Why you and your child should still get a flu shot

Although some locations have stopped offering the flu vaccine, which each year is approved by FDA, supplies remain available. Consumers can find out where to get a flu shot by calling doctor’s offices, clinics, pharmacies and supermarkets.

There is still time to protect your children and yourself from the flu in what remains of a severe influenza season.

In fact, federal health officials are reporting that the “peak”of the flu season is unexpectedly lingering, and a much larger number of people are coming down with the flu.

“Everyone seems to know that the elderly are particularly vulnerable, but so too are children,” says William Rodriguez, M.D., Ph.D., a pediatrician at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). “Severe complications are most common in children under age 2, and all children ages 6 months and older should be immunized.”

As of the end of November 2012, 112 million Americans were immunized for this flu season, leaving the majority unprotected as of that time, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Rodriguez notes that in each of the last 10 flu seasons, between 43 and 153 children died from influenza in the U.S. An average 20,000 children a year under age 5 are hospitalized. So far this year, 16 deaths of children under age 18 have been reported to the CDC.

Image source: FDA, used by permission

Currently, 43 states are reporting widespread flu outbreaks, with the District of Columbia and remaining states—Washington, Oregon, California, Arizona, Montana, South Dakota and Missouri—reporting localized outbreaks.

Connecticut is among those states reporting a relatively low number of cases, For those who’d like to guard against catching the lingering flu virus, however, now would be the time to get vaccinated.

People are generally immunized in the fall, but they can still get protection from the flu for what remains of the flu season—even though immunization takes several weeks to take effect.

The season usually peaks in January or February, with some cases continuing into the spring and even beyond.

“This is particularly late in the flu season for very young children, because to optimize immune response, children between the ages of 6 and 35 months need two shots, four weeks apart, during their first season of vaccination,” said Rodriguez. “However, even one shot provides some protection, so even now there is time to get some benefit.”

Although some locations have stopped offering the flu vaccine, which each year is approved by FDA, supplies remain available. Consumers can find out where to get a flu shot by calling doctor’s offices, clinics, pharmacies and supermarkets.

Posted January 10, 2013

Related link: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) site for an updated map of flu cases nationwide http://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/usmap.htm

Have a news item, event or Letter to the Editor you’d like posted on this news site? Simply send your information to editor@htnp.com and include your town in the subject line of your email. Please also include a phone number where you can be reached if there are questions. For daily updates on local and Connecticut news, “like” us on Facebook at HTNP News. https://www.facebook.com/HTNPnews and find us on our NEW Twitter page at HTNP News (@HTNPNews )

State awards $9 million in open space grants

The Roxbury Land Trust grant will allow acquisition of two separate parcels of land in close proximity to each other. The southern parcel is a 53-acre densely forested lot with a 3-acre hay field all within the Natchaug River Watershed. The northern parcel is a 31-acre dense forest block within the Quinebaug River Basin and is contiguous to Nipmuck State Forest. This parcel contains wetlands and a stream that drains to Breakneck Pond. Image source: openwalls.com/creative commons use 2013

More than $9 million in Open Space Preservation and Watershed Land Acquisition grants were announced this week that will allow 35 to buy a total of 2,732 acres to be preserved as open space.

“Land conservation is an important investment in our future, and moves us closer to meeting our goal of protecting 21 percent of Connecticut’s land as open space in the next ten years,” Gov. Dannel P. Malloy in his announcement. “These preservation projects are key to maintaining our high quality of life and making Connecticut a great place to live, work, and raise a family.”

The program, administered by the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) assists land purchase using state bonds and funding from the 2005 Community Investment Act (a fund contributed to by banks).

Connecticut’s goal is to protect 673,210 acres of land by 2023.

Currently, the state has 496,182 acres designated as state or local open space lands, 73.7 percent of the goal.

More than $109 million in state funding has been awarded to municipalities, nonprofit land conservation organizations and water companies to assist in the purchase of 27,440 acres of land in 128 cities and towns.

DEEP Commissioner Daniel C. Esty also noted, “The community gardens initiative was added to the open space grant program in 2007 to address land preservation needs in urban areas… This portion of the grant program acknowledges that preserving places people care about is as important in our cities and inner suburbs as it is in more rural areas.”

Projects funded under this year’s grant program in or affecting the HTNP readership area include:

• Puchalski Property, Town of Cheshire, $200,000 to buy 109 acres -

Running along the ridgeline on the Prospect-Cheshire town line, this parcel abuts protected open space to the north, south, and west. Ownership will protect the ridgeline and its diverse wildlife, forests, and wetlands. The existing structure on this property will be razed to provide parking and a trail head to the existing trails.

• 88 Brainard Road, Norwich Public Utilities, Colchester and Salem, $157,000 to buy 52.9 acres -

This acquisition will expand the Deep River public water supply watershed. The parcel is bisected by Brainard Brook, which feeds directly into the reservoir. This property, once purchased, will be classified as Class 1 watershed land.

