’t afford food, we steer them toward a food pantry, Southington Community Services and often we get donations and they’ll end up with us to help people to feed their pets,” Mazer said. “When people are struggling, the last thing they want to do is lose their animal, so if we can keep it with them, we’ll help with that.”

Mazer added that sometimes the volunteers will steer a pet owner to a low cost spay and neuter clinic.

“We try to provide them with resources to be able to keep their animals,” Mazer said. “If they want to surrender, we’re so small that if I can’t take it and nine times out of 10 I can’t, I give them a list of nokill shelters in the state and we try to steer them toward someone who can take them or sometimes we post what’s called a courtesy posting, so

I’ll put the animal on Adopt a Pet, I’ll screen everyone, but they’ll keep the animal with them until they have to surrender it.”

Screening future pet owners is important, Mazer said.

“We don’t want people to ever give away their pets,” Mazer said. “There are too many crazy people out there that are wanting to get their hands on animals, so we’re really careful to always screen and always charge a fee. It’s not about making money, but somebody is not going to do harm to a cat if they have to pay $50.”

Future

Because The Animal Haven is a no-kill animal shelter, Marino said “it is all about turnover.”

“We are praying that there is an uptick in adoptions because obviously with a no-kill shelter, the more we’re able to adopt out, the more that we are able to take in,” Marino said.

Mazer said that because of expensive veterinary bills, this year she is thinking of looking for new grants to apply for.

“The vet bills far outweigh what we ever take in in adop tion fees, so just always look ing for ways to try to keep it afloat and try as best we can to help, even though we pretty small, Mazer said.

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320 Washington Ave, North Haven, CT 203-239-0663 Open 24/7

Principal

From A1

“I grew up in the town of North Haven, and North Haven Public Schools was where my education began,” said D’Angelo, who attended Montowese Elementary School and North Haven Middle School.

After graduating from North Haven High School, D’Angelo furthered her education at both Sacred Heart University and the University of New Haven. She holds a master’s in Elementary Education and her sixth-year doctoral degree in Educational Leadership.

D’Angelo’s professional career began at Fair Haven School in New Haven, where she taught kindergarten and first grade.

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D’Angelo was then selected to come out of the classroom and serve as an administrative intern at Fair Haven. She said that experience allowed her to learn about leadership in a diverse setting.

D’Angelo’s career path would then bring her to North Haven Middle School. There, she served as assistant principal for five years before taking the top job at Clintonville.

“I’m very excited to be here,” said D’Angelo, a wife and mother of two daughters.

“I have spent most of my life here in North Haven, and I’m so excited to be able to give back to the community that gave me my start.”

nzappone@record-journal.com 203-317-2212

"We are honored that VELA Education Fund has recognized the work that we do at Slate School,” said Julie Mountcastle, Head of School at Slate. “VELA's attention elevates the value of learning in environments where students and educators are celebrated for who they are and encouraged to flourish by discovering their unique gifts."

VELA Education Fund received more than 625 applications, and Slate School is grateful to be recognized for its important and unique work in curiosity-driven education.

"Slate School is driven by our community, and there is significant interest in curiosity-driven education that is different from other education opportunities in Connecticut," said Jennifer Staple Clark, founder of Slate School. "Our students come to us locally and also from a 30-mile radius, and we ensure that finances are not a barrier to this type of curiosity-driven and nature-based education. We are so grateful for VELA Education Fund's support of our mission and vision."

Slate School is committed to changing the landscape of education to inspire and nurture children as creative thinkers and curious learners.

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Walking program

The Bobcat Stride, a free walking program, is open to people age 50-plus. Walkers meet weekdays from 6 to 9 a.m. at Quinnipiac University’s North Haven campus, 370 Bassett Road. For more information, contact Katie Picard at Katherine.Picard@ qu.edu.

Special meeting

A special meeting of the North Haven Board of Selectmen will be held Thursday, Jan. 26 at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room of the North Haven Memorial Library, 17 Elm St.

