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News Notes & Health Notes -- vol. 7, issue 18
Citizens Group Fights to Clean Up Nuclear Site
In a precedent-setting move, Citizens Awareness Network (CAN), a grassroots organization, is challenging the cleanup standards for the decommissioning of CT Yankee Atomic Power Station (CY) in Haddam. From Monday, March 10 through Friday, March 14, CAN will be arguing before three federal judges that CY's plan to clean up their nuclear reactor site is inadequate to meet federal regulations.
The plan, called the License Termination Plan (LTP), is a document that commits to the steps, models and procedures the company will use to clean up the site. Upon study of this plan the citizens' group filed contentions with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's (NRC) Atomic Safety and Licensing Board claiming the plan is woefully inadequate to address the well-documented and historic site contamination.
This has been an exhaustive undertaking for CAN, which started two years ago by filing contentions against CT Yankee's cleanup plan. Working on a shoestring budget with one expert and no lawyer, the group has prevailed in its efforts to bring accountability to nuclear cleanup. At the adjudicatory hearing, they will have the right to cross-examine the company's experts and attempt to prove the shortsightedness of the company's plans.
"Its no big shocker that what this boils down to is money. The more they have to clean up, the more it will cost," said Sal Mangiagli, board member of CAN.
Although CAN settled some of their contentions through mediation with the company, the State of CT and the NRC, there remain two contentions to be argued by CAN and the corporation. One of them is the survey methods the company will use to identify hard-to-detect radioactive contamination on the site, and the other is the company's dose modeling calculation methodology.
The CY site has historic and repeated cases of "loss of radiological control" and repeated instances of operating with faulty fuel rods. This led to extensive contamination and release of "hot particles" as well as hard-to-detect alpha- and beta-emitting nuclides. While these nuclides are difficult to measure, they pose serious health hazards if they are ingested or inhaled. CAN believes the company is minimizing the threat posed by these particles and its techniques for finding and remediating them are inadequate.
Because CY intends to release the site for unrestricted use, they chose a family farm as its release criteria. It has to demonstrate that in a "family farm scenario" people living and working on this ex-nuclear reactor site would not receive more than 25 millirem (above background) of radiation from all sources of exposure. Firstly that means that the corporation is permitted to leave radioactive contamination behind after cleanup is completed.
Secondly, although CY has to protect the members of the family farm from exposure to radiation, it characterizes the farm family as an adult hermaphrodite; it refuses to include children in their dose calculations even though children are more vulnerable to radiation. Their organs are smaller and more vulnerable, they will be exposed to radiation over their lifetimes, they are closer to the ground and actually play in the dirt. Children are also developing at a much faster rate than adults are and any damage during these stages has long-term ramifications.
"If this wasn't such an important issue I probably would have surrendered during this long an seemingly insurmountable task. What has kept me going is my knowledge of the historic contamination at CT Yankee and the fact that the company does not include children in their dose calculations. It is inconceivable to me that CY is not doing everything in their power to ensure no one is harmed by the long-lived and potentially deadly contamination they leave behind," explained Rosemary Bassilakis, CT CAN research director and lead person in this case.
Litchfield County Choral Union Begins 104th Season
The Litchfield County Choral Union recently elected Jeannine A. Broomhall of Warren as its president and Kenneth Beyer of Beyer Music in Torrington as its vice president. Martha Babbitt of Litchfield was reelected Secretary, and John S. Estabrook of East Canaan was reelected Treasurer.
The Choral Union will begin its 104th season with a Broadway tune sing-along for the whole family to enjoy (music will be provided) on Friday, March 14 at 7:30 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 21 Fern Drive in Torrington. Suggested donation to defray expenses is $10; food donations are also welcomed. Profits will benefit the Torrington Area Salvation Army.
The Choral Union will perform Johannes Brahms' Requiem at its annual concert scheduled for Sunday, July 20 at 3 p.m. in the Music Shed on the grounds of the Ellen Battell Stoeckel Estate in Norfolk.
The Choral Union, under the direction of Jonathan F. Babbitt, numbers on average 90 people. It is open to all singers without audition and strives to carry out the joyous spirit of its original dedication in 1899: "to honor the composer and his works in the most elevated conditions." For more info call 860-868-0739, or visit <www.lccuchorus.org>.
Literary and Arts Series at Scoville Memorial Library
A new literary and arts series at the Scoville Memorial Library, 38 Main St. in Salisbury opens with a reading and book-signing by Mindy Lewis on March 16 at 2 p.m. This New York City writer and painter will read from her arresting new memoir, Life Inside. Books will be available for purchase and signing.
