First Lady Michelle Obama in New Haven

Here is the release sent out by the White House tonight, with what the relapse said are the remarks by the First Lady during her stop at Wilbur Cross High School in New Haven to stump for Gov. Malloy.

 

Click here for photos from the campaign event.

 

(In photo: Arnold Gold-New Haven Register) State Rep. Robyn Porter (left) of New Haven takes a selfie with First Lady Michelle Obama during a campaign stop for Governor Dannel Malloy at Wilbur Cross High School in New Have)

 

THE WHITE HOUSE

 

Office of the First Lady

_________________________________________________________________

For Immediate Release                            October 30, 2014

 

 

REMARKS BY THE FIRST LADY

AT GRASSROOTS CAMPAIGN EVENT

WITH DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATE FOR GOVERNOR

DAN MALLOY

 

Wilbur High School

New Haven, Connecticut

 

3:54 P.M. EDT

 

     MRS. OBAMA:  Yes!  (Applause.)  Thanks so much, everyone.  This is so exciting.  I am beyond thrilled -- hi, you guys.  (Applause.)  We’re going to get this done.

 

     I am beyond thrilled to be here to support our friend, your outstanding Governor, Dan Malloy.  (Applause.)  That’s why I’m here.  I’m here because of your Governor.  He’s done such an amazing job, and I want to start by thanking him for that wonderfully generous introduction.

 

     But I also want to thank a few other of your outstanding Connecticut leaders who we have here today.  We’ve got Lieutenant Governor Wyman here, obviously.  We’re grateful for her service.  (Applause.)  We’ve got Senator Blumenthal, Senator Murphy here.  (Applause.)  We have Congresswoman DeLauro, who is here, your champion.  (Applause.)  And of course, your Mayor, Mayor Harp is here, as well.  (Applause.)  So I’m grateful to all of them for their leadership, for their service, for the work that they’re doing on behalf of this Governor.  We’re going to get this done.

 

     But most of all, I want to thank all of you.  (Applause.)  Yes!  Just like your Governor said, it’s because of you that we’re here.  And like me, you all are fired up and ready to go.  There was an overflow crowd that I talked to, they are fired up and ready to go.  And like me, you all are here today for one simple reason:  You’re here because you know that this election isn’t about who is up here on this stage.  This is not about me.  It’s not about Barack.  It’s about you.  It’s about what is going on in your lives, what’s going on in your families, your communities. 

 

     AUDIENCE MEMBER:  -- and I am a DREAMer!

 

     MRS. OBAMA:  And we love you, babe.  (Laughter.)  We do. 

 

     AUDIENCE MEMBER:  (Inaudible.)

 

     MRS. OBAMA:  Absolutely.  We have so many issues --

 

     AUDIENCE MEMBER:  (Inaudible.)

 

     MRS. OBAMA:  -- absolutely, honey.  (Applause.)  I hear you, babe.  I hear you, sweetie.  Okay, I’m going to wait and let you -- I will wait and let you finish.  I’m going to wait and let you finish, babe.  I hear every word you’re saying.

 

     AUDIENCE MEMBER:  (Inaudible.) 

 

     MRS. OBAMA:  I hear you, babe.  No, no, understand this -- these -- there is passion here.  But, see, what we have to do is turn this passion into work.  (Applause.)  Because what I know is that everyone has an issue that is near and dear to them.  I know that when you kiss your kids goodbye -- everyone here who has a child, when you send them off, you want to make sure you send them to good schools with good teachers who will push them, who will ensure they have the love and support they need to be on track to go to college, to get a good job, to achieve.  (Applause.)

 

     You’re here because you don’t ever want to be scared walking around in your own neighborhood.  (Applause.)  You believe that no child should ever feel afraid walking into their classroom.  (Applause.)  There are many issues of passion here.  That’s why elections are important. 

 

     You’re here because you believe that when you’re working your heart out, putting in 40 or 50 hours a week at your job, you should be able to pay your bills, you should be able to put some money away.  (Applause.) 