The meeting will include a public hearing regarding the town's 2022-2027 Affordable Housing Plan referred to the Board of Selectmen by the Affordable Housing Plan Advisory Committee.

A copy of the Affordable Housing Plan draft is posted to the municipal website, along with links to participate in the Jan. 26 meeting remotely.

Ski club

The North Haven Ski Club encourages people interested in winter sports (skiing, snowboarding, cross country skiing, tubing, snowshoeing) to join and take advantage of the great discounts offered to members. Contact Annette Murphy at 203-9273071 or dapdmurph@ aol.com.

Energy assistance

The Office of Community Services welcomes residents to schedule an appointment to apply for the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program. Call 203-239-2566.

Explorer program

Comprised of high school students age 14 to 18, the North Haven Fire Explorer program provides opportunities to explore a career path in emergency services as a firefighter, EMT or paramedic.

For more information, email NOHFDExplorers@ gmail.com or visit northhavenfire.org.

Food bank

The North Haven Community Services Food Bank has a constant need for: mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, coffee, tea, tuna, soup, Chef Boyardee products, instant mashed potatoes, cookies, crackers, macaroni and cheese, protein and granola bars, trail mix, nuts, jerky, peanut butter and graham crackers, dried fruit, fruit snacks, fruit cups, canned fruit, applesauce, juice boxes, pudding cups, peanut butter, jelly, Pop Tarts, cereal, oatmeal, pancake mix and syrup.

Items can be dropped off at the Department of Community Services office, at the Town Hall Annex Building, 5 Linsley St., Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Clothing donation

Bring your used clothing donations to Hope Christian Church, 211 Montowese Ave. Hope Christian Church is partnering with St. Pauly Textile Inc. to provide a wood-frame drop-off shed for community use. Accepted items: clothing, shoes, belts, purses, blankets, sheets, curtains, pillowcases and stuffed animals.

While waiting for spring, grow a winter garden

Tips from the North Haven Garden Club’s Cindy Golia: Even in the dead of winter its possible to grow a garden and bring a little gardening joy into your life until spring arrives.

Everyone knows winter is a rough season for us gardeners living up north. Come mid- to late-February we are longing to get back into the garden. We've been fortunate so far this year; not much snow at all and the temperatures have been on the mild side. The warmer temperatures make us feel like spring is right around the corner. But, alas, winter weather will be with us for another couple of months.

So, here are some tips on how to bring the garden into your home and keep you growing even in the coldest, snowiest months.

1. If you haven’t been to your local nursery or store to check out the houseplant section in a while, this is a great place to start. There's nothing like walking through a greenhouse full of beautiful plants and colors on a cold winter day. It’s so very refreshing; elevates your mood instantly. Pick a new houseplant or two – ones you've never heard of – and give them a new home.

2. Start planning next year’s garden. We all receive flower catalogs this time of year. Why not pick out a bunch of new plants and try growing them in a new flower bed.

Maybe you brought in some of your annuals from last year, or know of a friend who did – like geraniums. Take a cutting and start a few new plants for your windowsill.

3. Did you know that kitchen scraps can make great plants? If you have kids this is an excellent idea to get them involved in growing plants.

Take an avocado pit, for instance. Place three toothpicks around the middle to

support it and place the bottom portion in water. Then wait until roots appear. Carrot tops, celery stalks and green chives also grow wonderfully.

Also, this is a great time to start a compost pile with egg shells, vegetable peels and other biodegradable matter.

4. Try your hand at growing herbs form seed. Basil, oregano and parsley are very easy to grow on your window sill. I bring in my herbs and keep them growing all year. I have rosemary, oregano, sage and parsley growing right now, and will be planting basil.

5. Have you heard of microgreens? This is a fancy term for sprouts.

In the late 70s, growing your own bean sprouts and sunflower sprouts and adding them to our salads was the thing to do.

Here are some of the common micro-greens you can grow: arugula, beets, basil, cabbage, celery, chard, chervil, cilantro, cress, fennel, kale, mustard, parsley, radish and sorrel. You can find kits online if you want to take that route.

