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News Notes & Health Notes - vol. 7, issue 20
Video Showing of Jenin Jenin in Cornwall
On April 3, 2002, more than 150 Israeli tanks, armored personnel carriers and artillery, backed by F-16 fighter jets, attacked Jenin refugee camp, home to 15,000 Palestinian refugees living on one square kilometer. The siege continued for three relentless weeks during which journalists and human rights workers were prohibited from entering the city. The Israeli army destroyed water and electricity sources and prevented food and medical supplies from reaching the camp. Dozens of residents were killed and injured and bodies were left under the rubble and in the streets while Israeli tanks and occupation forces refused to allow medical personnel into the area to treat the dying and remove the dead. When the siege was over, the one-kilometer square camp center was reduced to rubble and dust. The Israeli government blocked a United Nations mission into the camp to investigate allegations of a massacre.
Jenin Jenin, a documentary film directed and co-produced by Palestinian actor and director Mohammed Bakri, includes testimony from Jenin residents after the Israeli army's "Defensive Wall" operation during which the city and camp were the scenes of fierce fighting that left 22 Israeli soldiers and an unknown number of Palestinians dead. Jenin Jenin shows how the oppression and terror of Israeli's illegal military occupation has affected the state of mind of the Palestinian inhabitants of Jenin. In the aftermath of the siege, bitterness and grief prevail among the population. So many people lost loved ones and still search for victims in the rubble. A little girl, not much older than 12, tell her story fearlessly. The ongoing violence in her day-to-day life only fuels her feelings of hatred and her desire for revenge. In shocking honesty, the child describes what she would do to Prime Minister Ariel Sharon if he visited the camp, and shouts that Palestinians will never give up their struggle. They will keep on producing children, she says, who will continue to fight for freedom and justice.
Viewers of the film face the sad question: What will become of a country and a people whose children are confronted daily from the moment they are born with war and violence imposed on them by a foreign occupying force?
Banned in Israel, Jenin Jenin is dedicated to Iyad Samudi, the producer of the film, who returned home to Yamun after the shooting of the film was completed. On June 23, as Israeli forces besieged Yamun, Samudi was shot and killed as he was leaving a "military-closed area" with three friends.
Connecticut Alliance for Peace in Palestine and Israel invites the public to a free video showing of Jenin Jenin on Friday, March 28 at 7:30 p.m. at the United Church of Christ, Bolton St. (off Route 4) in Cornwall Village.
Forum on Invasive Exotic Plants
An Invasive Exotic Species Forum sponsored by the Cornwall Association will be held at the Cornwall Town Hall, 26 Pine St. in West Cornwall on Saturday, March 29 from 1:30-3:30 p.m. Sally Spillane, the lively radio personality (and enemy of garlic mustard) from WKZE's People Are Talking and The Garden Show will act as moderator. The Cornwall Association is pleased to present a distinguished group of experts from the tri-state area who will share their knowledge on this timely, and at times controversial, issue.
The forum opens with an overview of invasive plant species presented by Dr. Charlotte Pyle from the United States Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service. Dr. Erik Kiviat, Executive Director of Hudsonia, Ltd. and Professor of Environmental Studies at Bard College, follows with a slide presentation on "Invasive Marsh Plants: Myths and Data." Tim Abbott, the Geoffrey Hughes Program Director for the Nature Conservancy's Berkshire Taconic Landscape Program, will discuss invasive species control, including the results of barberry controlled-burn research. Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection Wildlife Biologist Pete Piccone will conclude the first portion of the program with a report on "Plants That Wildlife Prefer: Native Plants Versus Non-Native Invasives."
The second portion of the program will consist of a panel discussion with opportunity for audience questions. Joining the panel is Betsy Corrigan, Botanist and GIS Mapping Specialist for the Northwest Conservation District and Co-Chair of the CT Invasive Plant Working Group (CIPWG), who is an expert on the spread of the giant hogweed, which was recently discovered growing in Litchfield County.
The program is open to the public, and light refreshments will be served.
Children in Placement at Canton Public Library
Canton Public Library, 40 Dyer Ave. in Canton invites the public to find out about Children in Placement's work in Connecticut on Sunday, March 30 from 2-4 p.m.
