Tuesday, May 5, 2020

Recuperation journey: Looking at the sky

Fiery sunset seen from backyard.

 The moon is in waxing gibbous phase, 94 percent illumination.

Ansonia Police seek help identifying suspect in break-in

ANSONIA - The Ansonia Police Department is attempting to identify the individual pictured below. 
On Feb. 16, 2020, at about 11 p.m. the individual broke into the office at the Optimo Car Wash, 696 Main St. The car wash is located at the back of the Main Street Shell Gas Station. 
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Richard Esposito at 203-735-1885 or tips can be left through Tip411 at the link below.





This is a press release from Ansonia Police Lt. Patrick Lynch.

Police charge Ansonia woman with prostitution

Christina Hernandez-Cruz

ANSONIA - On May 4, 2020 the Ansonia Police Department arrested Christina Hernandez-Cruz, age 23, of Dwight Street for Prostitution. 
This was Hernandez-Cruz' second arrest for prostitution, she was first arrested on Sept.13, 2019 after a lengthy investigation into prostitution at her residence on Dwight Street. Information obtained by the police department recently, indicated that Hernandez-Cruz was engaged in prostitution again. 
An undercover operation was initiated, contact made with Hernandez-Cruz, where she agreed to meet and exchange sex for money. 
Christina Hernandez-Cruz was charged with Prostitution and release with a court date of July 1, 2020.


This is a press release from Ansonia Police Lt. Patrick Lynch.


Ansonia to continue distance learning through June 12, DiBacco says


Valley YMCA holding food drive at downtown Ansonia insurance agency


'Turnback Tuesday' features Bassett House Hotel in Derby

Turnback Tuesday shows a photo of the Bassett House Hotel located at 100 Elizabeth St., Derby, after a fire gutted it in November, 1911. Originally the home of Sheldon Bassett until circa 1870, it opened a few years later. 
A restaurant was on the main floor for local residents and travelers alike to enjoy. 
After the fire, the Hotel Clark was built at this location in 1914.

Thanks go to the Derby Public Library staff for sharing interesting local history each week!

Shelton Library System to host Teen Book Talk via Zoom

Sharing from a Facebook event page:

The Shelton Library System will hold Teen Book Talk via Zoom at 3 p.m. Wednesday. 
Teens 13 and older can join Miss Jessica to chat about new YA books or old favorites!

*THIS IS AN ONLINE PROGRAM*

You can register with this link: http://engagedpatrons.org/EventsRegister.cfm?SiteID=2661&BranchID=827&Branch=Huntington%20Branch%20Library&EventID=411985&PK=

Use your device to download the Zoom app (or go to www.zoom.us).
Join the meeting using the meeting code which will be emailed to you upon registration.
Make sure your audio and video are enabled.
This program will run between 15-30 minutes.

Ansonia Library to host Virtual Book Club meeting Monday


Rochelle offers update on COVID-19, jobless benefits, 2020 Census, more


Friends and Neighbors, 

I hope this message finds you well. During this time of social distancing, my office and I are continuing to go through the ever-evolving stream of information to keep you updated on our state's response to reduce the spread of COVID-19/coronavirus and cautiously open the state economy. 

In this email, you will find the following: 

COVID-19 Update
Information on federal unemployment benefits for independent contractors
State Launches Free Online Job Training Unemployment Claimants
State Re-Opening Plan
May is Mental Health Month
2020 Census
Women's Business Development Council Town Hall

COVID-19 Update
As of May 3 at 8:30 p.m., 29,973 cases of COVID-19 have been reported among Connecticut residents. Day-to-day changes reflect newly reported cases, deaths, and tests that occurred over the last several days to week. All data in this report are preliminary; data for previous dates will be updated as new reports are received and data errors are corrected. 
For a county-by-county breakdown of cases or to view additional data, please click the image above.

Friday, the Governor signed the 35th executive order, Executive Order No. 7HH to mitigate the spread of coronavirus. 
The order enacts the following provisions:
Mandatory suspension of annual town meeting or referendum to adopt budget
Authorization for common-interest communities to hold meetings remotely.