Life Inside explores the inner life of an adolescent girl who was remanded to a psychiatric ward in the late 1960s. It is a vivid first-person account of life inside a psychiatric hospital and the aftermath of long-term hospitalization, and a young woman's struggle to define herself on her own terms. According to Kirkus Reviews: "In lyrical, honest language, a painter describes her adolescence in a New York psychiatric hospital … Complex, chilling, luminous: not one false step."
This program will be held in the Community Room of the library, which is located in the rear of the library building and may be reached from the Library St. parking lot. Refreshments will be served; the program is free and open to the public. For more info call 860-435-2838.
St. Joseph Church to Celebrate Its Patron
As part of a yearlong celebration of the 150th anniversary of St. Joseph Parish in Winsted, the parish community will hold a Triduum in preparation for the Feast of St. Joseph on Sunday though Tuesday, March 16-18 at 7 p.m. each evening. There will be Exposition and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament with prayers and anointing with St. Joseph’s Oil.
Each evening a talk will also be given by Sr. Mary Brendon Zajac, SND, a member of the Cleveland Province of the Sisters of Notre Dame and the Executive Director of Pastoral and Educational Services for the Diocese of Youngstown, Ohio. The talks will focus on "Joseph–The Man, the Mission, the Mystery"; "Joseph–The Woman in His Life"; and "Joseph–The Face of the Father."
The Feast of St. Joseph is celebrated annually on March 19.
"Your Road to Happiness" in Canaan
Canaan Seventh-day Adventist Church, 7 Sand Rd. in Canaan hosts a community seminar entitled "Your Road to Happiness" on Monday through Friday, March 17-21 from 7-8:30 p.m. There will be contemporary music nightly. Attend the first meeting on March 17 and receive a free gift for your family. For more info call 860-824-5830.
William J. Sullivan to Serve as "Lord Mayor"
Mayor Owen Quinn of Torrington is pleased to announce that William J. Sullivan will serve as "Lord Mayor" for the 2003 Saint Patrick's Day celebration on Monday, March 17. The festivities will begin with the raising of the Irish flag at 10 a.m. in front of City Hall. "Mayor" Sullivan will then receive his guests in the Mayor's office until noon.
"Mayor" Sullivan, a lifelong resident of Torrington, graduated from St. Francis School and Torrington High School and is a WWII veteran of the United States Army Finance Corps. He is married to the former Elizabeth Froliger and is the father of eight children and grandfather of thirteen. In addition to being the personnel manager at Union Hardware, he was also the corporate director of employee relations at the Torrington Company, as well as the manager of the Torrington Company Employees' Credit Union. He is a member of the Elks Lodge, Knights of Columbus and the Jaycees, and has served on numerous boards and commissions. "Mayor" Sullivan is also an award-winning poet who has been published in the Saturday Evening Post.
The festivities will include a performance by the McArdle Dancers at approximately 11 a.m. in the auditorium.
"Sacred Caring" Retreat for Caregivers
The Montfort Missionaries present a retreat for caregivers titled "Sacred Caring" on Friday through Sunday, March 21-23. The program at Montfort House, a retreat center at Lourdes in Litchfield, is designed for those caring for the chronically or terminally ill.
The purpose of the retreat is to offer a period of reflection, relaxation and restoration to those whose daily routine includes the care of others. The retreat will provide times of sharing and discussion, physical and creative spiritual activities, quiet prayer and healing rituals. The retreat team includes Father Thomas Poth, Father Donald LaSalle and Father Eugene Lynch of the Montfort Missionaries; as well as Patricia A. Torre, a member of the Daughters of Wisdom; Mary M. Wheeler, a clinical social worker; and Maureen Dodd, a certified Kripalu yoga instructor.
"We have been meeting people who are caregivers and realize how easy it is for them to get worn out," said Father LaSalle, coordinator of programs in spirituality at Lourdes in Litchfield and Montfort House. "We know it may be difficult for the caregivers to get away for the whole weekend but hope they can come for at least part of the retreat," he said.
The retreat begins on Friday at 7 p.m. On Saturday, a daylong schedule of programs and activities has been planned which includes time for individual meetings. The programs continue on Sunday until 2 p.m.
A donation of $120 is requested; scholarships are available. To make a reservation, call 860-567-1041.
5th Annual Connecticut Toxics Action Conference
Connecticut's largest annual conference on public health and the environment, Toxics Action 2003, will bring together more than 200 residents and activists from across the state for an inspirational and informative day of speakers, workshops and networking. It will be held on Saturday, March 22 from 8:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. in the Science Tower at Wesleyan University in Middletown.
The conference is a unique opportunity to receive skills training, meet experts in the fields of public health, environmental science and politics, and learn from the lessons of fellow community activists. It will provide the lift that activists need to strengthen their local battles for public health, democracy, justice, and the environment.