 

     See, I know this because this was my father.  He was a working-class guy.  He was able to raise a family, send us to college on his salary.  That is the American Dream we’re talking about.  (Applause.)  That’s why we’re here. 

 

     You’re here because you know that things are starting to get better because of your President -- (applause) -- because of leaders like Governor Malloy.  (Applause.)  But let me just share some of the numbers with you.  Our businesses have created more than 10 million new jobs since 2010.  This is the longest uninterrupted run of private sector job growth in our nation’s history.  (Applause.)  The national unemployment rate has dropped from a peak of 10 percent back in 2009 to 5.9 percent today.  (Applause.) 

 

     And I know you’re here because you want this state to keep heading in the right direction.  But most of all, you’re here because you know that this election will determine what happens on every single one of these issues.  You guys are lively here.  New Haven, you guys are all fired up.  (Applause.)  You guys want this to be a participatory rally, don’t you?  It’s like, who else should I have come on stage?  (Applause.)  Come on up here, make some points. 

 

     But remember this:  You cannot yell in the audience unless you’re going to vote.  You’ve got to vote.  (Applause.)  Every single issue that you care about -- whether it’s schools or jobs or DREAMers or neighborhoods -- so many of those decisions are made by your Governor.  Understand this.  This is local politics, and more of us have to understand how it works.  And that’s why you’re here for Dan Malloy.  (Applause.)  Because over the past four years, you have seen with your own eyes how this man has transformed this state. 

 

     While other governors were cutting education, your Governor invested in your schools.  And now, what’s going -- test scores are up.  Graduation rates are up.  That’s real work.  Dan Malloy helped create 60,000 jobs.  As he said, he passed paid sick leave, something that everyone -- especially our young people -- should understand.  (Applause.) 

 

     He raised the minimum wage, one of the most important things that will help working-class families get some stability.  He fought for equal pay for women.  (Applause.)  Come on, ladies.  (Applause.)  And then, he is a Governor that has shown such compassion.  After he sat with those grieving families in Newtown, Dan said, never again.  And Dan had the courage to stand up and pass common-sense gun reforms, and today, the crime rate here in Connecticut is at a 40-year low.  (Applause.) 

 

     So we can’t forget why we’re here today.  You know who Dan stands for.  You know who your Governor fights for.  He fights for you.  He fights for your families.  Dan Malloy is your Governor.  (Applause.)  And I want you -- just imagine, as he said, if he achieved so much in four years in tough times, just imagine what this man could do if you gave him another four years.  Just imagine.  (Applause.)

 

     So now, I want to talk brass tactics.  Because this isn’t just about cheering and loving.  I’m happy to be here, I’m happy to feel the energy -- I’m even happy to hear the hecklers, because it shows that folks are revved up, they’ve got a focus.  This is important.  But there is work that must be done.  This just doesn’t happen because we feel good about it.  It happens because we work for it.

 

     So between now and November the 4th, we need to do everything in our power to reelect Dan Malloy as Governor of this state.  We’ve got to do it.  (Applause.)  And this is not going to be easy -- just focus on this -- this will not be easy.  We know there is too much money in politics.  We know that special interests have way too much influence -- we know this.  But just remember, they had plenty of money and plenty of influence back in 2008 and 2012, and Barack Obama still won those elections.  (Applause.)  And you want to know why he won those elections?

 

     AUDIENCE MEMBER:  Because we showed up!

 

     MRS. OBAMA:  Exactly -- because we showed up and we voted.  That’s why.  Because at the end of the day, the folks running those special interest groups, the folks who poured millions of dollars into those elections, they each have just one vote -- and so do each of us.  And those votes are what decides elections in this country. 

 

     And make no mistake about it, every single one of these votes matters.  Because this election is going to be incredibly close -- and we know something about close.  And just -- I want you all to think back to Dan’s race in 2010, because the outcome of that election was decided by about 3,200 votes.  So just think, if 3,200 people had voted for his opponent instead, Dan would have lost. 

 

     And think even further -- because I like to break stuff down -- when you take that 3,200 and you break it down, that’s just four votes per precinct.  Take that in for a moment.  That is four votes per precinct. 