The mission of Children in Placement, which has been in Connecticut since 1977, is to facilitate effective judicial review of children and families involved in court proceedings where neglect and abuse are alleged. The organization trains volunteers to serve as advocates or guardians ad litem for abused and neglected children. As the court-appointed advocate for a child, the volunteer’s job is to talk with those involved—children, parents, social workers, foster parents and therapists—in a child’s case and help the judge determine the course of action that is best for the child.
The court-appointed special advocates, who receive 40 hours of initial training, help to assure that safe, permanent homes are found for children. They also are involved in monitoring compliance with the court’s expectations. An advocate can make a real difference in the life of a child.
Cassandra Porcaro-Roach is a Coordinator with Children in Placement and works with the Superior Court, Juvenile Matters in Torrington. She will be available to show a brief (7-minute) video and to answer questions about the program.
For more info about this presentation, call the library at 860-693-5800. For more info about Children in Placement, visit <www.childreninplacement.org>.
Grand Opening of Farmington Valley YMCA in Farmington
On Sunday, March 30 from 1-5 p.m., the brand new Farmington Valley YMCA at 97 Salmon Brook St. in Granby (just four minutes north of the International Skating Center on Route 10) will host a Grand Opening Celebration for everyone to see this state-of-the-art 65,000-square foot facility. The new Y officially opens to current members and the public on Tuesday, April 1, following two years of construction. Designed by Moser Pilon Nelson/ Architects of Wethersfield, this is the YMCA of Greater Hartford's first new facility since the early 1970s and it is expected to serve more than 10,000 people in the surrounding towns.
The new Y features a renovated and environmentally sound swimming and diving pools; a state-of-the-art wellness center featuring Technogym computerized training programs; a special "Ready to Be Fit" fitness area for individualized programming; a 38' wide x 24' high versatile climbing wall; a multi-purpose aerobics studio; age-appropriate ChildWatch and Amazing Kids activity facilities; a regulation double gymnasium, large enough for indoor soccer, hockey, basketball and volleyball; a partnership with experts from Saint Francis Care providing health screening, physical therapy, massage therapy, and educational programs; a specialized "Action Zone" center for older adults, teens, youth and families, which includes a computer studio, games and leadership programs; a whirlpool, steam room and sauna; healthy foods in the Subway Café; and a community room available at no charge to all area nonprofit organizations.
If you've been driving north or south on Route 10 & 202 and watching the construction, now is the time to see why it has taken two years to build. Bring the whole family to this special free Grand Opening Celebration because the all-new Farmington Valley YMCA has something wonderful and fun for everyone.
NCCC Announces Procedures for Public Comments to Accreditation Commission
Northwestern CT Community College in Winsted will undergo a comprehensive evaluation visit on March 30 through April 2 by a team representing the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
The Commission on Institutions of Higher Education is one of eight accrediting commissions in the United States that provide institutional accreditation on a regional basis. Accreditation is voluntary and applies to the institution as a whole. The Commission, which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, accredits approximately 200 institutions in the six-state New England region.
Northwestern CT Community College has been accredited by the Commission since 1971 and was last reviewed in March 1993. Its accreditation by the New England Association encompasses the entire institution.
For the past year and a half, NCCC has been engaged in a process of self-study, addressing the Commission's Standard for Accreditation. An evaluation team will visit the institution to gather evidence that the self-study is thorough and accurate. The team will recommend to the Commission a continuing status for the institution; following a review process, the Commission itself will take the final action.
The public is invited to submit comments regarding the institution to: Public Comment on Northwestern Connecticut Community College, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education, New England Association of Schools and Colleges, 209 Burlington Rd., Bedford, MA 01730-1433. E-mail submissions may be made to: <cihe@neasc.org>.
Comments must address substantive matters related to the quality of the institution. Comments will not be treated as confidential. Written, signed comments must be received by April 2. The Commission cannot guarantee that comments received after that due date will be considered. Comments should include the name, address and telephone number of the person providing the comments,
The Commission cannot settle disputes between individuals and institutions, whether those involve faculty, students, administrators, or members of other groups. Individuals considering submitting complaints against an affiliated institution should request the separate "Policy and Procedures for the Consideration of Complaints Made Against Affiliated Institutions" from the Commission office.
