Month: September 2019

Senator Needleman Announces Local Flu Clinics, Reminds Public of Flu Shot Benefits

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Senator Needleman Announces Local Flu Clinics, Reminds Public of Flu Shot Benefits

Today, State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) announced the dates and times of more than a dozen local flu clinics scheduled throughout October, emphasizing the importance of receiving a flu shot annually amid the risk of falling ill this fall or winter. Getting a flu shot heavily reduces the odds that someone will contract the respiratory illness that can harm health for days or weeks. The flu can also cause complications for many with pre-existing health concerns.

“With school back in session and falling temperatures soon to lead to more indoors events and activities, flu will soon be on the rise,” said Sen. Needleman. “By getting a flu shot, you don’t just protect your own health, but you help your family, friends and neighbors by making it less likely that the disease will spread. With ample supply this year, I recommend everyone get flu shots, especially young children and older adults; a five-second flu shot is much better than five days sick in bed.”

According to the Chatham Health District, walk-in clinics will be held all throughout the 33rd District, with scheduled events including:

  • Monday, October 7: East Hampton Senior Center, 105 Main Street, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
  • Monday, October 7: Colchester Town Hall, 127 Norwich Avenue, 4 – 6 p.m.
  • Tuesday, October 8: Chatham Health District, 240 Middletown Avenue in East Hampton, 4 – 6 p.m.
  • Wednesday, October 9: Nathan Hale-Ray High School, 15 School Road in East Haddam, 3-6 p.m.
  • Thursday, October 10: Chatham Health District, 9-11 a.m.
  • Tuesday, October 15: Portland Library, 20 Freestone Avenue, 4-6 p.m.
  • Thursday, October 17: Chatham Acres Community Center, East Hampton, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
  • Thursday, October 17: Bellwood Court Community Center, East Hampton, 1-2 p.m.
  • Thursday, October 17: KOCO Childcare Center, East Hampton, 12 Long Crossing Road, 4-6 p.m.
  • Friday, October 18: Colchester Senior Center, 95 Norwich Avenue, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
  • Monday, October 28: Portland Senior Center, 7 Waverly Avenue, 1-3 p.m.
  • Tuesday, October 29: Chatham Health District, 12-2 p.m.
  • Tuesday, October 29: East Hampton High School, 3-5:30 p.m.
  • Friday, November 1: Colchester Senior Center, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

These flu clinics will be walk-in clinics with no appointments or co-pays necessary. All individuals over six months are welcome to receive flu shots. Both regular-dose and high-dose vaccines, the latter intended for people 65 years and older, will be available. Attendees are asked to bring a copy of their insurance card and a filled-out and printed copy of the Influenza Vaccination Consent Form, which can be found online at www.chathamhealth.org. More information about accepted health insurance and coverage is available at that website or by calling the Chatham Health District at 860-365-0884.

Flu prevention is important, health officials advise. According to the Department of Public Health, to protect yourself and others from the flu, make sure to cover coughs and sneezes with tissues (and to throw away used ones), cough or sneeze into elbows and wash hands often. The flu is most contagious in the first three days after illness begins, though it can be spread beginning a day before someone’s symptoms show and up to a week after they become sick. The flu can infect anyone, but children younger than five, adults above the age of 65, pregnant women and long-term care patients are at risk of complications that can become worse.

Higher Education Committee Co-Chairs Rep. Haddad and Sen. Haskell Begin Tour of State Community College Debt-Free Tuition Discussions, Announce Full Schedule

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Higher Education Committee Co-Chairs Rep. Haddad and Sen. Haskell Begin Tour of State Community College Debt-Free Tuition Discussions, Announce Full Schedule

State Representative Gregg Haddad (D-Mansfield) and State Senator Will Haskell (D-Westport) this week started a tour of state community colleges that will continue into November. The legislators will host a series of discussions centering around the state’s upcoming debt-free community college program. Rep. Haddad and Sen. Haskell will visit Middletown, Bridgeport, Manchester, Waterbury and Enfield for these discussions, meeting with current and future students, school officials and the public to discuss details and future guidelines of the debt-free program.

