‘Walk with Derek’

From A1

“Once that happened, I knew I had to get this done,”she added.

What Harding did was design a simple tool that members of law enforcement can use should an autistic child in their community go missing.

The "Walk with Derek"

Autism Safety Alert

Form form Harding conceived of in 2022 allows parents to describe their special-needs child, including their common behaviors and communication style. Parents may also indicate spe- sale, and more. Craft and vendor space is available for $30. Contact Vicki LiPuma at 203-265-1070 or vicklip@ aol.com.

Food drive

North Haven Sons and Daughters of Italy nity Outreach Committee is coordinating a collection of non-perishable food items for distribution to the North Haven Community Services Food Bank. Items can be dropped off at the following locations by Friday, March 31: Arnold’s Jewelers, 117 Washington Ave.; Hello Gor geous Hair Studio, 460 Washington Ave.; Nick

Jack Wilcox to its dean’s list for the fall semester.

Emmanuel College, Boston, Mass., named Kathleen Demaio to its dean’s list for the fall semester.

Hamilton College, Clinton, N.Y., named Andrew James to its dean’s list for he fall semester.

Ave. To add business to this list, or for more information, call cific things that may trigger the child, and methods which may calm them. Also, caretakers are encouraged to supply a photo of the child. The "Walk with Derek" information is then filed with the family’s local police department.

“Being a single mom raising Derek alone, it took me time to get the design right and figure out how to approach it,” Harding said. “Naugatuck welcomed it with open arms, and it took off from there.”

Currently, the "Walk with Derek" form is available in more than 20 Connecticut communities, including North Haven.

NHPD Lieutenant Matthew Falcon said the program is another example of police departments adapting to the needs of the community to better serve their residents.

North Haven Police Department Deputy Chief Andrew Stavrides said, “We are constantly seeking training opportunities for our personnel to learn best practices when dealing with individuals with special needs or suffering from a mental health crisis.”

Hospice volunteers

Masonicare Hospice volunteers assist in many ways. Volunteers set their own schedules and receive ongoing support and training. To learn more, contact Jolan Szollosi at 203-679-5342.

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.

Energy assistance

North Haven’s Office of Community Services welcomes residents to schedule an appointment to apply for the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program. Call 203239-2566.

Fire Explorers

Comprised of high school students age 14 to 18, the North Haven Fire Explorer program provides opportu- nities to explore a career path in emergency services as a firefighter, EMT or paramedic. 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, Town Hall Annex Building, 5 Linsley St., Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to