6. Ever try growing air plants? It’s something I’d like to try. Air plants practically grow by themselves

New executive director

The Atrium at Rocky Hill, a Benchmark Mind & Memory Care community, announced that North Haven resident Xrista Christopoulos is contributing her passion for memory care to their community as its new executive director.

Christopoulos is both a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and a Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP). She has nearly a decade of experience working with seniors with Alzheimer’s, de-

mentia and Parkinson’s and other memory impairment disorders at memory care communities in Connecticut and Massachusetts.

Christopoulos graduated from College of the Holy Cross with a major in human development and psychology and from Boston College with a minor in biology.

Schools

Registration

Visit northhavenschools.org to begin registering your child for kindergarten. Details can be found under the District Section, using the link for "Register a New Student."

Open house

Prospective students are invited to attend an open house at Quinnipiac University School of Law, 370 Bassett Road, North Haven, on Saturday, Jan. 28 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Attendees will tour the law school and learn about its rigorous academic program and how the faculty works closely with students to develop a course of study that matches their goals. For more information, email law@qu.edu or call 203-582-3400.

Locals in college

Cedarville University, Cedarville, Ohio, named Reagan Forbes to its dean’s list for the fall semester.

Lasell University, Newton, Mass., named Jenna Messina and Eryn Sheelsey to its dean’s list for the fall semester.

Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pa., named Karis Curtis and Matt O’Connell to its dean’s list for the fall semester.

Nichols College, Dudley, Mass., named Melissa Montesi to its dean’s list for the fall semester.

Shenandoah University, Winchester, Va., named Malcolm Nieves to its dean’s list for the fall semester.

Springfield College, Springfield, Mass., named Sarah DeGrand, Alyssa Konspore and Jack Shane to its dean’s list for the spring semester.

Southern New Hampshire University, Manchester, N.H., named Gianna Fusco to its president’s list for the fall semester.

Stonehill College, Easton, Mass., named Juliana Mascia and Juliette St. George to its dean’s list for the fall semester.

University of Bridgeport, Bridgeport, named Rafealla D’Amico and Vanessa Garcia to its president’s list for the fall semester.

University of Saint Joseph, West Hartford, named Matthew Crisco, Chandler Douglas and Kyla Kennealy to its dean’s list for the fall semester.

Western Connecticut State University, Danbury, named the following students to its dean’s list for the fall semester: Nicholas Howlett, Gino Schiavo, Isabelle Sterling and Jackson Tubis.

Christopoulos

Houseplant swap. Saturday, Jan. 21, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Are you looking for a new houseplant to brighten your indoor space, or wondering what to do with yet another cutting from your overgrown plant? Come to the indoor houseplant swap. Bring at least one healthy, pest-free cutting or houseplant to the Community Room.

Drop off or swap your cutting for any plant cutting available.

The library has partnered with the Daytime Gardeners and the North Haven Garden Club for this event, and club members will be on hand to answer questions and offer expert advice. No registration required.

Mystery Book Club. “A Study in Scarlet Women.” Tuesday, Jan. 24, 6:30 p.m. Registration required.

Romance Book Club. “Tiley Thorn and the Dead Guy Next Store.” Wednesday, Jan. 25, 6:30 p.m. Registration required.

Winter Reading Challenge. Tuesday, Jan. 17 to Tuesday, Feb. 28. Track your progress on Beanstack and complete challenges to win prizes. For youngsters in kindergarten through fifth grade. Registration required.

Parent Playdate. Monday, Jan. 23, 10 to 11 a.m., in the Children’s Department. For caregivers of youngsters up to age 5. There will be a story time about halfway through the hour but the rest of the time is yours to enjoy and make connections. No registration required.

Passport Express. Monday, Jan. 23, 6 to 6:45 p.m., in the Children's Story Room. For ages 6 to 11. Get a taste for travel while learning about different people and places. Registration is required.

Tutu Tuesday. Tuesday, Jan. 24, 10:30 to 11 a.m., in the Children's Story Room. For ages 6 months to 3 years. If you and your child have a tutu or bow tie, wear it while enjoying music, dancing, and a story. Registration is required.