The tour began on Monday with a visit to Danielson’s Quinebaug Valley Community College. The remaining schedule for stops, subject to change, is as follows:

  • October 9 at 1:30 p.m.: Housatonic Community College, Bridgeport, Events Center
  • October 17 at 2 p.m.: Manchester Community College, Manchester, GPA Community Commons
  • October 23 at 12:30 p.m. – Middlesex Community College, Middletown, Chapman Hall, 2nd Floor
  • October 30 at 10 a.m.: Naugatuck Valley Community College, Waterbury, Community Room in Founders Hall
  • November 1 at 10:30 a.m.: Asnuntuck Community College, Enfield, Conference Center

“The General Assembly and the Governor have agreed to provide enough scholarship funding to every first-time Connecticut student at a Community College to reduce out-of-pocket costs to zero,” said Rep. Haddad. “Meeting this goal will put a college degree or work-skill certificate within reach for every student. And it will increase the financial stability of our community college system while helping to meet Connecticut employers’ workforce needs.”

“We have one critical step that remains,” Rep. Haddad said. “The legislation identifies a funding source that, if approved, would grow to be substantial enough to fully fund the program. The Governor is currently vetting that solution and the legislature must act on his recommendation to fulfill the promise made in last year’s bill.”

“Student debt in Connecticut skyrocketed over the last decade. This holds our state back as young people try to start a family, buy their first home or start a business. That’s why we included debt-free community college in the budget. We know students are the best investment we can make.” said Sen. Haskell. “Representative Haddad and I are dedicated to meeting Connecticut’s workforce needs by investing in community college, and we are incredibly excited to begin this tour in advance of the debt-free rollout. I can’t wait to start talking to educators and students about making education more affordable and accessible.”

The state’s debt-free community college program is scheduled to begin in September 2020, with qualifying students needing to have graduated from a Connecticut high school, be enrolled in classes full-time, achieve academic success and accept all other available financial aid. The program is part of the 2019-2020 two-year state budget; projections state the program could increase federal aid in Connecticut by up to $7.7 million and increase current community college enrollment by anywhere from 10 to 45 percent, reinvigorating the important regional educational institutions.

Senator Anwar, South Windsor Mayor Paterna, Healthy South Windsor Announce Community Health Mobile App

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Senator Anwar, South Windsor Mayor Paterna, Healthy South Windsor Announce Community Health Mobile App

SOUTH WINDSOR, CT – Today, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) joined South Windsor Mayor Andrew Paterna, South Windsor Town Council Member Cesar Lopez, community and strategic marketing specialist Liliana Serrano and representatives from the South Windsor Sustainability Foundation Inc. at Evergreen Walk to announce the release of a South Windsor-based health app for mobile phones. The result of collaborations between medical professionals and community leaders, the Healthy South Windsor app will support the local community and emphasize the advantages of living a healthy lifestyle. Sen. Anwar, Mayor Paterna and Councilman Lopez were among South Windsor leaders who played key roles in the app’s development.

“It is imperative for everyone to be conscious of their health, and to live their lives in healthy ways,” said Sen. Anwar. “As a physician, I know first-hand that healthy living leads to a better life. I am so happy to help introduce this app to the South Windsor community. It contains plenty of information on how to assist your health in many ways, with specific focus on eating right and exercising properly. This app will benefit everyone who downloads it.”

“As a professor of exercise, health and wellness at Manchester Community College, I have a chance to see just how fitness can impact people’s well-being,” said Mayor Paterna. “I believe this app gives people the tools to take the first steps toward better living and longer, healthier lives, benefitting not just them but their families and loved ones as well.”

