Applications available for small business grants

HARTFORD — State Sen. Craig Miner (R-Litchfield) recently announced that the state Department of Economic and Community Development has opened the application process for the new Connecticut CARES Small Business Grant Program.

The program is designed to help small businesses and nonprofits that have faced financial hardship caused by COVID-19. Eligible small businesses and nonprofits can receive a one-time $5,000 grant that will be disbursed no later than Dec. 30.

To be eligible, a business must have either 20 or fewer full-time employees or an annual payroll of less than $1.5 million as of Dec. 31, 2019. In addition, to be eligible a business must show that they were negatively impacted by the pandemic by demonstrating a 20 percent or more loss in revenue year to date as of Sept. 30, 2020 compared with the same period in 2019.

“I want to make sure every eligible small business and nonprofit in our area is aware of this program and will apply," said Sen. Miner. "Eligible businesses should apply as soon as possible because there are a limited number of grants available. DECD stated that the application system is easy to use because it is their intent to quickly disburse these grant funds to businesses and nonprofits in need. I also understand that this program will not eliminate all challenges faced by businesses during these unprecedented times. However, the program is another tool that's available to help businesses. If you are eligible you can apply immediately."

Miner is a ranking member of the Legislature's Environment Committee and Labor & Public Employees Committee, representing Connecticut’s 30th Senatorial District that includes the towns of Brookfield, Canaan, Cornwall, Goshen, Kent, Litchfield, Morris, New Milford, North Canaan, Salisbury, Sharon, Torrington, Warren and Winchester. www.senatorminer.com

For additional information, call the DECD hotline at 860-500-2333 or email DECDCTRecovery@ct.gov

‘We Believe’ gift collection program starting

LAKEVILLE — Salisbury Bank invites residents to help bring holiday magic to special children through its “We Believe” Program.

“As we kick off our 33rd

annual toy drive, we encourage the community to join us in experiencing the joy of giving this holiday season,” said Rick Cantele, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Making a difference in our community is important to us and working together, we can provide a magical holiday season for some very special children.”

Residents can drop off new, unwrapped gifts at any of Salisbury Bank’s 14 offices by Dec. 11. Due to the pandemic, the bank is encouraging gift cards and cash donations for local families during these unprecedented and difficult times.

Gift ideas include, but are not limited to, sports equipment and balls, books, board games, handheld electronic games, backpacks, building sets, craft kits, purses, and cosmetics. Additionally, gift cards to local retailers are always an excellent option.

Senator, state representative applaud grant allocations

LITCHFIELD – State Rep. David T. Wilson (RLitchfield), and State Senator Craig Miner (R-Litchfield) applauded a slate of grants that were recently allocated to towns in the Northwest Corner including, Bethlehem, Litchfield, Morris and Woodbury. The grants are coming as part of an $11 million Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) allocation to 94 small towns across the state.

"I am grateful for the STEAP grants that will benefit my fellow residents in our rural corner of the state. This investment from the state will provide the necessary funding to complete several local improvement projects. Our local budgets have been brutalized by the impacts of the pandemic. The resources within these grants are arriving to our towns at a critical time," said Wilson.

Miner said, "This STEAP funding is a big win for our community, which is often overlooked by the majority party due to our rural location in the state. I’m happy to see that towns in our region will receive needed funds to complete several local improvement projects that will benefit the quality of life of our residents. In a time of a state and nationwide pandemic, I am heartened to see that we are taking action to improve this quality of life as best as we can.”

The local legislators identified the following STEAP grant items:

Bethlehem: $128,205 in state funding has been approved for the purchase of self-contained breathing units for the fire department as part of its COVID-19 response. This will be matched by $21,582 from the town.

Litchfield: $128,205 in state funding has been approved for drainage improvements and the resurfacing of North Shore Road. This will be matched by $254,644 from the town

Morris: $128,205 in state funding has been approved for the replacement of the retaining wall at the transfer station. This will be matched by $128,205 from the town.

Woodbury: $128,000 in state funding has been approved for the constriction of sidewalks at Main Street North.

Foundation launches new grant program

SHEFFIELD, MASS — Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation today announced a new grant program to support community-building efforts that can bridge differences and drive positive change at the local level. Bridging Divides, Healing Communities will support activities by organizations and groups that are embedded in their communities and that bring together residents to build and strengthen relationships, especially among people who may hold different views or come from different backgrounds.

“The social fabric everywhere is being stressed, and long-term consequences in our region are possible if we do not work together,” said Peter Taylor, president of Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation. “This new grant program aims to create opportunities for productive discourse and engagement to bridge differences, build trust and promote reconciliation.”

Berkshire Taconic will award grants between $500 and $2,500 to support small-scale, communitybased actions such as virtual forums, service projects, and artistic and cultural activities. Applicants should consider how their projects will create new or strengthen existing relationships among people of different backgrounds, experiences or beliefs; forge connections around a shared experience through which participants can explore different points of view; and bring residents together to pursue a common goal. Compliance with state guidelines will be required for any in-person activities. Berkshire Bank is providing funding support for these grants.

Eligible applicants include nonprofits, schools, municipalities and local government, and faithbased organizations (for non-religious activities) located in Berkshire County in Massachusetts, Columbia County and northeast Dutchess County in New York, and northwest Litchfield County in Connecticut. Community groups may also apply through a fiscal sponsorship with an eligible organization.

The first deadline for applications is Dec. 1. To apply, visit www.Berkshire Taconic.org/Healing.

HHC recognizes family caregivers

November, which is National Family Caregivers Month, is a time to give special recognition. The theme for 2020 is “Caregiving Around the Clock.”

More Americans are caring for loved ones now than any other time in history. It is estimated that more than 90 million Americans provide care for adults and children who need their help. It’s become a new fact of life that everyone will eventually be faced with the role of caregiving in some form or another at some point in their life.

It doesn’t matter the reason why someone is a caregiver - those giving care regularly do so at a tremendous personal sacrifice of time, income and energy. Family caregivers come from all walks of life, but they have one thing in common: putting their loved ones first, even if that means putting their own lives on hold.

To support individuals and families in their caregiving journey, Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging offers caregivers support groups virtually, on the phone and on the Facebook page “Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging Support Group.” To learn more, call HHC Center for Healthy Aging at 877-424-4641.

Miner