Friday, March 20, 2020
www.northhavencitizen.com
Volume 12, Number 52
Town shuts down schools, suspends upcoming events
State Rep. Dave Yaccarino read The Butter Battle Book to students at Montowese School to celebrate the birthday of Dr. Seuss and National Read Across America Day.
Read Across America Day Earlier this month, as part of Read Across America Day, state Rep. Dave Yaccarino read to students at Green Acres Elementary School, Montowese Elementary School, Clintonville Elementary School and Ridge Road Elementary School. Sponsored by the National Education Association, the annual event is meant to foster a love of reading in children. Read Across America Day, takes
place on March 2 in celebration of the classic children’s author Dr. Seuss. Said Yaccarino: “In honor of Dr. Seuss’s birthday, I was able to spend time reading to students throughout schools in North Haven to discuss the importance of a love of reading. The children had some great questions about state government too. This day is always a wonderful experience that
I look forward to every year.” “Reading is a critical skill that leads to future success, and I am happy to help promote literacy amongst our young students,” Yaccarino added. “Personally speaking, I would not be in the position I am today if it wasn’t for my love of reading – I thank my mother and teachers for that.” -- Press Release
First Selectman Michael J. Freda and Fire Chief/Emergency Management Director Paul Januszewski announced in a press release Thursday, March 12 that the Town of North Haven would immediately be suspending upcoming town events, gatherings and non-essential meetings until further notice, as well as closing schools and several town buildings, for a minimum of two weeks.
In addition to public schools, the following town buildings were closed: The library, Senior Center, pool and Community Services daycare.
"The health, wellness and safety of our residents and town staff are our top priority and we believe this proactive step will help to ensure we are meeting the goal of protecting our community,” said Freda, who is working closely with the State of Connecticut and the Governor’s office during this critical time.
Those having business with the town are encouraged to use online resources including the online permitting system for building permits, and online program for payment of taxes.
Following their early dismissal on March 12, all North Haven schools were cancelled for two weeks. All school sponsored events and programs were cancelled as well.
Town employees will work to answer calls and assist the public. Any critical needs that may require in-person resources will be handled individually on a pre-scheduled appointment basis.
Sanitation and recycling will continue to operate on their normal schedule, and the police and fire departments will continue to be fully operational. All town meetings will be cancelled or postponed until further notice. See Events, A10
Connecticut joins NY, NJ in ordering business closures By Dave Collins and Susan Haigh Associated Press
announcing restrictions aimed at curbing the spread of the coronavirus.
HARTFORD — Connecticut officials on Monday ordered movie theaters, gyms and other businesses closed until further notice, joining with New York and New Jersey in
Many businesses were ordered to close as of 8 p.m. Monday, and bars and restaurants were limited to offering only takeout. Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont
also urged the Foxwoods Resort Casino and Mohegan Sun to close. Essential businesses such as supermarkets and gas stations will be able to stay open. “We are in this together,” Lamont said during a conference call with the governors
of New York and New Jersey. ”This is changing so fast. We’ve got to work together on a coordinated basis.” Public gatherings of more than 50 people were restricted, in line with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. La-
mont on Sunday ordered all public schools in the state to close beginning Tuesday. For most people, the virus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, espeSee Closures, A10