• Zeiller Associates Property, Town of East Haddam, $232,500 to buy 98.22 acres

Purchase of this property is part of a larger effort to better protect the Roaring Brook watershed. In this grant round, there are three projects within this watershed – two in East Haddam and one in Lyme. Combined, these properties will create a greenbelt of more than 750 acres. The Zeiller property and others being slated for protection are upland forest blocks with intermittent streams, woodland wetlands and vernal pools. The Zeiller property has 4,000 feet of frontage along Roaring Brook and contains healthy and diverse wildlife and vegetative habitats and existing trails.

• Pages Property, Town of East Haddam, $464,000 to buy 238 acres -

Purchase of this property also is part of a larger effort to better protect the Roaring Brook watershed. This property abuts the Dean Easement area; combined, this is a greenbelt of more than 750 acres. These parcels are upland forest blocks (hardwood), having intermittent streams, woodland wetlands and vernal pools. The property has 1,500 feet of frontage along Roaring Brook. Because of the proximity to a wetland resource, it offers healthy and diverse wildlife and vegetative habitats.

• Lord Property, Lyme Land Conservation Trust, Inc. and East Haddam, $327,000 to buy 100.25 acres

Located in northern Lyme along Route 82 and within Whalebone Cove Watershed, this parcel has more than 3,900 feet of frontage along Roaring Brook. It is part of the larger effort to better protect the Roaring Brook Watershed – there are two other projects in this grant round and there were two in a previous grant round. The parcel is characteristic of a flood plain forest, having wetlands, undeveloped upland forest, fields and rock outcropping with ledges. There is an existing trail system on this property.

• Rita Edwards Preserve, Town of Hampton, $101,500 to buy 50.8 acres -

This undeveloped forested lot is located on the north side of Cedar Swamp Road. The property abuts protected open space land owned by Wyndham Land Trust and Goodwin State Forest. The property is characterized by a slightly sloping terrain that sustains a mixed hardwood forest and wetlands.

• Cardillo Parcels, Town of Hebron, $165,000 to buy 48.7 acres -

Located on the west side of Route 85/Church Street in the Amston section of Hebron, this property is made up of two parcels that abut state-owned open space – Raymond Brook Marsh and the Air Line Trail. They are key components to the preservation of the Raymond Brook Greenbelt and protection of the associated aquifer.

• Gunther Farm, Connecticut Farmland Trust, Inc., $350,000 to buy 21.3 acres -

Located along the town-line between Tolland and Vernon this is an acquisition to protect farmland soils. Additional natural resources include: grassland habitat, flood plain of Gages Brook, and endangered wildlife habitat. Connecticut Farm Land Trust will purchase this property, record the Conservation Easement, then sell the property to Tolland County Agricultural Center. The Center will utilize the agricultural fields for their education/agricultural programs and develop and maintain the trails located at this facility.

• Manchester Property, The New Roxbury Land Trust, Inc. (Union), $146,500 to buy 84 acres -

This is the acquisition of two separate parcels of land in close proximity to each other. The southern parcel is a 53-acre densely forested lot with a 3-acre hay field all within the Natchaug River Watershed. The northern parcel is a 31-acre dense forest block within the Quinebaug River Basin and is contiguous to Nipmuck State Forest. This parcel contains wetlands and a stream that drains to Breakneck Pond.

Posted January 4, 2013

Have a news item, event or Letter to the Editor you’d like posted on this news site? Simply send your information to editor@htnp.com and include your town in the subject line of your email. Please also include a phone number where you can be reached if there are questions. For daily updates on local and Connecticut news, “like” us on Facebook at HTNP News. https://www.facebook.com/HTNPnews and find us on our NEW Twitter page at HTNP News (@HTNPNews )

Tis the Season for Homeschooling, Fa, La, La, La!

Rosie enjoying a laugh with a favorite athlete. Photo contributed by Ruth Alumbaugh for HTNP.

Our home school has shifted gears considerably since the last installment to HTNP.  In fact, this time around, you only get to hear from ME, the mom who quit her day job with the State of Connecticut to devote her time, energy and life to her children/family.

So, where are we now in the process of homeschooling? So glad you asked!

This past summer, Rosie (who is 14 years old) got herself a job at the Windham University Club doing landscaping work.  She was up at 6 a.m. many mornings, lugging dirt, debris and driving a golf cart on whatever her assignment was for the day.  I am pretty proud of her, since she just walked into the place and asked for a job… and got it.

So, I have a pretty independent young teenager who was working AND going to school at the same time since she started her job the end of April.

This past summer, Jonathan, going into his senior year of high school, took a pre-calculus class at Quinnebaug Community College.  Through much toil, study and struggle, he aced the class.

Jonathan, in his fencing gear, posing for a photo with his photography mentor at The Chronicle, Roxanne Pandolfi. Photo contributed by Ruth Alumbaugh for HTNP.

He also got a job working as a freelance photographer for the Chronicle, a local newspaper.  He is very fortunate to have gotten a job he loves and one that he gets paid for, too!

Fast forward to this past fall and Jonathan has gained admission to QVCC and is a fully matriculated college student.