Library Science Squad. Tuesday, Jan. 24, 6 to 6:30 p.m., in the Children's Story Room. For ages 6 to 11. Learn some cool science facts while making a fun science craft. Registration is required.

Pokémon Club. Wednesday, Jan. 25, 6 to 6:30 p.m., in the Children’s Department. For ages 6 to 11. Play Pokémon with your peers and make new friends. Be sure to bring your own cards. No registration required.

Dance Party. Thursday, Jan. 26, 10:30 to 11 a.m., in the Community Room. For ages 1 to 5. Registration is required.

Comi-club. Thursday, Jan. 26, 6 to 6:45 p.m., in the Children's Story Room. For ages 7 to 11. Fly down to the library for a fun discussion about your favorite Graphic Novels. Registration is required.

don't require soil to live. These plants can add some beauty to a dark space. If you have kids or pets and are worried about a mess, air plants are the solution. Try making an air plant terrarium garden.

9. Grow your very own mushrooms. Kits are available on

line and are a great activity to do with your children. Some kits are small enough to fit on your countertop. Watch them grow and then enjoy them for dinner.

10. Buy some new pots and decorate them, or liven up pots you already have. This is another fun activity to do with the kids. Look on Pinterest for ideas.

11. Indoor salad gardens are another great project to do.

It’s like having fresh summer produce in the middle of winter. Loose leaf lettuce and butterhead are the best choice to grow in containers. Other varieties that grow well in winter light are arctic king, winter marvel and winter density. You can also try growing other salad bowl favorites, like spinach, arugula, mesclun, spring mix and watercress. But avoid head lettuces, which are difficult to grow indoors.

Connecticut residents express frustration at increased electric bills

By Crystal Elescano Record-Journal staff

MERIDEN Local residents and solar energy consultants are speaking out about steep increases in supply rates that are spiking energy costs for Eversource and United Illuminating customers since the start of the year.

The rate will increase from 12.05 cents kilowatt per hour (KWh) to 24.2 cents per kWh for Eversource customers, which will result in an $84 per month increase for the average user.

United Illuminating supply rates will increase from 10.6 cents per kWh to 22.5 cents per kWh, which will result in an $83.09 increase for the average user.

For Anaira Heredia, owner of La Patrona Cafe in Meriden, managing the newly increased electricity bill from Eversource is stressful.

“It’s hard starting a business and having to deal with the increase as well,” Heredia said. “My equipment runs on electricity all the time because I have coolers, and I have to leave it on while I’m not there.”

“Paying double is ridiculous,” she added.

Rob García, solar energy consultant and former Meriden resident, said the supply side is doubling up.

“Basically whatever you paid for in December doubled in one month,” he said. “They always have an excuse whether it’s inflation or because we’re buying from fossil fuel companies.”

On Nov. 17, 2022, Attorney General William Tong released a statement on the supply rate increase.

“Our supply rates always fluctuate between winter and summer, but this is not normal. We are seeing a huge global spike in gas costs due to the war in

Ukraine and Russian manipulation of gas supplies,” he said in the statement.

The oil and natural gas markets are global and the price can be affected by many factors.

According to Eversource, Russia’s war on Ukraine has created volatile energy markets, putting pressure on oil and natural gas prices. In the United States, New England heavily relies on natural gas.

Steve Sullivan, president of Eversource Connecticut, said in a release:

“We know how challenging increased energy costs are for our customers, especially during these times, and want to do everything we can to help. As an energy delivery company, we can’t control the cost of electricity on the supply side of our customer bills, but it is critically important to us to uncover any and all options to provide relief for our customers.”

Gov. Ned Lamont said he is working to advance a shortterm customer relief plan to reduce the cost of energy supply prices. “I appreciate Eversource and UI working with us to identify creative near-term actions that will help provide Connecticut residents with some relief

Anaira Heredia, of Meriden, owner of La Patrona, 163 Springdale Ave. in Meriden. Dave Zajac, Record-Journal

Eversource Energy on Cooper Street in Meriden.