 

     So if there’s anybody here who is thinking that their vote doesn’t matter, if there’s anybody here who knows someone who thinks that voting just isn’t worth their time, if you know young people who are sitting on the couch, I want you to think about those four votes.  So we cannot afford to miss out on a single vote in this election -- not one.  This is real.  Think about your passions.  Think about the things you care about.  And think four votes. 

 

     So right now, here is what I need you to do right now -- I want you all to make a plan.  Because sometimes people don’t vote because they don’t have a plan.  So make your plan.  When are you going to vote?  Write down where you’re going to go, and commit to making it happen.  Do you need a ride?  You have to do it before work?  Do you need babysitting?  Are you going to take somebody with you that can’t get there on their own?  That’s what a plan is.  If you’re a young person, you got school, when are you going to make that happen?  You’ve got to make a plan, just like everything.  Stuff doesn’t just happen.

 

     So everybody here has got to figure out how they’re going to make their voices heard on the 4th.  So now, between --

 

     AUDIENCE MEMBER:  Organize! 

 

     MRS. OBAMA:  Organize!  (Applause.)  New Haven, you guys -- this is fun.  (Applause.)  I got a lot of help on this speech today.  So I know with all this enthusiasm, you guys are going to make this happen.  You guys are helping me out all through my speech.  (Applause.) 

 

     So between now and November 4th, I want you to spend every single minute you have doing the groundwork -- knocking on doors, finding your neighbors, making those phone calls for Dan Malloy.  You do it.  This is how it happens.  And then, on November 4th, get yourself, get everyone you know out to the polls. 

 

     And if you haven’t registered yet, that’s okay.  Young people who haven’t registered -- young people.  (Laughter.)  For those who may not have registered, you can register on November 4th and vote the very same day.  (Applause.)  That’s how easy it is. 

 

     So there really is no excuse.  Get buses and carloads of friends and congregation members and coworkers, and go vote together.  In fact, voting here couldn’t be easier -- all you have to do is show up.  So don’t be left out.

 

     AUDIENCE MEMBER:  November 4th, even the homeless can vote (inaudible.) 

 

     MRS. OBAMA:  Even the homeless can vote.  (Applause.)  I love New Haven!  I love it.  (Applause.)  So don’t be left out.  Your friends will be there, your neighbors will be there.  You will be joining millions of folks across the country who are making their voices heard on the issues they care about.  That’s how you make change.  All those folks are doing this because they know that elections matter.  They know what’s at stake on November the 4th.

 

     You see, because if we stay home on Election Day, all we’re doing is letting other folks decide the outcomes of our lives for us.  (Applause.)  And if we do that, we know exactly what will happen.  We will see less support for our kids’ schools.  We’ll see more folks interfering in women’s private decisions about our bodies and our health care -- that you know.  (Applause.)  We will see more special breaks for those at the top instead of for hard-working folks.  (Applause.)

 

     So, Connecticut, I want to be very clear:  if you believe that folks who are working full time shouldn’t have to live in poverty in the wealthiest nation on the planet; if you think that every community in this state should have good jobs, that we should have common-sense gun laws that keep our families safe; if you think that every child in Connecticut should have the education they need from preschool to college to fulfill every last bit of their God-given potential, then you need to get everyone you know to vote for Dan Malloy for Governor.  (Applause.)  You’ve got to do this.

 

     Because in the end, that’s really what’s at stake in this election -- it’s the kind of world we want to leave for our kids and our grandkids.  And those kids are counting on us.  We see these young people here -- they’re counting on us to stand up for them. 

 

     And I know these kids, and you know these kids.  They’re here.  They’re all over the country.  And that’s why we have to stay focused. 

 

     I’ll tell you a story about one of those kids, Rashema Melson.  She’s one of my mentees in Washington.  Now, Rashema’s father was murdered when she was a baby, and then for years, her family was homeless.  And there were days when she didn’t even have clean clothes to wear to school. 