In fact, he is dually enrolled in the local community college AND our home school high school!  He is earning college credit during his senior year of high school.

When he takes 12 or more credit hours, he can take a FREE class at Eastern Connecticut State University, as well. He is even enrolled for classes in the fall.

He continues to enjoy his job at the Chronicle (perhaps you’ve seen some of his photos?), as well as fencing whenever he can. He is one busy young man.

He has also gotten his driving permit, so we are driving with him as he heads to getting his own driver’s license and vehicle.

Rosie proudly displays her Quinebaug Valley Community College ID. Photo contributed by Ruth Alumbaugh for HTNP.

Rosie is homeschooling this semester but has gained admission to QVCC, too!  She is going to get her college feet wet in January where, at the ripe old age of 15, she will take her first college course in drawing.  This will supplement the academics she is already taking.  This course is 6 hours a week and garners her 3 credit hours when she matriculates.

I can’t say enough about how the local community college is really on the cutting edge of getting some of the educational cream of the crop.  Most other colleges won’t let you even stick your big toe into the classroom unless you are graduated from high school, have a transcript, or have taken your GED.  My kids have done none of that but they are able to move forward educationally, nevertheless!  I am really grateful for this shift.

So, what am I doing? I am glad you asked.  I am shifting, too.  I find myself grieving the loss of my children since they are now into adulthood.  And I find myself coordinating scheduling more and doing more administrative stuff rather than hands-on academic tutoring.

However, there are life lessons that can still be learned at home even while children are at the stage my children are at.  Here are a few…

• Time management/planning – How do I steward my time so I can get my academics done well and on time?

• Budgeting skills – How do I spend my money?  What do I save?  How can I avoid borrowing?

• Communication skills – This area is of utmost importance to me, as we are all going in various directions at times.  Appointments, jobs, trying to schedule family time when we are ALL together, being faithful to our commitments, and saying we are “sorry” when we mess up….these are all things that are part of growing up!

• Sexuality – Yeah, you were wondering about this issue, weren’t you?  Well, we feel it’s important to discuss this area when it seems appropriate for us as parents.  Neither child dates, but we talk about relationships, friendships, and what each of us values. We get to know one another through this process!

• Household chore coordination – I used to incorporate cooking and domestic training into the kids’ schedules.  Now, I find myself doing more of this.  I also find myself giving the kids more freedom to do things on their own time clock.  However, when the laundry on the floor of a bedroom gets up and walks itself to the hamper, I know that I MUST intervene!

Jonathan helps with Website design, business cards and more. Photo contributed by Ruth Alumbaugh for HTNP.

It’s a different season of life.  I recently started substitute teaching in the public and private school system.  I continue to give piano lessons.  I continue to accompany for choral concerts and occupy the bench at some local churches when they need an organist.  I continue to make cookies and spend time at the University of Connecticut with international friends quite frequently.

But I still haven’t hit the nail on the head when it comes to what I am going to be when I grow up.  I wonder how long it will take?

If you’d like to contact Ruth about homeschooling questions, please write to editor@htnp.com and your message will be forwarded to her.

Posted December23, 2012

Have a news item, event or Letter to the Editor you’d like posted on this news site? Simply send your information to editor@htnp.com and include your town in the subject line of your email. Please also include a phone number where you can be reached if there are questions. For daily updates on local and Connecticut news, “like” us on Facebook at HTNP News. https://www.facebook.com/HTNPnews and find us on our NEW  Twitter page at HTNP News (@HTNPNews )

Secretary of the State announces changes to voter registration in 2013

Connecticut Secretary of the State Denise Merrill

Secretary of the State Denise Merrill today (Dec. 19) released the official calendars for the May and November 2013 municipal elections in Connecticut.

And one significant change is that eligible voters will be able to register up to and including Election Day starting in November of 2013.

Legislation enacting Election Day Registration was approved by the Connecticut General Assembly and signed into law by Gov. Dannel P. Malloy this year.

“Next year (2013) will be an historic election year in Connecticut as we implement Election Day Registration for the first time in our state,” said Secretary Merrill, Connecticut’s Chief Elections Official.

“I look forward to working with our partners in election administration at the local level to make it possible for those late-deciding voters to register and vote on Election Day,” Merrill said.

Election Day takes place in May in a few Connecticut towns, in November in the majority of the state’s cities and towns.

For those towns that have May elections, the day in 2013 will be Monday May 6.

For the rest, Election Day will be Tuesday Nov. 5.

The May-election towns will hold primaries for municipal office on March 11, 2013 so campaigns will soon be underway.

“Important issues such as town and school budgets will be on the agenda (in 2013), so I urge voters to pay close attention to the issues and the candidates and get involved in the decisions made at the local level that are crucial to our quality of life.” Merrill said.

Voters in the towns of Andover, Bethany, Union and Woodbridge, Boroughs of Bantam (Litchfield), Danielson (Killingly), Fenwick (Old Saybrook), Jewett City (Griswold), Litchfield, Newtown, Stonington, Woodmont (Milford) can view their election calendar (in PDF format) at this link .

