AREA PEOPLE OF NOTE

* Connex Credit Union recently donated $753.05 to ‘R Kids Family Center to help the organization achieve its mission of permanency, safety and stability for vulnerable children and families. These funds were raised through Coins-for-Change, Connex’s philanthropic program. Employees and volunteers from ‘R Kids Family Center, from left, are Enna Garcia, program director; Kenneth Driffin, operations manager; Randi Rubin Rodriguez, executive director; Luisa Vargas, master of social work; LaVera Jackson, master of social work.

* Christina (Tina) Burland, a junior at Amity Regional High School, held an event March 13 on the Woodbridge Town Green, where she and her supporters spelled out the words “Woodbridge Together” with hundreds of luminaria to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the pandemic. The ceremony was shown on Facebook Live, so Woodbridge residents could participate from their homes and still feel the sense of community and a coming together which was her goal for this event. Her accompanying fundraiser to benefit the Woodbridge Rotary Club COVID Relief Fund raised $3,000. This event is the second project that Burland created with her initiative called “Woodbridge Together” to foster community togetherness. To see the videos on Facebook, go to www.facebook.com/woodbridgetogether, Instagram, or visit www.woodbridgetogether.com

* Major General Ray Shields, the Adjutant General for the State of New York, announces the recent promotion of members of the New York Army National Guard in recognition of their capability for additional responsibility and leadership. Orlando Rowe from West Haven, assigned to the 145th Maintenance Company received a promotion to the rank of staff sergeant on Jan. 13.