New After-School Program at Webutuck Middle School
The North East Community Center in Millerton is launching an after-school program for Webutuck School District students in grades 6-9. The Youth Enrichment Program, which starts on March 31, will take place at Webutuck Middle School and will include both educational enrichment and recreational activities on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 2:30-5:30 p.m. (The program will run every day beginning in Fall 2003.)
Activities in the program will include help with homework and studying; workshops in art, creative writing and dance; as well as crafts, sports, games, field trips, and community service. In addition, there will be regular sessions dealing with prevention and life skills. Joan Johnsen, NECC program director, says, "I am truly looking forward to working with students through this program. This type of activity has always been enriching and a lot of fun, both for me and the kids I have worked with."
Parents and students will have the opportunity to contribute input to the program as well, through an advance survey that is going out to the families of students in grades 6-9.
"The after-school hours are a crucial time for early adolescents. Many parents are working during that time, and when children reach an age where they can be left alone, they often have no adult leadership between the hours of 3 and 6 p.m.," stated Jenny Hansell, NECC’s Executive Director. "At the very least, many teens this age are bored and frustrated, especially around here where it’s hard to get around and there’s little to do. Furthermore, this is a very vulnerable and susceptible age, and for those kids who are at high risk of getting into trouble, this is the time of day when they are most likely to do it. The Center’s new programs will give kids the opportunity to build new skills and get involved in their community as well as relax and have fun in a safe and loving atmosphere," she added.
A report based on statistics gathered by the FBI’s National Incident-Based Reporting System states that violent crimes by juveniles primarily occur in the afternoon in the four-hour period following the end of the school day.
The program is free to all participants. To sign up for the after-school program, or to ask questions regarding the Youth Enrichment program, call Joan Johnsen at 518-789-4259.
Burlington "Adopt-A-Stream" Project
The Burlington Land Trust and Trout Unlimited have jointly announced the first annual Burlington "Adopt-A-Stream" Project. Both organizations recognize that clean streams mean less pollution and debris throughout all the waterways fed by small streams. For example, clean streams in Burlington mean a cleaner Farmington River and Connecticut River, and ultimately a sparkling Long Island Sound.
Saturday, April 5 is the designated cleanup day for Burlington's streams. "We hope to involve as many individuals and community organizations as possible," said Bob Finder of the Burlington Land Trust and Bob Cole of Trout Unlimited.
The Main Street Community Foundation announced it has donated $400 to the project; the funds will be used to supply work gloves and trash bags for the volunteers. In addition, the Town of Burlington will pick up the trash bags and other debris removed from the streams. Many local organizations stated that they are in full support of the project and will help spearhead the cleanup effort.
To maintain clean streams throughout the year, the volunteers will be encouraged to adopt the segment of waterway they spruced up and visit it occasionally during the year for additional cleaning.
All volunteers are requested to assemble at the Burlington Town Hall on Saturday, April 5 (rain date is April 12) at 8:30 a.m. Coffee and donuts will be served before the cleanup begins. To volunteer or for more info, call Bob Finder at 860-673-6433, or Bob Cole at 860-404-0152.
Canton Lions Eye and Health Screening
The Canton Lions Club holds its 2nd annual Eye and Health Screening and one of its famous pancake breakfasts on Saturday, April 5 at the Community Center next to the new library in Canton.
The eye screening will include field of vision, eye chart and eye pressure (glaucoma) testing, together with a new addition consisting of a retinal scan machine screening for vision and other eye-related problems. Experienced vision professionals will be conducting the eye screening. The health screening will be conducted by the Canton Visiting Nurses Association and will include blood pressure and bone density tests. Attendees may visit either or both screenings from 9 a.m.-noon; both are open to all who wish to visit and free.
The pancake breakfast will also run from 9 a.m.-noon. The all-you-can-eat menu will include pancakes, sausage, juice, coffee, tea and milk. Cost is $5 for adults, $3 for students and senior citizens, and free for children age 5 and younger. All are welcome to attend, including those not attending the eye or health screening.