Voters from other towns can view their calendar (in PDF format) at this link .

Posted December 19, 2012 based on a press release

Have a news item, event or Letter to the Editor you’d like posted on this news site? Simply send your information to editor@htnp.com and include your town in the subject line of your email. Please also include a phone number where you can be reached if there are questions. For daily updates on local and Connecticut news, “like” us on Facebook at HTNP News. https://www.facebook.com/HTNPnews and find us on our NEW Twitter page at HTNP News (@HTNPNews )

UConn establishes scholarship to honor victims of Newtown shootings

In response to the grief and shock accompanying the tragic killings at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT on Dec. 14, the University of Connecticut has created a memorial scholarship fund to honor those who died.

UConn women’s basketball Coach Geno Auriemma and his wife, Kathy, have made an $80,000 lead gift to the fund.

“Over this past difficult weekend, Kathy and I gave much consideration to what we as a family could do that would have some significance for the future,” Auriemma said. “Because UConn is so important to us, we decided to establish a scholarship and encourage other UConn alumni, friends and fans around the world to invest in the future of the Sandy Hook survivors.”

In response to the grief and shock accompanying the tragic killings at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown on Dec. 14, the University of Connecticut has created a memorial scholarship fund to honor those who died. UConn women’s basketball Coach Geno Auriemma and his wife, Kathy, have made an $80,000 lead gift to the fund.

The Sandy Hook School Memorial Scholarship Fund at the University of Connecticut will provide financial aid for any students who currently attends the elementary school, as well as siblings of those killed in the assault and dependents of teachers and other adults who also lost their lives, who are accepted to attend UConn in the future.

Donations will be collected through the University of Connecticut Foundation to establish a fund in anticipation of supporting the Sandy Hook Elementary students enrolled in the K-4 grades today who will be of college age beginning in approximately 2021.

For siblings and dependents of those who died, funds will be immediately expendable to provide them with scholarship assistance at UConn as needed.

All of the monies received will be spent solely for the fund’s purpose. If any funds remain once the needs of the groups above have been met, they will be used to benefit any future student from Newtown who attends UConn.

Ways to donate

More information about how to make a donation to the scholarship fund is available online at the http://www.uconn.edu and http://www.foundation.uconn.edu

• You can also visit the secure online donation page at http://www.friends.uconn.edu/sandyhook

• To make a donation by mail, send your check to The UConn Foundation, 2390 Alumni Drive-Unit 3206, Storrs, CT 06269-3206. Please note on your check that the gift is for the Sandy Hook School Memorial Scholarship Fund.

• Donations also may be made by texting 50555 with uconn newtown. UConn alumni should also add their name and graduation year. For example: uconn newtown John Smith 88. $10.00 donation to support the University of Connecticut Foundation through the mGive Foundation. Charges will appear on your wireless bill or be deducted from your prepaid balance. All purchases must be authorized by the account holder. You must be 18 years of age or have parental permission to participate. Message and data rates may apply. Text STOP to 50555 to STOP. Text HELP to 50555 for HELP. For full terms and privacy policy: s.uconn.edu/txt

Posted December 17, 2012

Have a news item, event or Letter to the Editor you’d like posted on this news site? Simply send your information to editor@htnp.com and include your town in the subject line of your email. Please also include a phone number where you can be reached if there are questions. For daily updates on local and Connecticut news, “like” us on Facebook at HTNP News. https://www.facebook.com/HTNPnews and find us on our NEW Twitter page at HTNP News (@HTNPNews )

Gov. Malloy asks period of grieving for victims at Sandy Hook Elementary School

Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT, where 20 school children were killed on Dec. 14, 2012. Web site photo

Earlier this evening (Dec. 15), Gov. Dannel P. Malloy asked for a period of grieving for the 20 young children and seven adults shot to death at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT.

Gov. Malloy acknowledged that people want to know more about the man police believe was the shooter, 20-year-old Adam Lanza, and about the events of that morning – many, out of concern for the safety of their own children at their schools – but asked that for a moment, people focus on the shock and grief felt not just in Connecticut, not just across the country, but in homes around the world.

Earlier, a similar plea was made by the spokesman for Connecticut State Police, Lt. J. Paul Vance, who asked that reporters respect the privacy of the families of those who were killed, when a list identifying the victims was released.

Among the adults who were identified was the school’s principal, Dawn Hochsprung and a substitute teacher, Lauren Rousseau. According to reports posted by NPR, Hochsprung was shot while trying to keep other staff members from entering the hallway when shots were being fired.

Authorities also have disclosed that all of the children who were killed were first graders.

Many of the details of yesterday’s events are still waiting to be clarified, such as whether the alleged shooter’s mother was a teacher at Sandy Hook Elementary School.

And as of now, the motive behind the shootings is unknown.

In a public address today, Gov. Malloy acknowledged that there’s little anyone can say that can begin to address the shock and deep sadness shared by the state’s residents – many of whom have flocked to vigils in their own communities.