The Healthy South Windsor app is free to the public and available on the Apple iOS App Store and the Google Play Store with no subscription required. It includes features like a step counter, a calories-burned calculator, daily healthy recipes, weekly workout routines, blogs on healthy living and a schedule of community events further supporting living a healthy and successful life. The Healthy South Windsor team plans to hold workshops and seminars regarding these topics to further educate the community on these topics.

 

Sen. Lesser, Rep. Phipps Participate in Highway Sign Unveiling and Dedication Ceremony for Locations Honoring Veterans

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Sen. Lesser, Rep. Phipps Participate in Highway Sign Unveiling and Dedication Ceremony for Locations Honoring Veterans

Senate Democrats Photo

MIDDLETOWN, CT – Today, state Senator Matt Lesser (D-Middletown) and state Representative Quentin Phipps participated in a highway sign unveiling ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park honoring our state’s veterans. The Senator was instrumental in getting brand new signs installed alerting motorists of Veterans Memorial Park, the Connecticut Trees of Honor Memorial and the Greater Middletown Military Museum.

“I am pleased to see these signs unveiled as they will increase visits at these important locations in our community,” said Sen. Lesser. “We are forever grateful for the sacrifices of the men and women who gave their lives for this country and our freedom. Veterans Memorial Park, the Connecticut Trees of Honor Memorial and the Greater Middletown Military Museum are not only educational tools, but also serve as a showing of our community’s deep respect and gratitude for our nation’s heroes.”

The sign unveiling coincided with the “Run for the Fallen,” a 65K run at Veterans Memorial Park. The 65 kilometers is in remembrance of the 65 service members killed in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. Rep. Phipps shared words of support for veterans, their families and runners.

“The newly installed signs will definitely bring attention to these three sites that honor the sacrifices and heroism of those who have given their all for the freedoms we enjoy today,” said Rep. Phipps. “I am forever grateful to our veterans and their families for their service to our state and country.”

Other Middletown lawmakers who helped to make this a reality also expressed their gratitude for our state veterans and active duty members and added these signs will be beneficial to the park, memorial and museum.

“I am proud to honor the achievements and sacrifices of Middletown and Connecticut veterans. Veterans Memorial Park and the Greater Middletown Military Museum provide us with an outlet to reflect and remember the bravery, perseverance, and selfless service of America’s veterans,” said state Representative Joseph Serra (D–Middletown).

“I am ecstatic these signs will help draw attention to Middletown’s beautiful landmarks, helping let visitors know about them, while also honoring the sacrifices and hard work of the veterans who fought not only for our country, but to recognize the museum, park and memorial we’re celebrating today,” said state Senator Mary Daugherty Abrams (D-Meriden, Middlefield, Rockfall, Middletown, Cheshire).

The founder and president of the Connecticut Trees of Honor Memorial, Sue Martucci, expressed her gratitude for the work of Sen. Lesser. She said this is a testament to the care, support and respect the city of Middletown shows to its’ veterans.

“We truly appreciate Sen. Lesser’s time and efforts to realize the new road signs that have been installed in Middletown that announce Veterans Memorial Park, the Greater Middletown Veterans Military Museum and the Connecticut Trees of Honor Memorial,” said Martucci. “We have already heard of folks coming to the Park who either didn’t know it existed or didn’t know about the Museum and Trees of Honor Memorial. The signs will go a long way to help increase awareness and visits to the newest additions to Veterans Memorial Park. Thank you Sen. Lesser for your dedication and diligence in serving our military, our veterans, Blue and Gold Star families and the entire Middletown community!”

The Connecticut Trees of Honor Memorial was dedicated on September 17, 2016 to honor the lives of the 65 men and women from Connecticut killed in Iraq and Afghanistan, who are also honored with the aforementioned 65K race. The Trees of Honor are located in Veterans Memorial Park and features a unique living tree design and memorial sculptures providing a space to reflect, remember and learn more about our state’s fallen heroes.