 

     But that didn’t stop Rashema.  She showed up every morning to school on time.  She threw herself into every class.  She often had to wake up in the middle of the night just to do her homework because that’s the only time it was quiet in the homeless shelter where she and her family lived.  But by senior year, Rashema had earned a 4.0 GPA.  (Applause.)  She graduated as valedictorian of her class.  And right now, today, Rashema is on full scholarship at Georgetown University.  (Applause.) 

 

     And as I travel across this country, I meet so many kids just like Rashema every day -- kids who are working two or three jobs to save up for college.  Kids whose parents don’t speak a word of English, and are fighting so hard to make it in this country.  Kids who are out there on their own, waking up early, staying up late, studying as hard as they can because they know that’s the only way to make it. 

 

     And what I think about, what the President thinks about every day -- these kids have every reason to give up, but they are so hungry, they are so desperate to lift themselves up.  And that is why we’re here today.  Don’t get it twisted, as they say.  That’s why we’re here today.  (Applause.)  As Barack and I tell ourselves every day -- because those kids never give up, then neither can we.  Neither can we.

 

     So between now and November 4th, New Haven, we need to be energized for our kids.  We need to be inspired for them.  We need to pour everything we have into this election so they can have the opportunities they need to build the future they deserve.

 

     So just understand, this is on us.  The kids who are desperate to make it in this country, the kids who are working every day to get out of high school, to go to college -- we are standing up to them, and for them.  So if we keep stepping up and bringing others along with us, then I am confident that we can keep making that change we believe in.  I know that we can reelect Dan Malloy as Governor.  And I know that, together, we can build a future worthy of all our children’s dreams.

 

     Thank you all.  Get it done.  God bless.  (Applause.) 

 

                             END                  4:15 P.M. EDT

 

Indian Dinner and Gourmet Cooking Class at Temple Emanuel

ORANGE - An "entertaining cooking demonstration and a gourmet buffet are on the menu at Temple Emanuel of Greater New Haven" at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 8, according to a release.

 

"

Chef Jawahar 'Jack' Dorasiwamy will create and serve a wonderful, three-course, mildly spiced and Kosher Indian dinner for your enjoyment," the release said..

Reservations are required for the event. The deadline is Nov. 2. Tickets are $54 per person. Sign up on the TE website: www.templeemanuel-gnh.org.

Raffle items will also be available, including gift baskets and the opportunity to help Chef Jack in the kitchen, the release said. "All attendees will leave with a complete set of recipes from the evening as well as starter bags of spices."

Temple Emanuel is located at 150 Derby Ave. (Rt. 34) in Orange. For more information about this and other services and events at Temple Emanuel, go to www.templeemanuel-gnh.org, or call the TE office at 203-397-3000.

 

'Thanksgiving 'during the 18th Century Dinner' at Webb-Deane-Stevens Museum

 

WETHERSFIELD -  Chef Christopher Prosperi,  will visit the Webb-Deane-Stevens Museum on  Nov. 16  to "share his views on the history of what may be the ultimate comfort food—the traditional Thanksgiving feast," according to a release.

"The setting is fitting—one would be hard-pressed to find more authentic fare than that served annually at the 18^th-Century Thanksgiving Dinner at WDS—the menu was designed by a food historian and is based on centuries-old New England recipes."

Tickets for the 18th-Century Thanksgiving Dinner are $85 per person, and include the reception, 18^th-century music and an optional tour of the three historic homes at the museum following the event, the release said. Reservations are required and available by calling (860) 529-0612, ext. 12.

At the event, Prosperi will share "wit and wisdom," and details of some of his own Thanksgiving experiences—"including a reenactment of the first Thanksgiving," the release said.

"Mr. and Mrs. Silas Deane will host the historical event dressed in period clothing. Dinner will be preceded by a wine reception at noon, with light fare and 18^th-century music."

 

"Shortly before 1 p.m., a servant will ring the dinner bell and invite the guests to adjourn to the Webb Barn. The carefully researched menu, prepared by J Restaurant, of Hartford, will include dishes typically served at Thanksgiving in the 1700s: venison pie, roasted goose and turkey, chine of pork, pottage of cabbage, leeks and onions, puddings and several vegetables, pumpkin and apple pie, and selections of wine and non-alcoholic beverages. Prosperi will give his presentation on Thanksgiving during dessert.