For all of the emergency orders issued by the Governor and state agencies, click here. Watch his daily news briefings here, and read the press releases here.
For the most up-to-date information from the State of Connecticut on COVID-19, including an FAQ and other guidance and resources, residents are encouraged to visit ct.gov/coronavirus.

Federal Unemployment Benefits for Independent Contractors, Self-Employed

If you’re self-employed and haven’t filed, the federal rules state you must file first through Connecticut’s unemployment system to receive a denial that then qualifies you for federal unemployment. If you’re self-employed and filed a claim application, you don’t need to file again. Please note that the PUA (Pandemic Unemployment Assistance) application is not yet available. 
I will keep you updated on when it is available.

State Launches Free Online Job Training Unemployment Claimants

Looking to upgrade your skills or learn some new ones?
The state is expanding the SkillUp CT program to make free online learning licenses available to recipients of unemployment insurance, including those who have been impacted by the COVID-19 public health crisis. 
Originally launched in eastern Connecticut, the program is being launched across the state over the coming weeks to enable recently laid-off workers to upgrade their skills and earn industry-recognized certifications online. 

This program is coordinated by the Connecticut Workforce Development Council, the Connecticut Governor's Workforce Council, and the Connecticut Department of Labor. 

Eligible residents will receive email instructions on how to obtain a Metrix Learning license that grants them access to nearly 5,000 online courses in fields like information technology, business analysis, project management, digital literacy, and more. Anyone with an Internet connection and computer can access courses. 

To enroll in SkillUp CT, click here.
Additional information is available here.

State Re-Opening Plan

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic and daily information on cases and outcomes, we are finally seeing some steady progress towards re-opening.

Thanks to the social distancing measures we put in place and most everyone's cooperation and compliance, we have seen a daily decline in hospitalizations across the state.

As a result, Gov. Lamont announced the goal to begin opening cautiously beginning on May 20.

KEY Points that will contribute to the decision to begin opening the state:
A 14-day decline in hospitalizations
Increased testing
Enough contact tracing
Protection for those at highest risk
Adequate protective equipment and hospital capacity
Social distancing protocols

Many of us are anxious to resume our daily activities and interacting with family and friends, however we must do so responsibly. The health and strength of our businesses and economy depends on all of us.
I will keep you updated as we make progress and more details are released by the governor's advisory group.

May is Mental Health Month

The common statistic that 1 in 4 people are coping with mental health is probably an understatement during COVID-19. 
Over the past six weeks, everyone has had their lives altered and we are all learning to cope in new ways.
This year’s Mental Health Month shines a timely light on mental wellness. The #YouAreNotAlone social media campaign builds connection and increases awareness of how important connection is, especially during physical distancing. 
If you are struggling, or know someone who is, visit the BHCare and NAMI websites listed below to learn more about the many resources available to you or someone you love. 
There are suggestions for coping, ways to seek support and many examples of people sharing their stories. There are confidential ways to find a kind ear or shoulder if you need one.

Visit for more information: www.bhcare.org/
nami.org/Support-Education

2020 Census
The COVID-19 pandemic underscores the importance of Census data and responding to the 2020 Census. 
Together with data from the Census Bureau's American Community Survey, census data also allows scientists and healthcare experts to model the potential impact of an emerging health threat. Respond to the census today at my2020census.gov.
For additional information on how to respond to the census, what data is used for, and how your information is protected, visit 2020census.gov.

Women's Business Development Council Town Hall

From noon-1 p.m. today [May 5] join the Women's Business Development Council, Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz, Dr. Asha Shah, Stamford Health Associate Hospital Epidemiologist and Associate Director of Infectious Diseases, for a zoom conversation on the COVID-19 response and update. 
Join the meeting here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83219121131

Mobile: 312-626-6799

Meeting ID: 832 1912 1131
Please feel free to contact me with any thoughts and concerns you may have on Kara.Rochelle@cga.ct.gov or 1-800-842-8267. Follow my Facebook page for regular legislative updates. 

All my Best,

Kara Rochelle
State Representative