<p class="ql-align-center"><strong>The Votes are In and Girl Scout Cookies Always Win!</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">(CONNECTICUT) – </span><em style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">October 30, 2024 </em><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">– </span>No matter what your political party affiliation, all people can agree that Girl Scout Cookies get the top vote as the tastiest treat! Now, during Election Week, <a href="http://www.gsofct.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Girl Scouts of Connecticut</a> (GSOFCT) are giving people a delicious reason to come out to the polls and local businesses by hosting cookie booths at various voting locations throughout the state. More than 300 booths will be available from Friday, November 1– Sunday, November 10, 2024. </p><p><br></p><p>“The Girl Scout Cookie Program is our most popular initiative to date and the largest girl-led entrepreneurial program in the world,” said Elicia Pegues Spearman, CEO of Girl Scouts of Connecticut. “What’s more, when consumers purchase the delicious cookies from a Girl Scout, they’re also giving back to their community since many troops put a portion of their cookie proceeds toward service projects in their local regions.”</p><p>The cookie varieties available during the Election Week program include Thin Mints®, Samoas®, Tagalongs®, Do-si-dos®, Trefoils®, Lemon-Ups®, S’mores® Adventurefuls® and Girl Scout S’mores®. All cookies are $6 per package.</p><p>Girl Scouts are participating in Election Week cookie sales in a variety of ways, including direct sales to friends and family, walking about their neighborhood with their troop and in-person cookie booths. For a listing of booths, please visit: <a href="http://www.gsofct.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.gsofct.org</a>. </p><p>Additionally, many Girl Scouts host virtual booths on social media as an engaging way to reach more customers. Girls, with adult supervision, can create a social media event or schedule a live stream on Facebook or Instagram and invite potential customers through social media, email, and text.</p><p>“The Girl Scout Cookie Program helps girls develop the five distinct skills of goal setting, decision making, business ethics, managing money, and people skills,” </p><p>adds Spearman. “In addition, all proceeds from cookie sales stay in Connecticut to fund GSOFCT programming, leadership development opportunities, and trainings for girls and adults throughout the state.”</p><p>Last season which ended in April, GSOFCT sold more than 1.7million packages of cookies.</p><p>Many Girl Scouts are also participating in GSOFCT’s Gift of Caring Service Project, Cookies for Heroes in which customers can purchase packages of cookies, which are then delivered to active military men and women, veterans, and local community heroes. Last year, over 125,000 packages of cookies were sold for this cause.</p><p>To join us, volunteer, reconnect, or donate, visit <a href="http://www.gsofct.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.gsofct.org</a>. </p>

<p><em>October 30, 2024</em> –According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are 8.1 million retired veterans over the age of 65. Many of these patriotic heroes, having survived wars, now need to endure the aging process and are finding that they need help in staying safe within their own homes. <a href="http://www.assistedlivingct.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Assisted Living Services</a>, an award-winning non-medical homecare agency in Connecticut, is assisting military service personnel and their families access the maximum benefits offered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) during National Caregivers Month and Veterans Day<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> in November.</span></p><p>“Along with the work and stress of ensuring that aging loved ones are receiving the best possible care at home, families are also faced with the challenge of figuring out how to pay for quality, in-home senior care,” said Mario D’Aquila, MBA and COO of family-owned Assisted Living Services, Inc. “Many veteran families come to us not knowing that they qualify for VA coverage, but after some education and research on our part, they discover that they do, which offers much financial relief!” </p><p>D’Aquila emphasizes that Veterans Affairs offers two key programs that can help</p><p>cover the cost of home care for veterans and their spouses:</p><p><strong>Veterans Aid and Attendance Pension Program</strong>: This program provides a monthly stipend to veterans and their spouses who meet specific income, asset and service criteria. The funds can be used for non-medical home care services, helping veterans</p><p>access care without using up personal savings.</p><p><strong>VA-Sponsored Home Care</strong>: This program is available for veterans who may have been injured during service or meet certain income qualifications. Unlike the Aid and Attendance Pension, where the funds go to the veteran, VA-sponsored home care allows agencies to bill the VA directly for services. This often results in higher reimbursement rates, allowing for more comprehensive care.</p><p>D'Aquila notes that many veterans also qualify for The Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders (CHCPE), a state-specific Medicaid waiver program administered by the Department of Social Services (DSS), designed for seniors with limited income and assets who require home care services. To qualify, individuals must meet certain criteria based on income, assets, age, and health conditions. The CHCPE covers a wide range of services, including personal care assistance, homemaking, 24-hour live-in care, nursing services, and even programs like Meals on Wheels and adult daycare. </p><p>D’Aquila also discusses using Medicare to defray the cost of in-home senior care: “though Medicare does not typically cover non-medical home care, some Medicare Advantage plans offer limited benefits for in-home services. This option is still in its infancy and not widely available, but it’s worth asking about if you or your loved one are on a Medicare Advantage plan.”</p><p>Additionally, families may choose to use Long-Term Care Insurance to offset the cost of home care services. Not to be confused with traditional health insurance, long-term care insurance is designed specifically to cover expenses related to non-medical home care, assisted living, and other senior care services. D’Aquila notes that some seniors even discover they have policies through former employers that they may have forgotten about and that many of these older policies offer an unlimited benefit, meaning they can cover services indefinitely, a financial lifesaver for families facing caregiving costs.</p><p>Lastly, D’Aquila notes that the most straightforward way to pay for in-home care services is through private, direct billing to the senior. Although this is a common method, many families explore other options to alleviate the financial burden that comes with caring for their elderly loved one.</p><p>“At our agency, we become partners with the families in helping them navigate the various funding options, including conducting research and identifying any means possible to help them cover the costs of eldercare,” concludes D’Aquila. “Understanding the various resources available to families, even if they qualify for government or other benefits down the road, can make a significant difference in the quality and affordability of care that their loved one receives.”</p><p>Learn more by visiting&nbsp;<a href="http://www.assistedlivingct.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);">www.assistedlivingct.com</a>&nbsp;or calling 203-634-8668.</p>