The Lions will also have available for purchase at a special price at both events an American flag set, complete with pole and bracket for outside mounting on a building.
For more info call Mike Donoghue at 860-693-4233.
Nicholas Salcito Honored by Bantam Legion
When the Tyler-Seward-Kubish Post 44 American Legion of Bantam gathers at the All Wars Memorial at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 5, they will first retire the flag of Korean War U.S. Air Force Airman 2nd Class Robert Meo, who was honored as the March 2003 Veteran of the Month. They will then raise the burial flag of World War II Army Technical Sergeant Nicholas A. Salcito as the April 2003 Veteran of the Month.
Sgt. Salcito entered the U.S. Army on May 18, 1942. After basic training he was shipped overseas where he was attached to the 128th Signal Radio Intelligence Company as a clerk interpreter in the Italian campaign. He earned five battle stars during the more than two years that he served in the European Theater of Operations. He was discharged on October 23, 1945.
Sgt. Salcito was born on September 29, 1916 in Waterbury, the son of Joseph and Mary Salcito. He attended Tinker and Chase Elementary Schools and graduated from Wilby High School, all of Waterbury. Orphaned at an early age, Salcito developed an attitude and discipline that enabled him to become a successful individual both in the military and in his personal life. He spent most of his life working as a truck driver for Pacific Mountain Express and he also worked part-time as a bartender. He was devoted to giving of his time in volunteer service to the Sacred Heart Grammar and High Schools in Waterbury. He was a founder of the Booster, Varsity and Bingo Committees of these schools and was an active member of the Holy Name Society.
He died on September 14, 2001 and is buried in Calvary Cemetery in Waterbury. He married Phyllis (Dellacamera) Salcito in December 1945 at Sacred Heart Church in Waterbury. He is survived by his wife; a son, Richard; a daughter, Debrah Donnelly; a sister; and a brother, Anthony Salcito of Morris; as well as five grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
The Veteran of the Month program honors deceased veterans, those POWs and MIAs still unaccounted for, and certain Merchant Mariners who served in battle areas during World II. If the deceased's burial flag is not available, the Post will provide a flag for the honoring service and the period of honoring. Information for honoring a veteran may be obtained by calling Art St. John at 860-567-0607.
Local Residents Urged to Join MS Walk in Litchfield
Taking it "one step at a time" is the key to finding a cure for multiple sclerosis. On Sunday, April 6, residents of towns and cities in Litchfield County are urged to take the most important step by signing up for the 2003 MS Walk at the Litchfield Town Green. Now in its 14th year, proceeds from the walk fund research and programs for people living with MS.
Led by Honorary Chairperson and Litchfield First Selectman Jerry Zinn, the MS Walk offers participants a 2-, 5- or 8-mile route. Registration begins at 8 a.m.; the warm-up and kickoff takes place at 9 a.m. Walkers collect pledges from friends, family and colleagues to complete the route of their choosing. Local merchants, corporations and community organizations are also invited to support the walk through sponsor and in-kind donations.
A chronic and often disabling disease of the central nervous system, MS is usually diagnosed in people between the ages of 20 and 40. More than 70% of MS sufferers are women, and symptoms range from numbness and blurred vision to paralysis and blindness. Its unpredictable nature makes MS a devastating force in the lives of its victims and their families.
Walkers are encouraged to bring their friends, family and colleagues to the event, which will feature food, entertainment, and fundraising incentives. Since its inception, the Walk alone has raised more than $100 million for MS research and programs.
For more info about Multiple Sclerosis, the MS Walk or other programs and activities sponsored by the Western CT Chapter of the National MS Society, call 203-838-1033, ext 25, or visit <www.msswct.org>.
Dr. Steven Levenkron Speaks on Healthy Emotional Development
The Cobb School, Montessori hosts a presentation by author, educator and therapist Dr. Steven Levenkron on Tuesday, April 8 at 6:30 p.m. in the gym of the Winton-Black Hall on their campus at 112 Sand Hill Rd. in Simsbury. Dr. Levenkron is an Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Medicine at the University of Rochester Medical Center. His presentation, titled "Missing Pieces," will focus on raising children with a healthy approach to their emotional development to minimize the risk of eating disorders and other self-destructive behaviors.
