The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
Chamber hosting ‘lifesaving’ Narcan training
MIDDLETOWN
— April winds down this week in Middlesex County, and the chamber continues to be on the move.
On the chamber calendar front, this week features a number of division and committee meetings throughout the region.
On Tuesday morning, our Westbrook Division, led by co-chair persons Phil Cocchiola and Meri Wick, will meet at Westbrook Town Hall beginning at 8 a.m. This meeting will feature local town and chamber updates.
Later in the evening, our Women’s Leadership Collaborative Network, led by Chairwoman Lauren Middleton, will hold an event at Torrison Stone & Garden in Durham at 5 p.m. It will feature a discussion on plants native to Connecticut, networking, and a tour of Torrison’s new fire room. To register, visit middlesexchamber.com.
On Wednesday, our Women’s Leadership Collaborative will meet at 8:30 a.m. at the chamber and through virtual means. This committee, chaired by Barbara Taylor-Hatje, unites a diverse mix of inspirational women leaders who empower women to achieve success.
Wednesday afternoon will feature a meeting of the chamber’s “Big 8,” which collectively monitors the chamber’s finances.
On Thursday, our East Haddam and Haddam Division will meet at the Goodspeed Musicals Costume Center in East Haddam at 8 a.m. Later in the day, our Golf Committee will meet at 5 p.m. at the chamber and virtually. The committee is busy planning for the 39th annual golf tournament May 26 at Lyman Orchards Golf Club.
This event is sold out once again. I will provide more information as the event approaches.
In addition, I look forward to representing the chamber at meetings of the Connecticut Tourism Council, and Connecticut Valley Hospital Advisory Board with Chief Operating Officer Lakisha Hyatt, members of her team, and my fellow board members.
On Tuesday morning, the Middlesex County Substance Abuse Action Council, along with Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, the chamber’s Recovery Employment Program, Durham Middlefield Youth and Family Services, and the Alliance for Prevention and Wellness will host a Narcan training April 26 from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at the chamber or via Zoom.
This lifesaving training will cover: overdose prevention strategies, signs and symptoms of an overdose, how to administer naloxone, the Good Samaritan law, and support information and resources.
I would like to thank Andrew Penna, overdose response coordinator, and Nicole Mason, prevention specialist, both of the Alliance for Prevention & Wellness Program of BHcare; for presenting this important training, as well as all of the terrific organizations that made this training possible.
Upon completion, Narcan will be dispensed to those who are in need. To register, please the website.
The chamber will be collaborating with the Middletown Health Department to host another COVID-19 vaccine booster clinic April 29 from 1 to 4 p.m. Moderna and Pfizer booster shots will be available. To make an appointment, call 860-638-4965.
I would like to thank Acting Health Director Kevin Elak and his entire team for their commitment to our community and continued efforts during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Don’t forget to bring your COVID-19 vaccine card.
While April is just coming to a close, I would like to provide a look ahead to this summer as we have three great events already on the books.
Our fourth annual Middletown Pride FEST is scheduled for June 4 from 2 to 10 p.m. in downtown Middletown. This daylong celebration will feature a March down Main Street beginning at 2 p.m., a rally on the South Green at 4 p.m., and showcase concert at 7 p.m. For more information on this event including sponsorship opportunities, vendor opportunities, participating in the march, or volunteering, please visit middletownpride.org.
Middletown Pride will also host nearly a dozen events throughout the month of June, which will focus on the youth population, two movie nights, an event to honor LGBTQIA+ activists, a band night and more.
Our 25th annual Cruise Night on Main Street will be returning to Middletown June 15 from 4:30 to 8 p.m. This event will feature live music, great food, vendors, pre-1997 cars and trucks, and, of course, fun for the entire family. To learn more about this event, including sponsorship and vendor opportunities, or to register a vehicle, please visit cruisenightonmain.com. We look forward to seeing you all on Main Street once again.
The chamber’s annual Travelers Championship member breakfast meeting is scheduled for June 21 at the Sheraton Hartford South Hotel in Cromwell from 7 to 9 a.m. This great event is once again sponsored by The Travelers Companies. To register, please visit middlesexchamber.com. More information, including the speaker for this event, will follow, but please save the date.
As you can see, the chamber is on the move, and the sun continues to shine on Middlesex County. Have a great week!