Rochelle seeks constituents' responses to survey

State Rep. Kara Rochelle

HARTFORD - State Rep. Kara Rochelle (D-Ansonia/Derby) is seeking input from the people of her district as she continues to prepare for the 2021 Legislative Session.

Residents can take the 2021 constituent survey, by visiting www.housedems.ct.gov/rochelle.

"I hope residents will complete the survey and will continue to stay in touch with me and share what matters most to them," said Rochelle.

The survey will ask residents for their ideas and thoughts on a myriad of issues that may come up this session, including the high cost of healthcare, Connecticut's increasing cost of living, managing government efficiency, and strengthening the state's relationship with the business community to drive workforce development and economic growth.

During her first term, in addition to her annual survey, Rochelle held in-district community coffee hours twice every month. She will resume these office hours virtually via Zoom on the third Monday and Saturday of the month.

"I work for my constituents, and our community comes first. Thoughtfully engaging with residents about the issues that matter most to them allows me to bring their stories and ideas to Hartford so I can best advocate on the issues that impact their lives," Rochelle said.

Residents who would like more information about the survey or office hours can contact Rochelle directly by emailing her at Kara.Rochelle@cga.ct.gov. 

If they need immediate assistance, residents can call her office at 860-240-8585.

This is a press release from Rochelle's office.

Recuperation journey: Backyard 6 years ago today

Always fun when a long-forgotten sunset photo shows up in Facebook memories. 

BHcare recognizes African Americans' contributions during Black History Month

February is Black History Month.

At BHcare we recognize the contributions that black Americans have made to the healthcare community, and notably to the behavioral health field.  

We recognize mental health conditions do not discriminate based on age, race, or gender, however access to health care has historically been a barrier for minorities.  

This leads to lack of support and treatment, and ultimately not feeling well.

According to the Discovery Mood & Anxiety Program, African-American adults are 20 percent more likely to experience mental health issues than the rest of the population yet only around 25 percent seek treatment for a mental health issue, compared to 40 percent of white individuals. 

BHcare provides a healthy and welcoming community that celebrates people from all walks of life. We are here to help. 

BHcare offices are located in Ansonia and Branford.

Some of the services BHcare offers include: 

• Individual and Group Therapy
• Trauma Informed Care 
• Substance Use Disorder Services 
• Coordination with Health Care Providers
• Community Support Services 
• Job Placement

We continue to advocate for mental health parity to make high-quality mental health and addiction treatment services available to anyone who needs them. 

Get connected today. Call 203-800-7177 or visit www.BHcare.org.

Throughout the month of February, BHcare will share health facts and inspirational quotes focusing on education, awareness, access, and kindness.  

Be sure to follow us on Facebook at Facebook.com/CTBHcare.

BHcare is a regional community provider of behavioral health, addiction prevention, and domestic violence services for the Lower Naugatuck Valley, Greater New Haven, and Shoreline communities.  

For more information, visit www.BHcare.org.

This is a press release from BHcare.

Seymour Public Library slates session celebrating 'Take Your Child to the Library Day'

SEYMOUR - The Seymour Public Library will host Virtual Storytime with Miss Rebecca at 10:30 a.m. Friday.

Celebrating the 10th annual “Take Your Child to the Library Day” which is normally held on the first Saturday of February, this Storytime will be library themed!

This is shared from the Library's Facebook page.

Food distribution scheduled today at Walnut Hill Community Church in Derby

 

Klarides-Ditria: DMV announces online license renewal

The Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) recently launched new services that enable residents to renew their driver’s licenses and non-driver ID cards online without having to visit an office in-person. The DMV’s new online renewal option has already been offered to residents whose driver’s license or non-driver ID expired within the last 45 days.  As part of the soft-launch of the new service during the last two months, more than 20,000 individuals have already successfully renewed online. Eligible residents will receive an invitation by postal mail or email to complete their transaction online and make an electronic payment via credit or debit card. Upon successful completion of the online renewal, the license or non-driver ID will be received by mail within 20 days. The department’s efforts to modernize and expand online services to allow more credential holders in the state to safely and securely apply, renew, reinstate, and pay for credentials more efficiently became more critical during the COVID-19 pandemic.  During this time, it moved to an appointment-only system, which helped reduce wait times and kept residents safe. The DMV has also launched two new services with the goal of making it easier for commercial driver’s license holders to complete DMV transactions more easily online and via mobile devices. The Commercial Vehicle Operations (CVO) Portal serves as a “one-stop shop” for the carrier industry (trucking companies) to complete transactions. Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Medical Certificate Portal gives these drivers the option of electronically sending their medical certificates directly to the DMV’s Driver Services Division from their mobile device. All of the DMV’s services can be found online by visiting ct.gov/dmv.

Sincerely,

This is a release from state Rep. Nicole Klarides-Ditria's office.

Derby Public Library to mark 10th annual 'Take Your Child to the Library Day' Saturday

DERBY - Derby Public Library will commemorate the 10th anniversary of Take Your Child to the Library Day this Saturday.

The Library will offer families a DIY craft activity as part of its Take & Make series to make a one-of -a-kind adorable stuffed sock bunny!

All materials will be supplied through vestibule pickup at the Elizabeth Street entrance from 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Saturday.

Bags will be available only to those who have pre-registered. Registration is required at https://bit.ly/38KP1VX

This is shared from the Library's Facebook page.

Recuperation journey: Looking at the sky

The beautiful shade of blue this morning is straight out of the camera. 

The moon is in third quarter phase, 53 percent illumination. 

Have a great day!