This community event is being sponsored by the Cobb School. Head of School Mary Lou Cobb felt compelled to bring Dr. Levenkron back to the Farmington Valley after hearing him speak at Ethel Walker School last year. "By offering access to an expert who specializes in the serious threats to our children's well-being, we hope to bring greater awareness to parents and educators about the stressors our children face, beginning at a very early age," she said. "Dr. Levenkron brings a wealth of experience, and can provide guidance for parents and educators of children of all ages so that we can work together to raise emotionally and physically healthy children."
Dr. Levenkron is the author of several non-fiction books, including Anatomy of Anorexia; Cutting: Understanding and Overcoming Self-Mutilation; Obsessive Compulsive Disorders: Treating and Understanding Crippling Habits; and Treating and Overcoming Anorexia Nervosa. Two of his fiction books, The Best Little Girl in the World and The Luckiest Girl in the World, were produced as movies for television.
This event is free, and reservations are highly recommended due to limited seating; for more info call 860-658-1144.
Center for Cancer Care Offers Creative Writing Workshop
The Center for Cancer Care is offering a creative writing workshop for its patients beginning April 14. The program will run for six consecutive Mondays from 2-3:30 p.m. at the Center for Cancer Care, 200 Kennedy Drive in Torrington.
The program is specifically designed for people who have been diagnosed with cancer and are undergoing cancer therapy at the Center for Cancer Care. The workshop teaches people how to creatively express the emotions they may be experiencing by keeping a journal and creating poetry, and is ideal for people who may not find a typical cancer support group atmosphere beneficial. This type of therapy has been found to be very helpful in coping and living with cancer, and allows people to discover their personal strengths, enhance their coping skills, and enjoy the fellowship of other patients.
The workshop will be facilitated by Sandy Ebner, a registered psychiatric nurse with the Visiting Nurse Association of Torrington. Ms. Ebner has held numerous workshops with children and elders using writing and poetry for creativity and the healing process, and has given retreat seminars at the Wisdom House in Litchfield.
To register for this the program, call 860-482-5384.
Bend and Stretch Clinics in Litchfield and Goshen
Visiting Nurse and Home Care Northwest, Inc. offers six-session Bend and Stretch Clinics for older adults on Fridays, April 25 through May 30 from 11 a.m.-noon at Litchfield Community Center on Route 202 in Litchfield; and on the same days from 1-2 p.m. at Camp Cochipianee Lodge in Goshen. The exercises will be led by a physical therapist and will be tailored to benefit seniors in the areas of flexibility and balance.
The clinics are free, but space is limited; to register call VNA at 860-567-6000.
Applications Accepted for Gilbert Trust Scholarships
The W.L. Gilbert Trust Corporation and The Gilbert School are pleased to announce that applications are now being accepted for the more than 80 scholarships available to graduating seniors and alumni of The Gilbert School. Last year, the Trust distributed approximately $40,000 in scholarship awards to students planning to pursue post-secondary education.
This year, there are three additional substantial scholarships available as a result of generous gifts to the W.L. Gilbert Trust Corporation. They are the Dorothy Bancroft Cornell ’26 Scholarship, the Alice V. Schroeder Memorial Scholarship, and the Class of 1957 Vision 2002 Scholarship. The Cornell scholarship is available to a Gilbert School senior who is planning to attend Northwestern CT Community College; the Schroeder and the Class of 1957 scholarships are available to a senior or alumnus of The Gilbert School.
All Gilbert School graduating seniors and alumni are invited to apply for the W.L. Gilbert Trust Scholarships. These scholarships, many in place since the early 1900s, have been made possible through the generosity of Gilbert alumni and friends. We are grateful for their thoughtful commitment to the continued education of our students.
Applications are available from The Gilbert School Guidance Department; for more info call 379-0182. Application deadline is April 15.
