Special Olympics fall festival set Sept. 9-10

All are invited to come out and cheer on their local team, when athletes from across the state compete at the 2017 Special Olympics Connecticut Unified Sports Fall Festival, presented by Mohegan Sun on Sept. 9 and 10.

Over a thousand Unified Sports teammates (individuals with and without intellectual disabilities) are expected to participate, with support from over 300 coaches and hundreds of volunteers.

The public is invited to attend at no cost to share in the joy of the games.

For more information, visit www.soct.org, email specialolympicsct@soct.org or call 203-230-1201. And, follow Special Olympics Connecticut on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Library to forgive fines, collection fees

Russell Library announced today that it will forgive fines to welcome patrons and materials back to the library.

Throughout the month of September, patrons can bring in their overdue materials, whether they are five days or five years late, and the library will waive fines and collection fees “We hope to reconnect residents of all ages with one of Middletown’s greatest resources,” said Russell Library Director and CEO Matt Poland. “Russell Library is one of the best public libraries in Connecticut because of innovative initiatives like fine-free youth library cards, the fine forgiveness program and our wide assortment of materials and available technology. By welcoming back generations of patrons and restocking the shelves, we are building a stronger Middletown with new opportunities for learning for all citizens.”

The library expects to “welcome home” hundreds of outstanding items as well as welcoming back hundreds of patrons whose access to library materials has been blocked by overdue fines.

From Sept. 1 to 30, late fines will be waived on all books, CDs, DVDs, and other materials, no matter how long overdue. If an item has been lost, the patron will only be responsible for the replacement cost, and all fines will be forgiven.

“This program allows the library to recover assets but it is also meant to give people with overdue materials a chance to start over with a clean record, no matter how long the items have been checked out or the reasons for not returning them,” said Library Director and CEO Poland. “It aligns with our commitment to lowering the barriers to library use and providing basic access for all citizens, especially those most in need of our services.”

In June, Russell Library implemented a fine-free youth library card in an effort to eliminate impediments face by children during the years when they are learning to read and then reading to learn.

FEMA grant to support firefighters

A FEMA grant will help supply the firefighters of the Westfield Volunteer Fire Department with the latest selfcontained breathing apparatus and a new air compressor.

The department, and its oversight body, the Westfield Fire District, were recently notified that it received the grant, which had been applied for in November 2016.

Officially titled the “Assistance to Firefighters Grant,” the funds will be utilized to purchase self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and a breathing air compressor / cascade fill station.

The new equipment will replace SCBA’s purchased in 2004 and a compressor that is 25 years old and no longer supported by the manufacturer.

The new SCBA air paks, bottles, and face masks will replace the department’s aging current inventory that will soon be out of NFPA (National Fire Protection Agency) compliance standards.

Chief Bill Balch states that “many mandated changes and updates have been made over the last 13 years to these units making this purchase critical for firefighter safety, and required to maintain compliance with the NFPA. Being able to purchase this necessary equipment will enhance our firefighters’ safety and give our department the necessary means to better protect our community without putting an even higher tax burden on them.”

The total grant award for Operation and Safety is $210,980 with a Federal Share of $191,800 and a 10 percent match from the fire district in the amount of $19,180. This will cover the replacement of 26 SCBA’s and a new air compressor. The remaining inventory of 12 SCBA’s will also be replaced with district funds.

The district formed a committee more than a year ago to begin the research phase of this project. Whether awarded the grant or not, the purchase of this equipment was planned. The district’s long range planning called for replacement of these older units no later than 2019. The district has a period of one year to complete the project and put the equipment in service.