“Though we could all try, when something as senseless as this occurs, there’s precious little anyone can say to the families of the victims that will lessen the horror and sense of loss they feel. We could say we feel their pain, but the truth is we can’t,” Gov. Malloy said tonight.

“When tragedies like this occur, people often look for answers, an explanation of how this could have occurred. But the sad truth is, there are no answers. No good ones, anyway,” he said.

“So what can we do? … As has been happening since yesterday, we can show and share with each other the grief we feel for the children and adults who were killed, and for their families and loved ones. We can speak about what’s really important, and what can wait for another day.

“There will be time soon for a discussion of the public policy issues surrounding yesterday’s events, but what’s important right now is this: love, courage, and compassion.

Love, as it has poured in from around the world.

“Courage, as was demonstrated by the teachers and other adults in the school building, whose actions no doubt saved lives.

“Courage on display, as it always is, by all our first responders.

“Compassion, as shown by people around Connecticut who’ve arrived in Newtown wanting only to help,” Gov. Malloy said.

He added, “In the coming days, we will rely upon that which we have been taught and that which we inherently believe: that there is faith for a reason, and that faith is God’s gift to all of us.

“Those educators, and those innocent little boys and girls were taken from their families far too soon. Let us all hope and pray those children are now in a place where that innocence will forever be protected.

“May God bless you, may God bless those 27 people, may God bless their families and friends, and may the pain their loved ones feel be someday absorbed by the love of mankind.”

Posted December 15, 2012

Have a news item, event or Letter to the Editor you’d like posted on this news site? Simply send your information to editor@htnp.com and include your town in the subject line of your email. Please also include a phone number where you can be reached if there are questions. For daily updates on local and Connecticut news, “like” us on Facebook at HTNP News. https://www.facebook.com/HTNPnews and find us on our NEW Twitter page at HTNP News (@HTNPNews )

Windham now eligible for funds to cover Hurricane Sandy damages

Hurricane Sandy, which was later downgraded to a Tropical Storm, pounds Connecticut on Oct. 29, 2012. Image source: FEMA

FEMA has announced that state and local governments and certain nonprofit organizations in three additional Connecticut counties are now eligible to receive federal disaster assistance under the Public Assistance program to supplement state and local response to Hurricane Sandy.

Windham and Tolland counties were added to the major disaster declaration issued Oct. 30, 2012, as well as Litchfield County.

Windham County includes Ashford, Brooklyn, Canterbury, Chaplin, Eastford, Hampton, Killingly, Plainfield, Pomfret, Putnam, Scotland, Sterling, Thompson, Windham (Willimantic) and Woodstock.

Tolland County includes Andover, Bolton, Columbia, Coventry, Ellington, Hebron (Amston), Mansfield (Storrs), Somers, Stafford, Tolland, Union, Vernon and Willington.

Governments in these towns, as well as some nonprofits, are eligible for funds to cover permanent work to repair and rebuild disaster-damaged infrastructure, as well as costs for debris removal and emergency protective measures.

The funds are available based on a federal cost share of at least 75 percent.

In Connecticut, cost share for emergency power restoration and emergency public transportation was 100 percent at the height of hurricane recovery through Nov. 14.

Grants also help pay for emergency protective measures such as police overtime; debris removal from public roads and rights-of-way; and permanent repairs to roads, bridges and public buildings.

Previous counties designated under the declaration are Fairfield, Middlesex, New Haven and New London, and the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan Tribal Nations in New London County.

For more information about assistance, visit http://www.fema.gov/disaster/4087

Posted November 24, 2012, as edited and added to by HTNP News Editor Brenda Sullivan

Have a news item, event or Letter to the Editor you’d like posted on this news site? Simply send your information to editor@htnp.com and include your town in the subject line of your email. Please also include a phone number where you can be reached if there are questions. For daily updates on local and Connecticut news, “like” us on Facebook at HTNP News. https://www.facebook.com/HTNPnews and find us on our NEW Twitter page at HTNP News (@HTNPNews )

Don’t miss the free annual Artists Open Studios tour

This an incredible opportunity for you to meet Northeastern Connecticut’s painters, sculptors, fiber artists, photographers, potters, jewelers, glass artists, metal smiths, wood-turners, and other fine artists. Dolphin Vase image fromhttp://www.funkwarepottery.com – one of the studios on the tour.

The Artists’ Open Studios free, self-guided tour is a much anticipated event this time of year.

Traditionally held over two weekends – beginning with Thanksgiving Day weekend – the 2012 tour dates are Nov. 23, 24, 25 and Dec. 1 and 2, 2012 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

While many of us enjoy fine art by visiting art galleries and museums, we rarely have the chance to meet the artists whose work we admire, and be welcomed into the spaces where they nourish their creativity and produce their art.

This annual event also gives artists the opportunity to connect with you and to share their passion and expertise – a sure cure for some of the isolation artists often feel while they work in their studios day after day.