Prosperi, shown in photo, is chef owner of Metro Bis restaurant in Simsbury.

 

Orange Historical Society Tag Sale is Oct. 25

The building is right across from the town Green and there is parking behind the old library.


ORANGE - There will be a tag sale at Historical Society's "The Academy" building  - "most likely the last one until spring" from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 25 at 605 Orange Center Road, organizers said.

"The antique shop will be open as well so do some thrift shopping and holiday shopping at the same time," organizers said in a release. " Don't forget those fall weddings and hostess gifts for the unusual and distinctive collectibles."

 For information call 203 795-3106

New Haven to hold 2-night ‘Halloween Extravaganza’

/NEW HAVEN - Mayor Toni Harp and the Department of Parks, Recreation, and Trees will hold "A Halloween Extravaganza" for children of all ages on Oct. 30-31 at the Armory on Goffe Street.

Festivities from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Oct. 30 will include music with a DJ, Halloween games and arts and crafts, a pumpkin moon bounce, photo booths and more, according to a release. From 6 to 9 p.m. on Oct. 31, there will be costume contest, with "prizes awarded for the scariest, most creative, funniest and family-themed," the release said.. The movie "Frankenweenie" will be shown at 7:30 p.m. Participants will be able to take pictures at the photo booth using their own cameras, or buy a professional 4X6 picture for $5, the release said.

"This wonderful community event is a safe and fun alternative to traditional Halloween festivities. It is offered to all ages and is free to attend with the donation of a non-perishable food item or toy" the release said.

 

(See Halloween in a different way in New Haven in these photos.)

Parking for the event is provided in the Bowen Field Parking Lot. A free shuttle service will bring the public to the Armory for the event and departs every 15 minutes, the release said. For more information on the Halloween Extravaganza or any other Department of Parks, Recreation, and Trees programs, call 203.946.8027 or visit www.cityofnewhaven.com/parks.

Connecticut Black Expo 2014 coming Oct. 31 and Nov. 1 in New Haven

NEW HAVEN - The Connecticut Black Expo 2014 will be held from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Oct. 31 and Nov. 1 at The Curtis McKinley Cofield Christian Life Center at Immanuel Baptist Church, 1324 Chapel St., organizers said.

The event will include small businesses, authors, jewelry, clothing designers, seminars, hair and fashion show, guest speakers, performances and more, organizers said in a release. Food will be available for purchase.

Admission to the event is free and open to the public.

For more information about the event of becoming a sponsor, visit www.CtBlackExpo.net or call 203-558-0066

Per Organizers, Confirmed Vendors Include:

The New Haven Police Department

New Haven Firebird Society - Raising Funds For Their Fallen Colleague In Hartford, CT.

New England Tractor Trailer Training School (NETTTS)

U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force And Marines,

Eden Eegance Floral & Wedding Decor

Stella & Dot - Jewelry, Bags & Engravables

94.3 WYBC Radio

Holla - Back Gospel Awards, Connecticut - "Stop-Bullying" Campaign

EnfinitiGlobal Renewable Energy Distributors

Deborah Agnew & Denver Darden Authors Of "Lessons Learned"

Ken-Char Organics & Novelties

Northeast News Today - Hartford, CT.

Connecticut Black Chamber Of Commerce

Cotton-Candy & Popcorn Vendor

 

DEEP soliciting public Input to state wildlife action plan

In a press release, the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection said it will hold "a series of informal meetings throughout the state to obtain public input as it updates the state’s Wildlife Action Plan."

The plan “serves as Connecticut’s blueprint for conservation action.

The agency must complete a comprehensive review and revision every 10 years to make sure the Wildlife Action Plan reflects current needs and priorities for species of greatest conservation need and their habitats,” the release said.