The Greater Middletown Military Museum is also located at Veterans Memorial Park. The museum is a tribute to American veterans, providing them with a space to tell their stories through memorabilia. The museum was the brainchild of a group of local Vietnam War veterans who began holding meetings in 2002 to plan this project. The museum held its’ grand opening on April 13, 2019.

Senator Needleman Advises Safety Tips, Announces Schedule Changes Amid Increased Risk of Eastern Equine Encephalitis

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Senator Needleman Advises Safety Tips, Announces Schedule Changes Amid Increased Risk of Eastern Equine Encephalitis

With recently heightened risk of catching the virus Eastern Equine Encephalitis, after the confirmation that a human in East Lyme and three horses in New London and Windham Counties were diagnosed with the illness in recent weeks, State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) advises residents of the 33rd Senate District to take precautions and protect themselves from the life-threatening disease transferred by mosquito bites. The Department of Public Health reports that mosquitos tested positive in 12 towns, including Chester and Haddam, and a Colchester horse also contracted EEE.

While normally considered rare, with an average of seven cases reported per year, Eastern Equine Encephalitis, also known as EEE, can be seriously life-threatening, according to the DPH. However, there are many ways to lower risk of contracting EEE, with the most prominent being preventing mosquito bites. The DPH recommends taking the following precautions to reduce risk of EEE:

  • Use insect repellent. This product, when used as directed, can protect all individuals from insect bites.
  • Cover up when outside, wearing long sleeves and long pants.
  • Prevent insects from entering your home using air conditioning, window screens or door screens.
  • Limit outdoor exposure of infants and children.

Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control advises that mosquitos are most active in the early morning and evening. If possible, limit time outdoors during those periods of time. The EEE threat will remain active until nightly temperatures drop low enough for frost, which generally occurs in early-to-mid October.

Due to the increased risk of EEE, several local towns and schools have additionally made adjustments to regular schedules to keep residents safe.

  • East Hampton Public Schools will end all outdoor after-school activities, athletic practices, and athletic games prior to dusk until the first heavy frost.
  • The Town of East Hampton will treat the borders of its high, center and middle school athletic fields with organic mosquito sprays that do not pose risk to humans.
  • Colchester Public Schools will end all outdoor activities by dusk except for athletic competitions. School officials plan to attempt to reschedule athletic competitions to earlier in the afternoon or weekends, possibly requiring early release of students. They also ask for residents to refrain from using outside spaces at Colchester schools at and after dusk.
  • The Town of Colchester will treat William J. Johnston Middle School’s retention ponds with a biological mosquito control that is otherwise harmless to wildlife and pets.

Other towns and school systems may change schedules and use treatments. Please check town websites for further information.

Senate Majority Leader Duff, Senator Haskell, Representative Steinberg to Hold Westport Immunization Forum Monday

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Senate Majority Leader Duff, Senator Haskell, Representative Steinberg to Hold Westport Immunization Forum Monday

Today, Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk), State Senator Will Haskell (D-Westport) and State Representative Jonathan Steinberg (D-Westport) announced they will hold a forum to discuss immunization on Monday evening at the Westport Public Library, located at 20 Jesup Road in Westport, from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

This event will see the state officials joined by medical professionals to discuss the topics of immunization and vaccinations in light of recent developments on a state-wide and nation-wide scale. In recent weeks, statistics released by the Department of Public Health showed that vaccination rates for students across Connecticut continue to decline, falling by 0.6 percent from the 2017-18 school year to the 2018-19 school year. Earlier this week, Governor Ned Lamont called for a repeal of the state religious exemption to vaccination. Few religions directly state opposition to immunization.

“This forum will be a great opportunity for the public to hear directly from medical experts and public health professionals about the danger of low immunization rates among children,” said Sen. Duff. “When children are not vaccinated, it jeopardizes their health and safety, as well as the health of others around them. Combating the misinformation on this topic is critical if we are to work towards addressing this issue and this discussion will be a great opportunity to do that.”