This an incredible opportunity for you to meet Northeastern Connecticut’s painters, sculptors, fiber artists, photographers, potters , jewelers, glass artists, metal smiths, wood-turners, and other fine artists.

You have your choice of more than 70 artists who work in a wide variety of mediums and styles, and live in an even wider variety of studio environments.

So, pack a bottle of water, bring your brochure and a camera to take in the scenery in the Northeast Corner of Connecticut.

Helpful tips

The AOS brochure contains a complete listing of artists and directions to their studios, a map of the entire tour area (not to scale), and sample images of work for each artist. You can download a copy in PDF format at http://www.aosct.org/member-user-registration/downloads/category/4-brochures.html

The artists also will be glad to assist you with directions for getting from one studio to another.

Editor’s note: You might also want to plan to make two visits – clustering three or four studios near each other per day – because the tour covers a large geographical area.

Posted November 24, 2012 based on publicity materials and the AOS web site

Have a news item, event or Letter to the Editor you’d like posted on this news site? Simply send your information to editor@htnp.com and include your town in the subject line of your email. Please also include a phone number where you can be reached if there are questions. For daily updates on local and Connecticut news, “like” us on Facebook at HTNP News. https://www.facebook.com/HTNPnews and find us on our NEW Twitter page at HTNP News (@HTNPNews )

Still recovering after Hurricane Sandy, FEMA releases $455 million

Rockaway, N.Y., Nov. 3, 2012 – Local crews work to remove sand on streets left by the storm surge of Hurricane Sandy on Oct. 29. Jocelyn Augustino/FEMA – used with permission.

At the direction of President Barack Obama, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) continues to lead the federal government’s effort to provide assistance and support to states affected by Hurricane Sandy that hit the East Coast on Oct. 29, 2012.

As FEMA and its partners continue an aggressive power restoration effort in New York and New Jersey, the President has approved extension of the 100 percent cost share for emergency work performed by state, tribal and local governments through Nov. 14, 2012.

The 100 percent funding was set originally for 10 days, beginning Oct. 31.

It specifically applies to the costs of restoring power and public transportation, including direct federal assistance for New Jersey, New York and Connecticut in counties designated for FEMA Public Assistance.

Other forms of Category B (emergency work) public assistance remain at a 75 percent cost share.

“More than $455 million has already been approved for individuals to assist with housing and other disaster-related needs,” said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. “Impacted residents and business owners in Connecticut, New Jersey and New York should apply for assistance today.”

To apply for this assistance, the first step (for individuals and businesses) is to register online at www.disasterassistance.gov, by web-enabled mobile device at m.fema.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362).

Disaster assistance applicants who have a speech disability or hearing loss and use TTY, should call 1-800-462-7585 directly; for those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362.

The toll-free telephone numbers are operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week until further notice.

FEMA is one part of a large team working together to support the states in meeting the housing needs of disaster survivors.

Milford, CT, Nov. 8, 2012 – Homes along the Connecticut coast were severely damaged by Hurricane Sandy, many beyond repair. FEMA Community Relations teams are in these areas, going door to door answering questions for those who need assistance. Photo by Marilee Caliendo/FEMA – used by permission.

This joint effort includes housing and technical experts from the states, FEMA, Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the Army Corps of Engineers, Small Business Administration (SBA), the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), and volunteer agencies.

The affected states are taking the lead to identify their local needs and resources by convening State-led Disaster Housing Task Forces.

Working together, housing priorities are being established and the team is working to ensure they are making the greatest use of existing housing resources (such as apartments and rental units), enlisting voluntary agencies to make minor repairs so survivors can remain in their homes, and investigating other temporary housing options suitable for the area.

As of 3 p.m. today (Nov. 11), more than 369,000 individuals in New Jersey, New York and Connecticut have registered for assistance, and more than $455 million has been approved in FEMA housing and other needs assistance.

Currently, a total of 55 Disaster Recovery Centers are open in New Jersey, New York and Connecticut (26 in New York, 22 in New Jersey and 7 in Connecticut) and more will continue to open.

To find a disaster recovery center location online, use the disaster recovery center locator at FEMA.gov/disaster-recovery-centers or by mobile phone at m.fema.gov. You may also text DRC and a Zip Code to 43362 (4FEMA).

FEMA has also established a Housing Portal to assist individuals and families, displaced by a disaster. By moving individuals and families into local rental units quickly, it allows them to move forward with their personal recovery with the least amount of disruption. The portal consolidates rental resources identified and provided by federal agencies and is available at www.fema.gov/housingportal.

More than 7,200 FEMA personnel have been deployed to support response operations, including search and rescue, situational awareness, communications and logistical support in states affected by the storm.

Community relations teams are on the ground in the hardest hit areas going door-to-door to inform disaster survivors about available services and resources and to gather situational awareness.

Nov. 8, 2012 – The remains of a home in Union Beach, NJ after Hurricane Sandy swept through the area. Photo by Patsy Lynch/FEMA – used with permission.