Dave Zajac, Record-Journal

North Haven Sons and Daughters of Italy Lodge 2805 hosted a Red Cross Blood Drive at Saint Frances Cabrini Church recently attended by some 40 donors. Members of the club's Community Outreach Committee who helped organize the drive are pictured. Seated: Judy Feather, Donna Casciello, Georgiana Hull. Standing: Denise Krause, Sally Gill, Charlene Logan, SueAnn Mentone.

Movie Matinee. Friday, Jan. 20, 1 p.m. “Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: A Historical Perspective.”

Mini Trip. Universal Drive; Tuesday, Jan. 24, 9:30 a.m. Card workshop. Design your own Valentine’s Day card Thursday, Jan. 26, 1 p.m. Cost is $5.

Fireside Chat with Judy. Monday, Jan. 30, 10 a.m. Sit by the fireplace and discuss topics of interest. All are welcome to join.

Valentine’s Day Luncheon. Tuesday, Feb. 14, 12 p.m. Spend Valentine’s Day with your friends at the Senior Center. Catering provided by Zandri’s. Menu includes ziti with meat sauce, salad and dessert. Cost is $15. Reservations will be taken through Friday, Jan. 20. Call 203-239-5432 for more information.

Sock Snowmen. Friday, Jan. 27, 1:30 p.m. Looking for something to do on a Friday afternoon? Join us for this fun and free activity sponsored by Hamden Rehabilitation. Sign up by Friday, Jan. 20. Call 203-239-5432 to reserve your spot.

Mitten Tree. As part of its Month of Service, the Senior Center is collecting socks, hats, mittens and gloves for organizations in town and throughout the area. Place donated items on our “Mitten Tree.”

Bingo volunteers: Are you looking for a fun volunteer opportunity? The Senior Center is seeking volunteers to call bingo on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 1 to 3 p.m. Call 203-239-5432 for more details.

North Haven Senior Center

Experts discuss ways to battle seasonal depression

By Jessica Simms Record-Journal staff

Despite this winter being a bit warmer than in past years, people are still struggling with seasonal affective disorder (SAD), also known as winter depression.

“We think the most important factor is the light dark cycle, so

even if the season is a little bit warmer, usually it is still cold so it’s not like people are going outside and getting more light,” said Paul Desan, associate professor of psychiatry at Yale School of Medicine. “So we’re certainly seeing many patients complaining of seasonal affective disorder this year. The truth is, it’s just plain dark when people get up in the

morning and dark when they are on their way home from work.”

Desan said that it is normal for human beings to feel worse during the winter months, but some people experience bigger changes in mood and behavior in the winter months, meaning they might meet the criteria for SAD.

“Nine out of ten people will tell you they feel worse, in at least one domain, during the winter at this latitude,” Desan said. “ The surveys would suggest that up to five percent of people at this latitude, Connecticut, that is, this mid-Atlantic latitude, have seasonal affective disorder.”

People who have SAD experience changes in their mood, their energy levels, their sleep patterns, their appetite and their self esteem.

Desan said there is also Subsyndromal Seasonal Affective Disorder, which is when people have some of the symptoms of SAD, but not all of them.

“They don’t have the full set of symptoms,” Desan said. “The most common kind of Subsyndromal Seasonal Affective Disorder are people who report very poor energy in the winter.”

Elizabeth Calandra, licensed marriage and family therapist at Silver City Counseling in Meriden, said that she has seen a steady rate of clients that come in with SAD.

“The one thing that I have noticed is that the people that are living with this diagnosis is that they are asking to come into the office because it gets them out of the house,” Calandra said. “Give them the ability to break up the day a little bit. I have seen that, as opposed to doing telehealth.”

Tips

Desan said that for people who had SAD or Subsyndromal Seasonal Affective Disorder, it is imperative for them to use a bright light right in the morning. He suggests people use a light with 10,000 lux.

