Rochelle's autism bill receives bipartisan support in the House

State Rep. Kara Rochelle

HARTFORD - Legislation proposed by state Rep. Kara Rochelle, D-Ansonia, received unanimous bipartisan approval Wednesday by the House of Representatives. 

H.B. 6184, An Act Concerning Access to Information on Early Childhood Interventions, will next be voted on by the Senate. 

The bill will require: (1) the Office of Early Childhood to develop a document concerning developmental milestones experienced by children from birth to age five and information on how to access the Child Development Infoline; and (2) child care centers, group child care homes, and family child care homes to post copies of such document on the premises of such centers and homes in a prominent location for parents or guardians to see regularly.

“Signs of autism are often present as early as 18 months of age and early intervention can make a big difference for children on the spectrum,” Rochelle said. “I was focused on creating a bill that will foster awareness amongst child care providers and parents about early childhood developmental milestones and what to do if a child is struggling to hit milestones. The first step to getting a child help is knowledge.” 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 1 in 59 children was diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder in 2018. 

“I heard concerns from our local educators that more children must be evaluated for early intervention earlier than kindergarten," Rochelle said. "It is scientifically shown that the earlier the intervention the better the outcome for children with autism and other developmental delays.

"Thank you to all my legislative colleagues and advocates who helped this bill move forward.”  

This is a press release from Rochelle's office.

Recuperation journey: Kiddos

 Doing my own Throwback Thursday today. I love this photo from the summer of 1995.

Recuperation journey: Christmas memories ...

I see many shades of red in this photo - too many!
The photo needs another festive color, green or something! 

Recuperation journey: Transplant ties

A cousin and I have more in common than just being part of the McDonald family.

I had a kidney transplant May 9, and my cousin, John, just marked his 16th anniversary of getting a kidney donated to him from a close friend in August, 2001.

We both learned way back when we were in our 20s that we had inherited Polycystic Kidney Disease, a disease that has afflicted many in the family.

Since John was driving through Connecticut today on his way to a high school reunion in Massachusetts he asked me to meet for lunch. And we did just that.
It's nice to have a flexible schedule so I can occasionally fit in fun stuff!

We chatted about kidneys and anti-rejection meds, and we shared childhood memories of extended family members and the fun times we spent at get-togethers. 


It was really great to see him. I hope we can get together again in the near future.  

Recuperation journey: Watching the birds

When I was really little my mother started watching the birds in our yard. She would enthusiastically tell me about her newfound interest, and of course I had no interest.

"I saw a tufted titmouse!" she'd exclaim, or something similar. She'd keep a written record of the dates she saw various feathered friends. I didn't understand the enjoyment of it all. 

My father bought her a good pair of binoculars and Roger Tory Peterson's Field Guide to the Birds of Eastern and Central North America to help her identify what she was watching.

Fast forward decades later. I find myself watching the birds outside my window.
The difference is I also enjoy trying to capture their photos, such as these I took in the spring:

Another observation: I've discovered there are other ladies "of a certain age" like me who also like to watch the birds.

Hmmm....  

Newsletter features 'Shelton Going Gold,' food trucks

Dear readers,

I'm sharing a link here to our latest newsletter, which I forgot to do yesterday.

It features a story about a Shelton mom seeking to raise awareness for childhood cancer and a recap about Food Trucks in the Valley held last week.


Thanks for reading!

Oxford resident creates 'Bookworm Bottles'

OXFORD - Ever wonder what to do with an empty bottle? 
Resident Kate Mirabella has, and you can see how she used her creativity to make 'Bookworm Bottles' on display at Lizzie's Corner Consignment and Gifts at 19 Bank St. in Seymour.

Mirabella recently started making the literary-themed bottles. 
Her mother, Elizabeth Pisano, opened Lizzie's Corner last month. 
Pisano makes beautifully lit bottles. Her business is "Re-Designed by Elizabeth." I'm happy to say I won one of her creations in October during a raffle on Seymour Pink Day.

Snow White and Rapunzel are in the house! 
Talk about bringing back childhood memories. These labels certainly do that.

And, I must agree with the label at left that says, "It's Always Tea-Time!

The moral of the story is: Go to Lizzie's Corner and check out the crafts and consigned items, including Kate's creative work.