More than 2,000 housing inspectors are on the ground, meeting with disaster survivors to identify damages to homes, to further expedite assistance to individuals; and more than 80,000 damage inspections have already been completed in New Jersey, New York and Connecticut.

To date, the President has declared that major disasters exist in Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, and Rhode Island and emergency declarations have been made in Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia and West Virginia.

FEMA continues to deliver commodities including food, water, blankets, fuel, generators and others resources to distribution points across the region impacted by Sandy.

Other response activities

• Small Business

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), as of Nov. 10, has issued 248,094 disaster loan applications to residents and businesses in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.

That includes 196,822 home disaster loan applications, and 51,272 business disaster loan applications.

For more information, call the SBA Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing) or go to www.sba.gov

The SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and most private non-profit organizations, to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster.

Economic Injury Disaster Loan assistance is available regardless of whether the business suffered any physical property damage.

• Public Health

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has more than 1,100 HHS personnel deployed to provide public health and medical assistance to New York and New Jersey.

These personnel include disaster medical assistance teams (DMATs), a group of professional medical personnel organized to provide rapid-response medical care.

To read more about DMAT teams active in the Hurricane Sandy response visit: www.phe.gov/asprblog

The U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps also continues to support shelter operations.

Nearly 60 officers from three Mental Health Teams have assisted approximately 700 residents and first responders a day, helping address basic mental health issues and facilitate in shelters.

In addition, residents can connect with local crisis counselors through the National Disaster Distress Helpline. This toll-free, multilingual, crisis support service is available 24/7 via telephone (1-800-985-5990) and SMS (text ‘TalkWithUs’ to 66746).

• Donations

The Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced special relief intended to support leave-based donation programs to aid survivors who have suffered from the extraordinary destruction caused by Hurricane Sandy.

Under these programs, employees may donate their vacation, sick or personal leave in exchange for employer cash payments made to qualified tax-exempt organizations providing relief for the survivors of Hurricane Sandy.

Also, the Treasury Department and the IRS announced an expedited review and approval process will be offered for organizations seeking tax-exempt status in order to provide relief for victims of Hurricane Sandy.

The IRS continues to encourage people to use existing organizations currently working on immediate aid efforts.

• Fuel supply

The Department of Energy (DOE) in response to a request from the State of Connecticut, will loan an additional 4.2 million gallons of ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel from the Northeast Home Heating Oil Reserve to the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), to provide emergency loans to fuel distributors in Connecticut to address fuel shortages in the state.

Washington, DC, Oct. 28, 2012 – President Barack Obama at a briefing with federal agency partners on preparations for Hurricane Sandy at FEMA’s National Response Coordination Center. At right is FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. FEMA/Aaron Skolnik – used by permission

This is a continuation of the agreement announced a week ago when President Obama declared that Hurricane Sandy has created a severe energy supply interruption.

The fuel will be provided to distributors in the state and to be repaid directly by the distributors in the next 30 days.

DOE and DLA stand ready to make available additional fuel as needed.

• Department of Defense

Under the Department of Defense (DoD), the U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) has nearly 4,000 personnel supporting Hurricane Sandy relief operations in the affected areas.

Air Force teams completed unwatering (removing water) operations at Rockaway Waste Water Treatment facility, and East School in Long Beach, N.Y., and provided teams to support fire departments conducting unwatering operations in Breezy Point, N.Y.

Army divers repaired the pier system at Caven Point, N.J.

Navy dive detachments continue to support the World Trade Center site and Marine pump teams are assisting pumping operations at Breezy Point.

Helicopters from the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit are transporting and re-locating generators in affected areas to support critical infrastructure.

Navy Seabees and Marine personnel restored the beach at Coast Guard Station Sandy Hook and continue supporting debris clearance operations at locations in Bayonne, N.J. and the Battery, N.Y.

The Defense Logistics Agency continues to supply FEMA with much needed emergency supplies, medical equipment, fuel and now cold and wet weather clothing to help those working toward recovery after Hurricane Sandy.

DLA has delivered more than 1.8 million gallons of fuel to federal government distribution points in the New York/New Jersey region.

DLA has contracts in place to support waste water clean-up, hazardous material removal, and debris removal operations. DLA has also awarded two contracts for 330 roll-off dumpsters and 34 trucks for overland trash hauling; 2.5 million pounds of debris have been removed in the last 48 hours.

• Army Corps of Engineers

The Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has more than 3,000 employees from the North Atlantic Division – with an additional 960 team members deployed from other USACE divisions across the nation – engaged in supporting the response mission.

Response teams are assisting with debris management, commodities distribution, infrastructure assessment, temporary roofing, critical public facilities, water planning, and temporary housing.

More than 5,600 Army and Air National Guard Soldiers and Airmen from 11 states are conducting food, water, and fuel distribution, communications, security, sheltering, debris removal and transportation missions in support of recovery efforts.

Civil Air Patrol is launching 23 aircraft from states along the Northeast seaboard to photograph hurricane damage in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania and to conduct low-level missions over waterways that would correspond to varying tidal conditions to pinpoint oil spills and navigation hazards for the U.S. Coast Guard.