“Wildlife and nature are the foundation of Connecticut’s beauty and cultural heritage. The State Wildlife Action Plan is a strategic plan to conserve these resources for the future,” the release said. “Recovery of species that have reached threatened or endangered status is typically more costly than preventive actions that keep wildlife populations from reaching such declines. Proactive management actions identified in Connecticut’s Wildlife Action Plan are intended to keep species common.”

“This revision includes the identification of new or updated actions to advance wildlife conservation over the next decade,” Rick Jacobson, director of the DEEP Wildlife Division, said, also in the release. “It also involves a reevaluation of Connecticut’s species of greatest conservation need list, taking into account new information on climate change and its impacts to wildlife conservation, as well as an update of resource mapping, the refining of conservation threats, and the incorporation of information gained through the implementation of the first Wildlife Action Plan developed in 2005.”

Jenny Dickson, DEEP supervising biologist and plan coordinator, said. “Participation by conservation partners, academic institutions, municipalities, and the public is a key to making the revised Wildlife Action Plan an effective tool for conserving Connecticut's diversity of wildlife resources for future generations.”


 

Opportunities for Public Input (per release)

To provide input to the Wildlife Action Plan:

 

-          Submit comments on the revised list of species of greatest conservation need, an updated description of key habitats found in Connecticut, and revisions to chapters of the original 2005 plan (called the Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy or CWCS).

All of the revised documents can be found on the Department’s website at: www.ct.gov/deep/WildlifeActionPlan, and the public is encouraged to check the website often as more updates and revisions become available for review.

-          The Department also will be holding a series of informal meetings throughout the state and the public is encouraged to attend and provide input. Comments can also be submitted to the DEEP Wildlife Division via e-mail (deep.wildlifeactionplan@ct.gov) or by regular mail to: Connecticut Wildlife Division, Sessions Woods W.M.A., P.O. Box 1550, Burlington, CT 06013.

- Public informational presentations about the Wildlife Action Plan are scheduled for the following dates:

·         October 21 (Tuesday), 6:00 PM at the Wildlife Division’s Sessions Woods Conservation Education Center, 341 Milford St (Rt. 69), Burlington (please pre-register for this presentation by calling the Sessions Woods office at 860-675-8130).

·         October 29 (Wednesday), 7:00 PM at the Glastonbury Audubon Center, Connecticut Audubon Society, 1361 Main Street, Glastonbury

·         November 13 (Thursday), 6:30 PM at Milford Point Audubon Center, Connecticut Audubon Society, 1 Milford Point Road, Milford

The public is encouraged to attend any of the following facilitated workshops to provide input on the Wildlife Action Plan:

·         November 5 (Wednesday), 1:00-3:00 PM AND 6:30-8:30 PM, at Greenwich Audubon Center, Audubon Connecticut, 613 Riversville Road, Greenwich

·         November 6 (Thursday), 1:00-3:00 PM AND 6:30-8:30 PM, at Connecticut Forest and Park Association, 16 Meriden Road, Rockfall (near Middlefield)

·         November 7 (Friday), 1:30-3:30 PM, at Windsor Public Library, 323 Broad Street, Windsor

·         November 7 (Friday), 6:30-8:30 PM, at Sharon Audubon Center, Audubon Connecticut, 325 Cornwall Bridge Road, Sharon

·         November 8 (Saturday), 10:00 AM-12:00 noon, at Stonington Free Library, 20 High Street, Stonington

·         November 8 (Saturday), 2:00-4:00PM, at Pomfret Audubon Center, Connecticut Audubon Society, 218 Day Road, Pomfret Center

·         November 9 (Sunday), 10:00 AM-12:00 noon, at DEEP Marine Headquarters, 333 Ferry Road, Old Lyme

·         November 9 (Sunday), 2:00-4:00 PM at the Wildlife Division’s Sessions Woods Conservation Education Center, 341 Milford Street (RT 69), Burlington

A schedule of informational meetings and facilitated workshops also can be viewed on the DEEP website at .

Since its approval in 2006 by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and with funding provided through the State Wildlife Grants Program for project implementation, Connecticut’s Wildlife Action Plan has been a foundational document for guiding research and management of fish and wildlife in our state.

