Local triathlete competing in triathlon, raises money for Bridge Family Center
WEST HARTFORD — What should have been a competitive Ironman race with over 2,700 athletes in the quaint village of Mont-Tremblant, Quebec, has transitioned into a solo Ultra triathlon in the Farmington Valley for a local West Hartford resident.
Doug Hoskins, a longtime amateur triathlete, will be competing in a solo Ultra triathlon – 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, and 26.2 mile run – on Saturday, Aug. 22, in the Farmington River Valley. Throughout his training, Hoskins is also raising money for the Emergency Family Fund at the Bridge Family Center. The fund was established to help children and families who are struggling to meet day-to-day living expenses due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Every 10 years, I do a full distance triathlon,” said Hoskins. “I did one when I was 40, then 50, and now I am due for another at age 60. Plans were made for Ironman Quebec this August. Then came the pandemic, and it was cancelled. Rather than give up on my tradition I decided to do a personal event. To make it more worthwhile, I am using this occasion to aid those affected by the coronavirus. Being from West Hartford, I knew of the Bridge Family Center and their longstanding commitment to helping children and families in need. Their mission is now even more crucial due to the coronavirus, and I am happy to be able to help them meet the increased demands of these challenging times.”
To date, Hoskins has raised over $3,000 and is hoping to reach his goal of $5,000.
“We are so grateful to Doug for thinking of the Bridge in such a meaningful way,” said Margaret Hann, executive director of the Bridge. “His fundraising provides stability and hope to our children and families who are faced with so many difficulties due to the pandemic. Funds raised will purchase grocery or credit cards for families that need assistance with buying food, paying bills, and daily expenses. Times are tough for these families right now, and we greatly appreciate all the generous donations on behalf of Doug’s outstanding efforts.”
Visit https://bit.ly/hoskinstriforBFC for more information or to make a donation. The Bridge Family Center serves approximately 9,000 youth and families each year. In addition to its central office, counseling center, Family Resource Center and Teen Center in West Hartford, The Bridge also offers counseling centers in Avon and Rockville and short term assessment and respite homes in and around Hartford County.
Dignity GrowsTM launches dignity packs for people in need
WEST HARTFORD — On June 29, a small group of volunteers gathered in socially distanced fashion in a West Hartford parking lot to fill 500 tote bags with menstrual supplies and basic hygiene products, continuing the commitment of Dignity GrowsTM, a program of the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford, to address period poverty throughout the community. Nearly one in five individuals who menstruate lacks access to affordable disposable menstrual products, which are not covered by government-funded programs. This often results in school absences, missed work, and social insecurity.
Dignity Grows Founder and Chair Jessica Zachs led the dedicated team of volunteers, which included several mother/teen daughter pairs as well as representatives of COMPASS Youth Collaborative, a Dignity Grows distribution partner that provides the discreet “Dignity Packs” to at-risk students in Hartford.
At the request of another distribution partner, the group also assembled the first ever men’s Dignity Packs, which include shaving cream and disposable razors. Recipients immediately voiced their appreciation; one gentleman explained that he is finally able to go to job interviews with confidence thanks to the supplies in his Dignity Pack.
“Packaging the Dignity Packs was extremely meaningful,” said Jessica Berman (pictured), 17, who volunteered with her mother in the Solomon Schechter Day School parking lot. “Giving back to those in need is always important, but it’s especially meaningful during these unprecedented times. I feel extremely fortunate to have volunteered alongside my mom to package the first 80 Dignity Packs for men.”
“When Jessica Zachs told us about the work she was doing with Dignity Grows, I knew I wanted to get involved,” said Randi O’Brien, a mother who volunteered her time. “We are so fortunate to live in our community. Giving back to it and spending the morning with a diverse group of committed individuals brought me joy. As a bonus I was able to assemble the bags side by side with my daughter, Hannah. Now that she’s aware of the need for hygiene supplies, she wants to take further action. During this time when we may see less classroom learning time, Hannah found a way to get involved and continue her learning outside of school.”