These flyovers, involving aircraft from as far away as Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and North Carolina, will also assist federal agencies to assess where to most-effectively deploy debris teams.

The U.S. Fleet Forces (Navy and Marine Corps) are assisting the Army Corps of Engineers in power restoration, cleaning and dewatering efforts in NY and NJ.

• U.S. Postal Service

The United State Postal Service (USPS) reminds customers who have evacuated or relocated due to hurricane Sandy to submit a change of address, place mail on hold or request that mail be temporarily forwarded to their new location. For the latest service updates regarding hurricane Sandy, call 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777).

• USDA

U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has distributed an initial $5.3 million to 11 states affected by Hurricane Sandy. NRCS provides this funding through its Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) program.

USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) is allowing flexibility to New York City Public School District to serve all meals free through the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program for the month of November.

Nov. 8, 2012 – A Hurricane Sandy survivor at a Disaster Recovery Center waiting to speak with a FEMA Individual Assistance specialist. FEMA is working with many partners including federal, state, local and tribal governments, voluntary, faith-based and community-based organizations, and the private sector to assist residents who suffered losses in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. Photo by Patsy Lynch, used with permission from FEMA News.

FNS has also approved New Jersey’s request to allow Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP- formerly Food Stamps) recipients in affected counties to purchase hot foods with SNAP benefits through the end of November.

• AmeriCorps/Senior Corps

The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) has 1,008 national service members who have been deployed to seven states.

AmeriCorps and Senior Corps members in Connecticut, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and West Virginia are assisting with shelter operations, call centers, debris removal, and mass care.

About 435 members of FEMA Corps, an innovative partnership between FEMA and AmeriCorps, are working directly with disaster survivors in New York and New Jersey.

• Dept. of the Interior

Under the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI), more than 1,200 wildland firefighters from all agencies, including about 260 wildland firefighters from the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Park service are responding with fellow wildland firefighters from the U.S. Forest Service and State Forestry Divisions to support FEMA staging areas, assist in emergency operations centers, and provide crews to clear trees for emergency access and power crews.

• National Park Service

The National Park Service (NPS) has deployed more than 300 incident management personnel, technical experts and work crews to assist parks and refuges throughout the region in recovery operations.

Working with interagency partners, NPS has also established a debris transfer site at Jacob Riis Park in New York to support local clean-up activities and is providing meals for emergency workers in the vicinity of its logistics base at Fort Wadsworth in the Gateway National Recreation Area.

Posted November 11, 2012 – release edited and photos added by HTNP News Editor Brenda Sullivan

Have a news item, event or Letter to the Editor you’d like posted on this news site? Simply send your information to editor@htnp.com and include your town in the subject line of your email. Please also include a phone number where you can be reached if there are questions. For daily updates on local and Connecticut news, “like” us on Facebook at HTNP News. https://www.facebook.com/HTNPnews and find us on our NEW Twitter page at HTNP News (@HTNPNews )

Free mental health screenings for Veterans at Natchaug

The increasing suicide rate among soldiers is another concern, with the Army reporting 247 potential suicides this year among active and reserve duty soldiers as of September 2012. This number actually exceeds the amount of fatalities in 2012 from “hostile causes,” as reported by the Brookings Institute in September.

In honor of Veterans Day, Natchaug Hospital in Mansfield, CT will offer free confidential mental health screenings to current and former members of the armed services on Monday, Nov. 12. These services also will be offered it Natchaug’s sites in Groton, Dayville and Vernon.

The high rate of behavioral health concerns among veterans and active duty soldiers has gained attention over the past few years.

About 2.1 million veterans received care for mental health issues from Veterans Affairs between 2006 and 2010, according the U.S. Government Accountability Office.

The increasing suicide rate among soldiers is another concern, with the Army reporting 247 potential suicides this year among active and reserve duty soldiers as of September 2012.

This number actually exceeds the amount of fatalities in 2012 from “hostile causes,” as reported by the Brookings Institute in September.

Natchaug Hospital’s free mental health screenings include educational information, a written assessment and a private meeting with a professional who can help determine whether treatment be appropriate. If so, Natchaug Hospital will assist in identifying resources and appropriate levels of care.

To schedule a screening, call 1-800-426-7792 or visit Natchaug.org/events.asp

A member of Hartford HealthCare, Natchaug Hospital is a Joint Commission-accredited, non-profit organization providing special education, mental health and addiction treatment for children, adolescents and adults through a network of community-based programs in Danielson, Dayville, Enfield, Groton, Mansfield, Montville, Norwich, Old Saybrook, Vernon and Windham.

Posted November 11, 2012

Have a news item, event or Letter to the Editor you’d like posted on this news site? Simply send your information to editor@htnp.com and include your town in the subject line of your email. Please also include a phone number where you can be reached if there are questions. For daily updates on local and Connecticut news, “like” us on Facebook at HTNP News. https://www.facebook.com/HTNPnews and find us on our NEW Twitter page at HTNP News (@HTNPNews )