Attendees can choose from 18 workshops, including information sessions with leading experts in the fields of environmental justice, pesticides, mercury, renewable energy, dangers of diesel, sick schools, and more. Skills-training sessions with experienced organizers will cover topics such as working with the media, fundraising, campaign strategy, lobbying, winning public hearings, leading effective meetings, and more. There will also be decision-maker forums during which Department of Environmental Protection officials will talk about how the DEP works, and participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and give feedback. State legislators will also be on hand to discuss attendees' concerns.
Keynote speaker Lois Gibbs was a 27-year-old housewife when, in 1978, she discovered that her child was attending an elementary school built on top of a 20,000-ton toxic chemical dump in Niagara Falls, NY. Out of desperation, she organized her neighbors in Love Canal and struggled for more than two years for relocation. Opposing the group's efforts were the chemical manufacturers and government officials who insisted that the leaking toxic chemicals were not the cause of high rates of birth defects, miscarriages, cancers and other health problems. Finally, in 1980, President Carter delivered an emergency declaration that moved 900 families from this hazardous area. A passionate and tireless leader, Lois Gibbs created the Center for Health, Environment and Justice in 1981 and now serves as its executive director.
Registration fee, which includes breakfast, lunch, reception and childcare, is $25 on the day of the conference. Special group rates, individual discounts and scholarships are available for those who register by March 14. For more info call the Toxics Action Center at 860-233-7623, or visit <www.toxicsaction.org>.
" 55 Alive" Driving Class in Norfolk
In concert with the A.A.R.P., the Norfolk Lions Club is sponsoring "55 Alive" on Tuesday, March 25 and Thursday, March 27 from 8 a.m.-noon in the meeting hall over the National Iron Bank on John Curtiss Way in Norfolk.
The two sessions for this program will be conducted by Carl Williams, a regional expert on automotive safety and sound driving habits for seniors. Williams invites Norfolk residents (age 55 and older) as well as people from neighboring communities to join him for these classes. He will use videotapes as well as booklets and lecture/ discussion to illustrate driving safety for older drivers. There will be, however, no road test for participants.
There will be a $10 fee charged for the service provided by the A.A.R.P., which has in its armory a host of programs for people who are leaving middle age. The cost of this program may well be offset by a reduction in insurance premiums up to 10%.
The program is under the direct supervision of Barbara Mulville (860-542-5595) and Sandy Evans (860-542-5200), the president of the Norfolk Lions. Either will be pleased to provide more info and accept sign-ups.
Red Cross Aquatic and First Aid Classes
The Greater Hartford Chapter of the American Red Cross offers a variety of local health and safety courses open to the community. Space is available for people of all ages and backgrounds in the following aquatic and first aid courses.
• Lifeguarding Instructor Training – Mondays and Wednesdays, March 31 through April 23 from 6-9:30 p.m. in Southington.
• Lifeguard Management Instructor Training – Thursday, April 24 from 1-4 p.m. and again from 6-9 p.m. in Farmington.
• Standard First Aid with Infant/ Child CPR – Tuesday through Thursday, April 1-3 from 6-9:30 p.m. in Granby; Tuesday through Thursday, April 8-10 from 6-9:30 p.m. in Bristol; Monday through Wednesday, April 14-16 from 6-9:30 p.m. in Farmington; and Tuesday through Thursday, April 22-24 from 6-9:30 p.m. in Hartford.
All courses are led by certified Red Cross instructors teaching practical information in a friendly, hands-on manner. For more info or to enroll, call (toll-free) 877-243-5727.
Hospice Volunteers Needed
On Wednesday afternoons this spring, you will have the opportunity to acquire the skills you need to practice as a Hospice volunteer. Hospice of Northwest CT, an affiliated service of Sharon Health Care Center, is conducting a training course for people who are interested in making a difference in the lives of families experiencing the final phase of a terminal illness.
Using lecture, discussion, video and life experiences, the class will prepare you for this important and rewarding work. Hospice volunteers give 2-3 hours a week in homes and nursing homes, where Hospice can make all the difference in people's lives.
Classes will be held on Wednesdays, April 2 through May 14 from 2-5 p.m. To register call 860-364-1796.
Arthritis Foundation Recruits Walkers
Arthritis is more widespread than imagined, affecting 70 million Americans, including one in three adults and more than 300,000 children. The Arthritis Foundation is encouraging people nationwide to get involved in the 2003 Arthritis Walk and join the fight against arthritis. Recruitment for the Arthritis Walk continues through Sunday, May 4.
Walkers can sign up individually, or recruit five or more friends and create their own Arthritis Walk team to participate at one of 120 sites across the country, including Hartford. Register by calling the registration hotline at 800-960-7682, the Southern New England Arthritis Foundation at 800-541-8350, or online at <www.arthritis.org>.