Harwinton Woman's Club Scholarship
The Harwinton Woman's Club is offering its annual scholarships. Two awards of $750 each will be given to Harwinton residents who will be graduating from high school in June. The students must have achieved a scholastic average in the upper half of their class. Applications are available at school guidance offices, or by calling Kris Winegar at 485-1512; completed applications must be returned by April 30.
Canaan Northwest Lions Offer Scholarship
The Canaan Northwest Lions Club is offering a scholarship to a graduating senior or college student residing in Canaan or Falls Village who is planning to attend or is attending an accredited college, university, vocational technical school or professional institute during the 2003-04 school year.
Applications are available in the guidance office at Housatonic Valley Regional High School, or may be obtained by calling scholarship chairman Marilyn Minacci at 824-0484 or 824-7929. Deadline for applications is May 1.
Berkshire Taconic Scholarship Applications
Two scholarship funds managed by the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation are accepting applications though May 1.
The Teddy Lee Drumm Memorial Scholarship Fund is available to graduating high school seniors who are residents of Sharon and have been accepted into an accredited college, university, vocational-technical or professional institute in the United States. There will be one $1,000 scholarship awarded this year. Applicants must demonstrate a desire to achieve advancement in any profession; financial need; and academic potential, not necessarily based on actual achievement. Ted and Buena Drumm established the Fund to have a positive impact on Sharon youth in honor of their son, who died unexpectedly in 1999.
The Ferris-Burtis Music Scholarship Foundation accepts applications from graduating high school seniors who live in the Berkshire Taconic region and have been accepted to a college, university or conservatory for the fall term 2003 for the purpose of pursuing a career in some form of classical music; or individuals under 25 years of age who are studying classical music in the Berkshire Taconic region. All applicants will be reviewed according to the quality of the applicant's musical ability as evidenced through cassette tape or CD and an audition; the applicant's efforts and ambitions to achieve their music and life goals; and financial need. Finalists will be selected to perform the pieces submitted with their applications in a live audition before a panel of judges. One award of $4,000, renewable for up to three additional years, is available. Professional musicians John Ferris and Herbert Burtis of Sandisfield established the Ferris-Burtis Music Scholarship Foundation in 2002. Realizing the ever-increasing cost of education, they established this scholarship to aid and encourage young musicians of talent as they prepare for careers in classical music.
Applications are available online at <www.berkshiretaconic.org>, or by calling Berkshire Taconic at 800-969-2823.
Connecticut Funeral Directors Association Scholarships
Litchfield County high school seniors considering a future in one of the "helping professions" are invited to apply for college scholarship funds now from the Connecticut Funeral Directors Association (CFDA). For the fourth consecutive year, CFDA will present eight $500 college scholarships—one to a student in each of the state's eight counties. The CFDA academic scholarship awards program supports graduating high school seniors who are pursuing careers in a profession that provides emotional or medical support for families.
To be eligible for the scholarship program, candidates must be a high school senior who will graduate in June 2003, having maintained a B grade point average or higher in grades 10-12; live in Connecticut; and be pursuing a career that provides emotional or physical support for families (this includes such professions as caregiving, counseling, social services, psychology, psychiatry, nursing, medicine, social work, gerontology, and funeral service).
The deadline for applications is April 18. To receive an application, call the CFDA at 860-721-0234, or 800-919-2332, or download an application at <www.ctfda.org>.
Al-Anon Program for Families and Friends of Alcoholics
Are you affected by someone else's drinking? Taking life one day at a time has proven essential in the Al-Anon program of recovery for those whose lives have been adversely affected by the problem of alcoholism. The program is designed to keep our focus on today and give us the courage to change the things we can.
Al-Anon meetings are held year-round, including major holidays. For more info call 888-8AL-ANON, or visit <www.ct-al-anon.org>.
Home Health Care Information Online
Information about home health care in northwestern Connecticut is now as close as the nearest computer, thanks to a new website established by VNA Northwest. Those seeking home care information for themselves or for family members can access the website at <www.vnanw.org>.
