‘Walk with Derek’

From A1 scribe their special-needs child, including their common behaviors and communication style. Parents may also indicate specific 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 in North Haven.

North Haven Police Department 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 con- stantly seeking training opportunities for our personnel to learn best practices when dealing with individuals with special needs or suffering from a mental health crisis.”

Apart from my self-improvement goals, I have a number of other reasons to delight in this month.

The presents I buy for myself because I really think they are necessary at this time; presents from other people (I do love presents); birthday calls and cards from friends and family; my special birthday supper; a session at the salt cavern at The Red Barn (here in Durham); and last but not least, the checkerberry soda that will round out my Special Day (March 29, just in case you want to pencil it in on your calendar!) And if someone was to throw in a vegan, gluten-free cake I wouldn’t say no.

Oh, it’s going to be a good year alright. I will make sure of it.

Jennifer Harding said local legislators have contacted her about making the “Walk with Derek” document available across the state.

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Our little gem

Editor:

We read about the downward trend in church populations. Having a ninemonth acquaintance with the people of Middlefield Federated Church, I find myself thinking of this little gem and how it may become a spiritual home for others.

This is my “Yelp-ish” review. Middlefield Federated Church has been a backbone to our community for almost three centuries. Two denominations combined in the early 1900s, and carried forward to today’s truly American flavor of Christianity, through its care for people – no matter the who, what, where, or why of diversity.

My entry through MFC’s bright red doors met a consistent, ongoing welcome from people always willing to share a cup of tea or a chat. The congregation loves its own with fellowship and lunches; and at the same time, reaches out to the community with gifts of food, shawls and other concrete donations, and chaplaincy to the MVFD.

I love the fact that, at Middlefield Federated Church, a woman is at the spiritual helm; deacons and assistants equitably contribute their own gifts. Also, nearly every member serves in some way throughout the year.

During its Service, children are given simple, colorful lessons of God and morality, and as an adult, I too, glean much from its Scriptural lessons. Music at the church ranges from Bach to modern, classic hymns to Bluegrass. Socially, I have acquainted myself with people I’ve glimpsed

Letters Policy

here and there about town, and have found a new way to “give back to the community.”

What might be of most importance, however, is that Middlefield Federated Church is a prayerful congregation, always lifting up needs of friends, family, of the country, and the world. All-in-all, it is a mind-blowing experience for my body and soul. Coming out of pandemic isolation, I hope it might be a blessing for someone else.

Anne Malcolm, Middlefield

We’re still here

Editor:

Just a reminder that the Community Compost Project is an ongoing success. More than 100 local families are bringing their food waste including meat, bones, pear in print. Include a phone number so the paper can contact you for verification. Letters must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Monday to be considered for publication that Friday. shells and food-use paper goods to the DMIAAB Transfer Station on Cherry Hill Road. This reduces the cost of disposing of solid waste to the towns, and also makes use of what was once a wasted resource.

Residents have been depositing about one ton of food waste in the composting containers each month. DMIAAB employees deliver the waste. However, we would like to boost participation in the project. Several Coginchaug High School students have created an Instagram account (durham.middlefield.composting), which explain the simple process. Compost kits, which consist of a plastic bucket and a roll of 25 compostable plastic bags inside a lockable plastic box with a handle are available at the Durham First Selectman’s Office, the Building Office at the Middlefield Community Center, and every other Saturday morning at the Durham Farmers Market. The whole kit costs $25. A roll of bags is just $3 if you already have some place to assign for composting. Payment can be made with cash, check or via VENMO (CogAreaTransitionCompost).

If you have any questions, Carol Bufithis, Jen Huddleston or Laura Francis can offer support and information.

Coginchaug Area Transition