Arthritis is not an inevitable part of aging, nor is it something that should impact the quality and enjoyment of daily activities. There are many things Americans can do to prevent arthritis from imposing limits on their lives–from exercising for themselves to funding research for others–and the Arthritis Walk provides them with a motivating and fun way to do both.
Marines Called to Active Duty
Reserve Capt. Holmes Harden, Jr., a 1989 graduate of the Kent School in Kent; Reserve Cpl. Jason E. Hermenau, son of Judith A. and James M. Hermenau of Torrington; Reserve Pfc. Drew E. Meskun, son of Linda W. and Jerry E. Meskun of Colebrook; Pfc. Justin M. Barrante, son of Denise L. Fay of Litchfield and Jay R. Barrante of Goshen; Reserve Pfc. Elijah J. Shepherd, son of Jack A. Shepherd of Torrington; Reserve Cpl. Robert Urrata, a 1987 graduate of the Salisbury School in Salisbury; and Cpl. Gifford T. Foley, a 1998 graduate of the Kent School in Kent were recently called to active duty in support of Operation Enduring Freedom while assigned to Inspector-Instructor, 4th Marine Division, home based in Plainville.
The 4th Marine Division is the largest ground combat element in the Marine Corps and is comprised of approximately 22,000 Marines across 42 states. The unit's primary mission is to provide trained combat and combat support personnel and units to augment and reinforce the active component in time of war or national emergency.
Leadership for a Lifetime Scholarships Awarded
The Parents and Friends of the Northwestern FFA have announced the winners of their "Leaders for a Lifetime" Scholarships. The $250 scholarships were given to ten students who had outstanding participation in Northwestern FFA activities and who display leadership in the chapter, school or community. The winners of this year’s scholarships are Jesse Gurtowsky, Daniela Fellows, Ashley Crane, Megan Charity, Katharine Becker, Jessica Consic, Margaret Drescher, Scott Porter, Amanda Pulhaski and Briana Isenhart.
The scholarships are used to offset the cost of attending the National FFA Convention to be held in Louisville, KY in October. At the convention the winners will participate in a wide range of activities including career development events, leadership workshops, convention sessions and an agricultural career show. They will also get to meet some of the more than 50,000 other participants from throughout the U.S., Guam, Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.
The Parents and Friends of the Northwestern FFA is comprised of parents, alumni and community members who desire to help the students enrolled in the Agricultural Education program at Northwestern High School in Winsted. The group provides quarterly merit scholarships to the top student in each curriculum area, needed materials and equipment to the students, chaperones and coaches for many activities, and the annual "Leaders for a Lifetime" scholarships.
FFA is a national organization of more than 450,000 members preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture. The FFA's mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.
Women’s Fund Grant Application Available
Applications for a grant of up to $2,000 from the Women’s Fund of the Torrington Area Foundation for Public Giving are available to nonprofit organizations at <www.tafpg.org> or by calling 860-626-1245. The Women’s Fund is focusing its 2003 grant on improving self-esteem in young people in the Foundation’s service area. Self-esteem affects every aspect of life including respect for self and others, social development, education, career choices, and health.
In May, Women’s Fund members will gather to vote for the recipient nonprofit organization that best addresses this issue in youth living in northwestern Connecticut. The deadline for completed applications is April 15.
Established by area women in 1999, the Women’s Fund is a permanent fund to benefit women and children in the Foundation’s service area for generations to come. New members are warmly welcomed, and the Fund’s ability to make a positive impact in the area increases with each new member.
The Torrington Area Foundation for Public Giving is the community foundation located in and serving northwestern Connecticut with a collection of funds from local donors, offering scholarships and support to local nonprofit organizations. The Foundation serves the towns of Barkhamsted, Colebrook, Cornwall, Falls Village, Goshen, Hartland, Harwinton, Litchfield, New Hartford, Norfolk, Torrington and Winsted.
John J. Kelly Scholarship Applications
The Housing Authority of the City of Torrington offers a $1,000 John J. Kelly Scholarship to a graduating high school senior who is a resident of Torrington. The candidate must be accepted at a certified two- or four-year institute of higher learning in the business or human service field. The applicant must have two recommendations (from a guidance counselor, principal, teacher, coach, etc), and a transcript of grades must be submitted by the high school's guidance department. A personal letter stating why the student would like to receive the scholarship award is also required. The candidates will be equally evaluated on scholarship; service; character, leadership and merit; and financial need.
Applications are available at Torrington High School, Oliver Wolcott Technical School, St. Paul's High School and Holy Cross High School, as well as at the Torrington Housing Authority's office, located at 110 Prospect St. in Torrington.
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