“The research now is for half

an hour, seven days a week before 8 a.m,” Desan said. “So in other words, bright light probably makes people feel better any time of the day, but it’s the most powerful first thing in the morning 10,000 lux is a lot of light. That’s like being outside in the middle of the summer.”

Along with light therapy, opening blinds or curtains can also help, Calandra said.

“I recommend when you’re waking up, lift up the blinds, open the curtains,” Calandra said. “Try to do things that will help with light.”

Calandra also suggests that people try to interact with others during the day.

“It’s really easy to want to isolate and not stay connected with friends or family or coworkers,” Calandra said. “Try your hardest to reach out. Make plans. Planning for the positive. Try to set something in the future that’s a positive activity that you’re looking forward to.”

Both Calandra and Sharon Clayman, clinical psychologist based out of Cheshire, said staying active is important.

“Even if you can’t get outside, some movement in the house,” Clayman said. “Movement, good diet, really make sure you’re eating well.”

For people who work at home, Calandra said to start small.

“Maybe you crack a window in your house, so you get a little bit of fresh air,” Calandra said.

“Pick up the phone and call somebody. You start with the things you can do with your resources at hand and then you build upon it.”

If someone is really struggling with SAD or Subsyndromal Seasonal Affective Disorder and they are a remote worker, Clayman said to either see if you can start working in the office again or go somewhere else, outside of the home, to work.

“Some people just do better by getting out of their space,” Clayman said. “It’s hard if it’s not a good match for you to be working from home and you’re working from home, in which case I would see if you could work from another space … Get up, go for a walk during lunch, have a bite to eat. Go out, get yourself a coffee.”

Lastly, if someone is having a tough time battling SAD finding a therapist may be a next step. Calandra said “ psychotherapy is one of the best things you can do” and typically the treatment model is cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps the patient become aware of negative thinking so they can respond to it in effective ways.

“Therapy might be a really great thing to consider,” Clayman said. “… Sometimes just our problem solving with a therapist can be enough to help.”

jsimms@record-journal.com 203-317-2279

Twitter: @jessica_simms99

Sharon Clayman, a clinical psychologist based in Cheshire. Dave Zajac, Record-Journal

Bills

From A10

from high energy costs and the significant impending rate increase on January 1.” Lamont said in a statement.

The state’s Energy Action Plan takes short-term and long-term strategies in to consideration to address the cost increase and improve energy affordability, respectively, the state said.

For the short-term plan, Lamont announced that the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) is allowing all participating households that heat with deliverable fuels, such as heating oil, to receive additional crisis assistance.

This has a benefit worth $439 this winter season.

The additional benefit means those families can now access up to $2,320 per

household to help pay their heating bills, the press release said.

The long-term strategy to improve energy affordability is building a cleaner, affordable, and reliable energy supply, the plan said.

This includes offshore wind, hydropower, and nuclear.

Kile Higgins, a Cheshire resident and solar energy consultant at Elite Energy Con-

sulting, advises going solar to reduce the cost of electricity.

If someone is looking to save money, Higgins encourages them to look into solar energy.

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SUDOKU

In Brief

Wellness expo

Exhibitors and speakers are sought for the 10th Bi-Annual Passport to Health & Wellness Expo, which will be held April 23, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at The Bristol DoubleTree by Hilton. Also, vendors are sought for expos taking place May 21 and Sept. 17 at the VFW in Plainville.

Contact Shirley Bloethe at 860-989-0033 or yourholisticevents@gmail.com, or visit yourholisticevents.com.

Letters Policy

Email Letters to the Editor to news@thenorthhavencitizen.com. Letters are limited to 300 words. The Citizen will print only one letter per person each month. We reserve the right to edit letters. Letters must be signed and names will appear in print. Include a phone number so The Citizen can contact you for verification. Letters must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Monday to be considered for publication that Friday.

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Classes at Connecticut’s Community College Start in January

The spring semester starts January 20 for Connecticut’s community colleges. The 12 college locations, spread across the state, offer a full menu of credit-bearing courses, both online and on campus. Students can earn up to four credits per class and can attend either full-time or part-time. And unlike at many four-year colleges and universities, students can begin their college career during the spring semester, and do not have to wait until fall.

