Carlson named museum’s executive director

ESSEX — The Connecticut River Museum has selected Jennifer L. Carlson as its new Executive Director, starting Aug. 4.

Carlson was most recently the executive director of the Wyck Association, an historic house, collection, and gardens in Philadelphia. There, she focused on improving the site infrastructure, cultivating constituent relationships, and expanding community outreach programs.

She has worked for 20 years in the cultural sector of Philadelphia: as program director at Historic Philadelphia, assistant director of marketing and communications a Temple University’s Boyer College of Music and Dance, and assistant dean at La Salle University’s School of Arts and Sciences.

“We are extremely pleased that Jennifer has agreed to take this assignment,” said Peter Coombs, Chair of the museum’s Board of Trustees. “We wholly look forward to her inspired leadership of our great staff.”

Carlson will replace Tom Wilcox, formerly a museum trustee, who has been acting as Interim Director since February. She has a BA in Theatre from Temple University and an MA in Central and Eastern European Studies from La Salle University. She most recently volunteered at Junior Achievement of Southeastern PA and on the Aldan (PA) Historical Commission.

She and her husband currently reside in Simsbury, having moved recently from Philadelphia. They plan to move closer to Essex in the coming year.

The Connecticut River Museum is located on the Essex waterfront at 67 Main Street in Essex and is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm. The Museum, located in the historic Steamboat Dock building, offers exhibits and programs about the history and environment of the Connecticut River. We are following all state and local guidelines, masks are required. For more information, call 860-767-8269 or go to www.ctrivermuseum.org.

Clothing drive set in Middletown

MIDDLETOWN —The March for Education Foundation is hosting a socially distanced, drive-up used clothing drive Thursday from 1 to 5 p.m. at the 60 Ferry St. parking lot.

Volunteers will empty vehicles or donors can place their bags at a safe distance for them to retrieve.

Donation receipts will be provided For information, visit marchforeducation.com or contact Timothy Cooper at 203-5222511 (texting available) or timothy@marchforeducation.com.

AARP accepting Andrus Award nominations

AARP is now accepting nominations for its 2020 Connecticut Andrus Award for Community Service, which honors an outstanding volunteer who is sharing their experience, talent, and skills to enrich the lives of their community members. The deadline is Aug. 1.

In addition, AARP Connecticut will donate $3,000 on behalf of the Andrus Award winner to an eligible non-profit organization of their choosing.

Nominees must be 50 years or older. They do not have to be an AARP member.

The achievements, accomplishments, or service on which the nomination is based must have been performed on a volunteer basis, without pay. AmeriCorps VISTA and Senior Corps programs volunteers (Senior Companions, Foster Grandparents, RSVP, and Senior Demonstration Programs) are eligible.

The achievements, accomplishments, or service on which the nomination is based must reflect AARP’s vision and purpose, and be replicable and provide inspiration for others to volunteer.

Couples or partners who perform service together are also eligible; however, teams are not eligible. This is not a posthumous award.

Nominations will be evaluated by a selection committee based on how the volunteer’s work positively impacts the lives of people, improves the community, supports AARP’s vision and mission, and inspires others to volunteer. The award recipient will be announced in early fall.

Nomination forms are online. For additional information, contact Elaine Werner at ewerner@aarp.org or call 860-5483169.

Foundation providing free memory screenings

The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) announced that it will be providing free, confidential memory screenings digitally through its National Memory Screening Program every Monday and Wednesday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Screenings are conducted one-on-one through secure videoconference in real-time. Appointments can be made by calling AFA at 866-232-8484. The free program is open to everyone: there are no minimum age or insurance requirements.

The memory screening takes approximately 10-15 minutes and is confidential. Memory screenings are an important part of health and wellness and are similar to other routine health screenings, such as those for blood pressure, cholesterol and skin checks.

Results are not a diagnosis, but a memory screening can suggest if someone should see a physician for a full evaluation. Oftentimes, memory problems can be caused by treatable or curable conditions, such as a vitamin deficiency or thyroid problem. If the memory problems are the result of something such as Alzheimer’s disease, early detection can enable the person to begin medications sooner, participate in a clinical trial and take a more active role in developing their care plan.

Individuals wishing to get a free memory screening should call AFA at 866-232-8484 to schedule an appointment. A computer, smartphone or tablet containing a webcam is needed to participate in the program. Appointments are required and scheduled on a first-come, first served basis.

For more information about memory screenings, Alzheimer’s disease or support services available to help families affected by Alzheimer’s, visit AFA’s website at www.alzfdn.org or call AFA’s Helpline at 866-232-8484.