Over 1,000 Dignity Packs have already been distributed to women, girls, and individuals assigned female at birth throughout Greater Hartford this year. Dignity Grows continues to plan new and innovative ways to reach those in need and to engage local volunteers. The program is also being extended to Jewish communities nationwide, with Dignity Grows serving as a template for other efforts to address period poverty across the country.
“Our partners are seeking renewed opportunities to help their communities during these challenging times, and they look to Dignity Grows to help make that possible,” said Jennifer Tolman Schwartzman, Federation’s Director of Community Connections.
Dignity Grows is a program of the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford, supported by the Federation’s Women’s Philanthropy Division. To learn more, contact Jennifer Schwartzman at jschwartzman@jewishhartford.org or 860-727-6117. Those interested in making financial contributions may Venmo donations to @dignitygrows. A $10 donation covers the cost of one Dignity Pack.
USDA asks residents to forward unsolicited packages of seeds
STATEWIDE — The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station and The Connecticut Department of Agriculture announced that the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service expanded the list nationally of locations where the public can send unsolicited seed packets.
In Connecticut, mail the seeds and packaging to the USDA Plant Protection and Quarantine office at USDA APHIS PPQ, 97 Barnes Road, Unit 200, Wallingford, CT 06492. The seeds can also be dropped off at that address in a box specifically for that purpose.
Place the unopened seed packet and any packaging, including the mailing label in a mailing envelope. If the seed packets are open, first place the seeds and their packaging into a zip-lock bag, seal it, and then place everything into a mailing envelope.
Include your name, address, and phone number so that a State or Federal agriculture official can contact you for additional information, if needed. If you received other unsolicited items in addition to seeds, only send the seeds.
If you are unable to ship the seed or have already planted the seed, email The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station at Kirby.Stafford@ct.gov or Victoria.Smith@ct.gov or Chuck Baker at Charles.e.baker@usda.gov for instructions and provide the following information: Name, address, phone number and email address.
Currently, there is no evidence indicating this is something other than a brushing scam, in which people receive unsolicited items from a seller who then posts false customer reviews to boost sales. Seeds for planting pose a significant risk for U.S. agriculture and natural resources because they can carry diseases or insects that may harm crops. Imported vegetable or agricultural seed must meet labeling and phytosanitary requirements and be inspected by APHIS and customs at the port of entry. The USDA is committed to preventing the unlawful entry of prohibited seeds and protecting U.S. agriculture from disease, invasive pests, and noxious weeds. Visit www.aphis.usda.gov for additional information.
Friends of Hall Football launches fundraiser to support football program
WEST HARTFORD — Along with many others, COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on the Hall Football program. Due to the situation, they have had to cancel its annual golf tournament, which consists of over 90-percent of its fundraising revenue. In addition, the Friends are no longer able to display supporter signs during football games, which is another financial hit to the program.
As a non-profit, Friends of Hall Football operates year to year with very little in cash reserves. They have created a GoFundMe to help raise funds, which will go toward support for players with financial hardship, team building activities, football pre-game dinners, a post-season banquet, compensation for volunteer coaches, equipment and financial support for clinics, camps, weightlifting competitions and tournaments.
Visit https://charity.gofundme.com/o/en/campaign/friends-of-hall-football for more information or to make a donation. Contact Elizabeth Petry at friendsofhallfootball@gmail.com with questions.
Congregation Beth Israel presents virtual events
WEST HARTFORD — Congregation Beth Israel presents the following virtual events from now through Aug. 31. Visit cbict.org/calendar for Zoom meeting information.
Tot Shabbat: Friday, Aug. 21, 10:30 a.m. Children under three and parents are invited to join and sing along with clergy, hear stories and receive special blessings.
Super Tribe Havdalah: Saturday, Aug 22. A Havdalah will be followed by a meet-and-greet for the 35- to 50-year-old community. Hosted by Tracy Taback.
