Stimulus payments sent as debit cards

CROMWELL — Better Business Bureaus across the country have received an influx of calls from consumers questioning a prepaid debit card sent in an unmarked envelope stating it was their economic stimulus payment. Better Business Bureau Serving Connecticut is urging consumers who receive these cards, not to throw them away. This is your economic stimulus payment.

According to the IRS, Nearly four million people are being sent their Economic Impact Payment by prepaid debit card, instead of paper check.

The IRS website states: “Some payments may be sent on a prepaid debit card known as The Economic Impact Payment Card. The Economic Impact Payment Card is sponsored by the Treasury Department’s Bureau of the Fiscal Service, managed by Money Network Financial, LLC and issued by Treasury’s financial agent, MetaBank, N.A. If you receive an Economic Impact Payment Card, it will arrive in a plain envelope from “Money Network Cardholder Services.” The Visa name will appear on the front of the Card; the back of the card has the name of the issuing bank, MetaBank. Information included with the card will explain that the card is your Economic Impact Payment Card. Please go to EIPcard.com for more information.”

There have also been numerous scams popping up surrounding the distribution of the economic stimulus checks. Consumers can visit BBB.org/coronavirus for more information on how to avoid a stimulus check scam.

Troop 26 takes part in social distancing

CROMWELL — While these unprecedented times are occurring, Eagle Scout and Troop 26 Senior Patrol Leader, Karsten Peters, came up with a plan of action to ensure Scouting’s values would not be lost during these times.

“We need to do something to keep the boys engaged,” said Peters.“they are losing sports, school, and most other things right now, and I do not want Scouts to be another thing they can not participate in.”

Peters then went to work, talking with the Scoutmasters and Patrol Leaders to come up with a plan to keep Scouting alive, while still respecting the rules and regulations of social distancing. Peters set up weekly virtual meetings on the Zoom platform so that the troop could meet from their homes and still be active. The Patrol Leaders and Peters have been working to combine Scout Skills, as well as fun games on the Gimkit, Kahoot, and Quizlet Live platforms.

Peters also organized a social distancing conservation project, where the boys were to separately walk around their neighborhoods and clean up trash from the side of the road on a Saturday morning. The boys also participated in a virtual campout, where they went on bike rides from their houses, cooked dinner in their backyards, and camped out that night in their backyards. Troop 26 would like to thank Senior Patrol Leader Karsten Peters, the Patrol Leaders Council, and the Adult leaders for taking the time to keep the boys engaged and safe during these times.

Portland Library provides updates

PORTLAND — During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Portland community can note that Portland Library service is 125 years old. To provide lasting tribute to the community in 2020, the library is engaging photographers and journalists. Members are interested in gathering digital pictures to include in digital and visual exhibits of Portland in 2020.

“We also hope that you will send us your pictures of notable scenes and activities that depict life in our community today,” according to a statement. “More information is available on the library web page. www.portlandlibraryct.org Your stories also will be appreciated, whether they depict group actions, describe a local hero, or just show interesting things about the life and times of Portland today. A journalist or journalist in training may contact you to ask for your contribution or permission to use your words and pictures.”

Library building project

The library closed during March and April to allow for an interior update, utilizing a Connecticut State Library Building Grant and funds from the library’s endowment fund. Donations and raised funds had been invested and grown to securely provide funds for the required grant match. The project includes replacement of the original carpeting, most of which was installed in 1982. Other improvements include new energy efficient lighting in the lobby area, quiet new entrance doors, more ergonomic seating, a new service desk, and other furniture that provide for improved accessibility. For more information on the project or the fund, call Janet Nocek at 860-342-6771.

Library services

Those who are seeking internet access on phones or tablets may use the Library Wi-Fi to access the Internet. The password is BookWorld. Park with care in the library parking lot and know the library’s Computer Use policy on the website, at the About the Library tab.

For youth, the library offers many services including virtual book discussions and online story times as well as guides to other fun and useful sites.

Online adult events beginning in May: Mystery Book club, Gardening chats, and a Coffee Club for discussing favorite books and films.

The library will receive an increased annual grant, of approximately $8,000, from the State Library as reimbursement for its part in the statewide library borrowing program. The Library Board has released the funds to support eBooks and eAudiobooks, music, and more, through the Hoopla service. Additionally, Overdrive offers eBooks and eAudio.

Books and other items that are checked out are not due until after the library opens. No fines will be assessed for the days the library is closed. The library book return is open weekdays; patrons should only return items that were checked out at Portland Library. The book drop is open until 5 p.m. Hours are subject to change.

Pick-up service is now available outside the library entrance, of items that were placed on request. Patrons will be contacted to arrange for a time slot to arrive at the parking lot; library staff will deliver the items to your car. Call or visit the website for more information on placing requests.

While the library is closed, the staff answers questions via telephone and e-mail, Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m-8 p.m. and Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Call 860-342-6770, visit www.portlandlibraryct.or email portlandlibrary@portlandct.org