 

Where to vote in New Haven

The following is a list of the New Haven polling places that will be open for voting in the Nov. 4, 2014 election. The list can be downloaded and also can be printed. 
Below the list of polling places you will see a posting of the list of candidates running for office across Connecticut. (including Congress)

For more information about elections in Connecticut, click here.

For more information about the city of New Haven, click here.

Register online to vote here (but only through Oct. 21) Secretary of the State Denise Merrill says "Since online voter registration in Connecticut launched in February of 2014, more than 23,000 voters have used the system to either become new voters or change their voter registration." 

New Haven _nov.4,2014

List of Candidates 2014

Art show will benefit adult education in New Haven

NEW HAVEN - The Raggs clothing store on Chapel Street will host a showing of limited-edition prints by friend and neighbor Barry Svigals, founding partner of architecture-plus-art firm Svigals + Partners, from 5 to 7p.m. Oct. 10, organizers said in a release.

One hundred percent of the proceeds from sales of Svigals' prints will benefit the adult education non-profit Connecticut Center for Arts & Technology (ConnCAT) the facility for which Svigals + Partners designed, the release said.

Wine and hors d'oeuvres will be served.

Rosa DeLauro and others on Ebola, need for hearing

The following is a release sent from the office of U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-3. It is shared unedited here as a public service

WASHINGTON, DC--The Democratic members of the House of Representatives Labor-Health and Human Services (HHS)-Education Appropriations Subcommittee today called for a subcommittee hearing on the public health threats posed by the recent outbreaks of Ebola and Enterovirus D68. The Labor-HHS-Education subcommittee is responsible for funding the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA).

Their letter to subcommittee Chairman Jack Kingston can be read in its entirety here.

"Since Congress left Washington last month-the earliest we have recessed in over 50 years-the Ebola virus has found its way onto American soil and Enterovirus D68 has reached almost every state and is linked to the deaths of multiple children" wrote Subcommittee Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro, Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Nita Lowey and subcommittee members Lucille Roybal-Allard, Barbara Lee and Mike Honda. "We have a responsibility to ensure that CDC, NIH and the other public health agencies under our jurisdiction have sufficient resources to protect the public health and are taking the appropriate actions today to address it.  When Congress returns from the November elections, we will have to determine the funding necessary for these agencies to respond to these public health crises before the Continuing Resolution expires. Therefore, we urge you to convene a Subcommittee hearing this month to gather the information we need to make informed decisions for the remainder of the fiscal year."

NIH funding has been cut by $1.2 billion over the last four years, before adjusting for inflation. Once accounting for inflation, NIH has lost more than ten percent of its purchasing power since 2010. The CDC program that supports state and local public health professionals working on the front lines has been cut by 16 percent over the last four years. The federal Hospital Preparedness program has been cut by an astounding 44 percent over the last four years.

Mental health awareness/suicide prevention forum slated

A local mom who lost her son to suicide and started the organization D.A.N. , or Don't Accept No, has organized a free forum on Mental Health Awareness/Reform and Suicide Prevention that will begin at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 23 at East Haven High School, 35 Wheelbarrow Lane, East Haven.  

There will be four professionals on the panel, with question and answer period afterward. D.A.N. founder Judy Kelson Murray said.  

New Haven event at Yale bowl will help fight hunger

NEW HAVEN >> The "Food For All 2014 | A Day of Food and Football To End Hunger in New Haven" fundraiser will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 18 at the Hospitality Village at Yale Bowl, organizers said in a release.

The event, to be held prior to the Yale/Colgate football game, will benefit the non-profit organization Community Plates - New Haven, which works to end food insecurity as volunteers "rescue" food not used by restaurants and catering companies bring it to local soup kitchens

The event will include catered foods, a tended bar and live music to raise money and awareness "of the significant impact food rescue programs have on ending food insecurity among our neighbors," the release said.

Tickets are $55 for adults and $25 for children, organizers said. The ticket includes, food, bar and general admission to game. Parking in Lot D is $5 per car and is not included in event-ticket price, the release said. Learn more about Community Plates - New Haven on the group’s website.