“We are holding this forum to communicate directly with the public, address their concerns and emphasize the need to keep our children safe,” said Sen. Haskell. “Preventable diseases returning as rates of immunized children drop is an alarming trend. Addressing this issue in an informational forum with medical professionals on hand will help us address this public health issue with the seriousness it deserves.”

“An appropriate role for government is to promote the Public Health as a matter of safety,” said Rep. Steinberg. “To do so, we must limit those exempted from vaccinations to those who have a legitimate medical reason. Our legislation next session will eliminate religious/philosophical exemptions but establish a clear, science-based path for medical exemptions.”

As immunization rates drop on a national scale, preventable diseases including measles, which officials declared eliminated in the United States twenty years ago, are showing signs of resurgence. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1,241 cases of measles were tracked in the United States, the greatest number seen in nearly 30 years, including three cases in Connecticut.

Additionally, lawmakers are concerned that several Connecticut kindergartens saw immunization rates below 80 percent, the threshold of “herd immunity” intended to protect children who are medically unable to receive vaccines.

Senator Needleman Announces Traffic Delays For Bridge Maintenance Planning To Occur In East Haddam Sept. 26

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Senator Needleman Announces Traffic Delays For Bridge Maintenance Planning To Occur In East Haddam Sept. 26

State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) announced today that the Department of Transportation will perform project scoping for upcoming bridge rehabilitation in East Haddam on Thursday, September 26. This work, along Route 82 eastbound and westbound, also known as Bridge Road, will involve studies and monitoring of the bridge for future work.

The work is tentatively scheduled for 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sept. 26. Motorists should expect alternating traffic control on Route 82 on that day between Main Street and Bridge Road. Traffic control personnel and signing patterns will help guide motorists through the work zone. Modifications or extensions to the schedule may become necessary in the event of weather delays or other possible changes. Please contact the DOT Office of Communications at 860-594-3062 with any questions.

Senator Haskell, Senate Majority Leader Duff and Representative Steinberg to Hold Westport Immunization Forum Monday

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Senator Haskell, Senate Majority Leader Duff and Representative Steinberg to Hold Westport Immunization Forum Monday

Today, Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk), State Senator Will Haskell (D-Westport) and State Representative Jonathan Steinberg (D-Westport) announced they will hold a forum to discuss immunization on Monday evening at the Westport Public Library, located at 20 Jesup Road in Westport, from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

This event will see the state officials joined by medical professionals to discuss the topics of immunization and vaccinations in light of recent developments on a state-wide and nation-wide scale. In recent weeks, statistics released by the Department of Public Health showed that vaccination rates for students across Connecticut continue to decline, falling by 0.6 percent from the 2017-18 school year to the 2018-19 school year. Earlier this week, Governor Ned Lamont called for a repeal of the state religious exemption to vaccination. Few religions directly state opposition to immunization.

“This forum will be a great opportunity for the public to hear directly from medical experts and public health professionals about the danger of low immunization rates among children,” said Sen. Duff. “When children are not vaccinated, it jeopardizes their health and safety, as well as the health of others around them. Combating the misinformation on this topic is critical if we are to work towards addressing this issue and this discussion will be a great opportunity to do that.”

“We are holding this forum to communicate directly with the public, address their concerns and emphasize the need to keep our children safe,” said Sen. Haskell. “Preventable diseases returning as rates of immunized children drop is an alarming trend. Addressing this issue in an informational forum with medical professionals on hand will help us address this public health issue with the seriousness it deserves.”

“An appropriate role for government is to promote the Public Health as a matter of safety,” said Rep. Steinberg. “To do so, we must limit those exempted from vaccinations to those who have a legitimate medical reason. Our legislation next session will eliminate religious/philosophical exemptions but establish a clear, science-based path for medical exemptions.”