Visitors to the site will find detailed information about VNA Northwest, a nonprofit organization now celebrating its 75th anniversary. The site tells the story of an agency which, since its founding in 1928, has helped thousands of patients throughout the area to remain living independently in their homes. A full listing of services, information about how to pay for care, employment opportunities, and a calendar listing wellness programs held in Litchfield Country will also be found online. Virtually every page of the site contains complete contact information for ease in making inquiries to VNA Northwest.
VNA Northwest serves the towns of Bethlehem, Cornwall, Falls Village, Goshen, Harwinton, Lakeville, Litchfield, Morris, North Canaan, Salisbury, Sharon, Thomaston, Torrington, Warren, Washington and Woodbury. For more info call 860-567-6000.
Red Cross Seeking Local Disaster Volunteers
The Greater Hartford Chapter of the American Red Cross is seeking individuals who are interested in becoming disaster volunteers. These volunteers will be trained to help the Red Cross respond to local disasters such as house fires, hurricanes and even transportation accidents, providing immediate necessities such as food, clothing and lodging to those affected.
The Red Cross fully trains and mentors every disaster volunteer and all training is free of charge. Volunteers must provide their own transportation. Volunteering your time to help the Red Cross help those who have been touched by disaster is a great way to give back to your community. For more info call 860-678-2793.
Legislation Introduced to Reduce Mercury Emissions
State Representative Roberta Willis of the 64th District welcomes a breakthrough in the battle to reduce the amount of mercury in our environment. The Environment Committee, environmental advocates and PSEG Power Connecticut, the owner of the Bridgeport power plant, have collaborated to craft legislation to significantly reduce mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants. Representative Willis, a member of the Environment Committee, has introduced the landmark bill in the state legislature.
"This is good news for our state and could serve as a model for the rest of the nation," Representative Willis said. She explained the legislation would require coal-fired plants to achieve either an emissions standard of .6 lb. per trillion Btu or a 90% reduction in mercury emissions. These standards would become effective in July, 2008.
Mercury is a neurotoxin that can lead to a number of debilitating ailments including problems in the central nervous system, liver, kidneys and brain. One in ten women of childbearing age are at risk of having newborns with neurological problems due to mercury exposure.
Representative Willis said, "This is both an environmental and health issue. Thousands of our residents have been exposed to toxic mercury in the water they drink and the fish they eat. Reducing mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants is an important step for all of us."
In addition to serving on the Environment Committee, Representative Willis is Vice Chair of the Higher Education Committee and is a member of the Children's Committee.
Nominations Sought for Canton Wall of Fame
Canton High School has formed a committee to select five or six graduates who have made outstanding contributions to their chosen field of work and/or community for induction into the Canton High School Wall of Fame. The committee is presently seeking nominations from the public for its second class of inductees, who will be honored on Friday, October 17 at 7 p.m.
Nomination forms for the Wall of Fame are available in the main office of the high school, at the town hall, town banks, town schools, community center and library. Forms can also be mailed upon request by calling 860-693-7707. Forms should be returned ASAP. For more info, call Assistant Principal Jordan E. Grossman at 693-7707.
Salisbury Arsenal DAR Honors Alex Limbos
Recently the Salisbury Arsenal Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution honored the DAR Good Citizen of the school year. The DAR Good Citizen is chosen by the students and faculty of Housatonic Valley Regional High School on the basis of dependability, service, leadership and patriotism.
This year's DAR Good Citizen is Alex Limbos of Kent, a first-generation American citizen of Belgian parents who came to America in 1982. Alex has worked hard with a number of goals in mind. He has many interests including music, computers and law enforcement, and has been recognized by his classmates for his many abilities, interests, plans and dreams for the future. This is the first time the Salisbury Arsenal Chapter has honored a first-generation American citizen.
When Alex was recognized by the Salisbury Arsenal Chapter at a meeting held in the Community Room of Noble Horizons in Salisbury, he was accompanied by his mother and father who are, of course, very pleased and proud of their son's accomplishment. He will also be recognized at his school's Honors Assembly in June.
He plans to continue his education at the University of New Haven with a career in law enforcement on his mind. Not only should his parents and school be proud of his hard work and success, but also the community at large should be (and is) pleased to have such an accomplished DAR Good Citizen represent this part of Connecticut.
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