Registration is now open for spring classes and students can apply online at ct.edu/admission. There is no application fee, and all students are encouraged to submit an application for financial aid (fafsa.gov), even if they do not believe they will qualify.

Once accepted, students can make an appointment with a Guided Pathways Advisor for one-on-one assistance in planning a course of study, creating a schedule and laying out a timeline that will meet their educational goals. Advisors are also available to work with students who plan to transfer after graduation to earn a bachelor’s degree.

New Student Orientation also offers important tips for success and navigating each campus. The Connecti-

cut State College and Universities (CSCU) Transfer Tickets and a price match scholarship with Charter Oak State College both ensure that Connecticut residents can earn the most affordable bachelor’s degree available to them.

Non-credit career programs will also start up in the spring at the community colleges. Certificates in IT and computer technology, allied health and manufacturing are just a few of the areas of study that can prepare students for a career while contributing to the workforce needs of the state.

Connecticut’s 12 community colleges are merging on July 1, 2023 to become CT State Community College. Students will benefit from one college transcript and catalog, standardized financial aid and the ability to take courses at any campus without transferring.. As part of the consolidation, students continuing their studies beyond Summer 2023 can expect to be matched with the CT State program that most closely aligns with their Spring 2023 major. In all cases, the colleges are committed to students completing their education with minimal disruption.

Click here for more information: ct.edu/admission

Las clases en en las Universidades Comunitarias en Connecticut comienzan en enero

El semestre de primavera para las universidades comunitarias de Connecticut comienza el 20 de enero. Las 12 localidades, alrededor del estado, ofrecen un menú completo de cursos con créditos en línea y en persona. Los estudiantes pueden obtener hasta cuatro créditos por clase y pueden asistir a tiempo completo o parcial. Y a diferencia de muchos colegios y universidades de cuatro años, los estudiantes pueden comenzar su carrera universitaria durante el semestre de primavera, y no tienen que esperar hasta el otoño. La registración está abierta para las clases de primavera y los estudiantes pueden aplicar en línea en ct.edu/admission. No hay costo de aplicación, y se aconseja que todo estudiante entregue una aplicación para ayuda financiera (fafsa.gov), aunque no piense que es elegible. Una vez que sean aceptados, los estudiantes pueden programar una cita con un consejero (Guided Pathways Advisor) para asistencia directa para planificar su curso de estudio, la creación de su lista de clases, y el plazo de tiempo apropiado para cumplir sus metas educativas. Los consejeros también están disponibles para trabajar con los estudiantes que planifican trasladarse después de la graduación, para completar su licenciatura.

La Orientación para Nuevos Estudiantes también ofrece información importante para ser exitoso y para navegar cada campus. Los Boletos de Traslado para los Colegios y las

Universidades Estatales de Connecticut (CSCU) y una beca de pagos correspondientes con Charter Oak State College, aseguran que los residentes de Connecticut tengan la licenciatura más económica disponible para ellos.

Los programas de carreras que no otorgan créditos también comenzarán en la primavera en las universidades comunitarias. Certificados en TI y tecnología en computadora, auxiliar sanitario y manufactura son algunas de las áreas de estudio que pueden preparar a los estudiantes para una carrera mientras contribuyen a las necesidades de la fuerza laboral estatal.

Las 12 universidades se unirán el 1 de julio de 2023, cuando se volverán en CT State Community College. Los estudiantes disfrutarán de los beneficios de registros y catálogos unificados, paquetes de ayuda financiera, y la habilidad de tomar cursos en cualquier campus sin trasladarse. Como parte de la consolidación, los estudiantes que continúen sus estudios después del verano de 2023 serán emparejados con el programa de CT State que se adapte más cercanamente a su especialidad de la primavera de 2023. En todos los casos, las universidades se comprometen a ayudar a los estudiantes a completar su educación con mínima interrupción.

Haga clic aquí para mas información: ct.edu/admission.