As immunization rates drop on a national scale, preventable diseases including measles, which officials declared eliminated in the United States twenty years ago, are showing signs of resurgence. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1,241 cases of measles were tracked in the United States, the greatest number seen in nearly 30 years, including three cases in Connecticut.

Additionally, lawmakers are concerned that several Connecticut kindergartens saw immunization rates below 80 percent, the threshold of “herd immunity” intended to protect children who are medically unable to receive vaccines.

Senator Anwar Supports State Bond Commission’s Release of Additional $20 Million in Funding for Crumbling Foundations

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Senator Anwar Supports State Bond Commission’s Release of Additional $20 Million in Funding for Crumbling Foundations

State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) announced that the State Bond Commission on Tuesday released an allocation of $20 million in funding for support of individuals with crumbling concrete foundations in their homes. This is the third scheduled release of a total of $100 million in funds from the Bond Commission to support homeowners as they face the arduous challenges of rebuilding their homes in light of this significant, costly issue.

“I welcome the continued support of the Bond Commission for individuals who have to struggle with the overwhelming challenge of replacing their homes’ foundations,” said Sen. Anwar. “Leaders are keeping their promises and making sure this significant issue is addressed. I look forward to the final two funding releases in years to come.”

The State Bond Commission on Tuesday approved its third release of $20 million in funding to the Crumbling Foundations Assistance Fund. These funds are used by the Connecticut Foundation Solutions Indemnity Company, Inc. to assist homeowners whose home foundations contain the chemical pyrrhotite, which causes degradation and crumbling after prolonged exposure to air and water. This delayed decay, not visible for several years, continues to plague thousands of homes across Connecticut well after their construction.

Additionally on Tuesday, Governor Ned Lamont said the state would release the remaining $40 million remaining in future allocations. Key stakeholders have worried that these funds would not be released; the governor’s statement allows them to move forward.

 

Sen. Slap Lends Support to ‘Period Project’ Initiative by Two High School Seniors

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Sen. Slap Lends Support to ‘Period Project’ Initiative by Two High School Seniors

Senate Democrats Photo

HARTFORD – State Senator Derek Slap (D-West Hartford) today stood with high school students and legislators from both sides of the aisle to support an initiative to ensure that all schools provide adequate hygiene products at no cost to students.

The proposal, dubbed the “Period Project,” has been initiated by Greenwich High Schools seniors Amy Barratt and Charlotte Hallisey (to the right of Sen. Slap in the photo). They launched an online petition seeking 1,600 signatures on a letter asking state legislators to require all 6th-12th grade school restrooms in Connecticut to be “consistently stocked with both pads and tampons at no cost to students.”

An informational meeting on their proposal, hosted by Sens. Alex Bergstein (D-Greenwich) and Mary Abrams (D-Meriden), was held today in the Legislative Office Building in Hartford.

“To me, this initiative is a no-brainer,” said Sen. Slap, who is well-known for testifying on the issue of pay equity with his two young daughters in 2017. “This isn’t a women’s issue – it’s an issue of equality, and it’s something that men should be just as interested in and just as supportive of as Amy and Charlotte are. I want to thank Senators Bergstein and Abrams for making today’s bipartisan event possible and for shepherding this idea forward as we look ahead to the 2020 legislative session.”

Barratt and Hallisey told a panel of legislators and advocates that one in five girls in the United States have left school early, or missed school entirely, due to a lack of menstrual hygiene products.

“Now is the time for Connecticut to help lead the way toward achieving gender equity and pass legislation similar to states including New York, California, Illinois and New Hampshire,” Barratt said.

“This is a very exciting and important opportunity for our state to continue to lead the way in educational excellence, and it will benefit the lives of all young people now and in the future,” Hallisey said. “Please help show our nation that Connecticut recognizes this important truth: gender-based rights are human rights. Together we can help end period poverty and achieve gender equality.”

Their petition can be found at: https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/sign-now-end-period-poverty-36/