By Norm Needleman.
(December 9, 2020) — Normally, around this time of year, we hear carols and see bright lights, joining our friends and loved ones at holiday parties to celebrate together. This year, the ever-present threat of the COVID-19 pandemic has changed that. But while major parties have been canceled and gatherings recommended against, some things haven’t changed.
Every year, local organizations and charities do incredible work in bringing food, toys, financial support and so much more to those in our communities in need. The pandemic has only made this need more stark, with so many out of work, losing hours or otherwise struggling financially due to the impacts of the pandemic. While many major charitable events have been canceled, there are still plenty of ways to support our local organizations. I ask anyone who is able this holiday season to help our friends and neighbors by donating to local charities and organizations; your support will be vital, helping keep them going during tough times.
Historically, on Black Friday, there is a major fundraising concert at the Katherine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, supporting the Shoreline Soup Kitchen. This event brings in significant support for those in need each year; this year, it was unable to be held in person, even though needs are higher than ever. However, this year’s concert is available online, streaming on Youtube here. It was recorded in October in a safe manner. Anyone who watches and listens to enjoy the music is asked to make a donation to Shoreline. Those who select “Gowrie Challenge” while making a donation will have their donation matched by the Gowrie Group dollar-for-dollar through December 31.
While Shoreline has an extensive reach across our district, it is far from the only local organization helping our communities. Local food banks and food pantries, organizations donating clothing to those less fortunate, those providing fuel assistance as the winter chill sets in; they all play a vital role in supporting our communities and making sure no one goes without the things they need most. If you’re looking for a group that you can rest assured will do good, I would recommend the CT Food Bank and Foodshare. We are living in unprecedented times with so many lacking food security – your donations will help them directly.
As the holidays draw closer, they won’t be normal this year. However, if we work together, we can make sure they look a little brighter and a little happier for those in need.
State to Award $13 Million In Small Cities Grants to Modernize, Rehabilitate Housing
Connecticut will award $13.3 million to 12 municipalities across the state to improve infrastructure, specifically modernizing and rehabilitating low and moderate-income individuals. Towns with fewer than 50,000 residents will see funding to support rehabilitation, with specific focus on improving neighborhoods, eliminating blight and attracting economic development. Funding will help repair leaking roofs, make public housing facilities compliant with the ADA, improve fire safety and waste water treatment facilities and more. I’m happy to announce that among the projects receiving funding are ones in our own community.
East Hampton’s Chatham Acres and Bellwood Court will receive $1.5 million to provide capital improvements to 70 units of affordable elderly and disabled housing, including installing a call-for-aid system; window and door replacements; upgrades to the community room; bathroom remodeling; and removal of architectural barriers from the laundry room.
Public Comment Sought for State’s Forest Management Plans Through 2030
Federal law requires Connecticut to update forest management plans once per decade. The Connecticut Forest and Parks Association is inviting the public to comment on newly updated forest management plans being proposed by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s Forestry Division. Connecticut ranks 14th in dense forestation among the United States and is first in tree cover per urban area, so this plan will impact significant parts of Connecticut natural wildlife. The new forest management plan can be read and commented on at this link; public comment ends December 11.