<p><em>-Packaging and Crating Technologies Donates $1K to Operation Hope in Fairfield–</em></p><p>Although September is National Hunger Action Month, one Connecticut manufacturer is extending the awareness campaign by helping a regional charity fight food insecurity and homelessness for hundreds of neighbors in need throughout October. Specifically, Packaging And Crating Technologies (PACT), a Watertown manufacturing company of durable corrugated moving containers and fire-suppressant wrap for handheld electronics and E-mobility equipment, recently donated $1,000 to Operation Hope, a non-profit organization that offers a food pantry, daily hot meals at a community kitchen and affordable housing to families suffering a financial setback across Fairfield County. </p><p>“As we head into the fourth quarter of every year, we’re always reminded about those less fortunate and find that assistance is needed long before the holidays,” said Josh Mort, Vice President at PACT. “We’re happy to help organizations that serve so many individuals each month, nourishing them and placing them in good, quality homes.”</p><p>On Saturday, October 5, 2024, the PACT team attended a special fundraising event at Harry’s Wine and Liquor Market in Fairfield, which hosted its annual benefit to gain recognition and support for a local charity. At which company representatives donated a $1,000 check to Operation Hope. </p><p>“Hunger and homelessness are very real issues in society,” said Patrick Monteleone, owner of Harry’s Wine and Liquor Market. “With the generous financial support from companies like PACT, we know that we will be successful in ending these crises.”</p><p>Operation Hope’s Food Pantry provides over 150,000 meals a year for individuals and families in Fairfield, Southport, Easton, Norwalk and Bridgeport. The Food Pantry, which is located at 636 Old Post Road in Fairfield, is fully stocked and operated by dedicated volunteers. Neighbors in need may access it on <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and Thursdays from 4 to 6 p.m.</span></p><p>Similarly, Operation Hope’s Community Kitchen serves hot, nutritious meals daily at lunch and dinner at 50 Nichols Street in Fairfield, Monday through Friday, 52 weeks a year. Anyone who is hungry may receive a meal, which is prepared and served by community members.<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </span></p><p>For more information or to donate food, please visit <a href="http://www.operationhopect.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.operationhopect.org</a> or call 203-254-2935.</p>

<p><strong>From Earning Girl Scout Badges to Earning Marathon Medals&nbsp;<em>-REGINA ‘THE QUEEN” FLEMING WILL RUN THE 2024 NEW YORK CITY MARATHON TO RAISE $5K FOR GIRL SCOUTS OF CONNECTICUT-</em></strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(33, 33, 33);">Even as a young girl, Regina Fleming has always embraced and exhibited a spirit of camaraderie and leadership in her daily activities. That’s why the Queens, NY native loved being a Brownie in her local Girl Scout troop where she worked hard to earn badges and enjoy the fun of being a Girl Scout. Now she is channeling her competitive nature and philanthropic passion to give back to the non-profit organization </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">that she has fond memories of and is a part of the inspirational success story that she is now</span><span style="color: rgb(33, 33, 33);">. Specifically, Fleming will run the New York City Marathon on Sunday, November 3, 2024 to raise $5,000 for the preeminent girls’ organization that builds </span>women of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place. To date, Fleming has participated in <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">15 marathons and more than 100 races worldwide.</span></p><p>“The Girl Scouts’ values and purpose aligns with my own,” said Regina Fleming.&nbsp;“When my sorority sister Elicia Pegues Spearman approached me to help fundraise for the Connecticut Council, I jumped at the chance to make this important charity the beneficiary of my upcoming marathon so that it can continue creating and </p><p>implementing impactful programs that are shaping our future female leaders.”&nbsp;</p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Fleming explains that her running journey began accidentally when she thought she registered for a simple fun run, only to find out that it was a half marathon. After training for only ten days, she finished the race and discovered her passion for running. </span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">“Once&nbsp;I received my first medal, I was hooked!” she recalls.&nbsp;“That moment transformed me from a novice runner into a determined athlete and I haven’t looked back.”&nbsp;</span></p><p>Since then, Regina has earned the coveted Abbott World Marathon Majors Six Star Finisher medal, an honor&nbsp;that few marathon runners have&nbsp;achieved and allowed her and other finishers to be enter in the 2023 Guinness World Records.&nbsp;</p><p>Prior to her running career, Regina graduated from St. John’s University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice.&nbsp;As an alternative to attending law school, Regina&nbsp;began modeling and was signed by the prestigious Wilhelmina Models and later, Ford Models in New York City.&nbsp;Regina went on to pursue a passion of photography and graduated cum laude from Fashion Institute of Technology, earning an associate’s degree in photography.&nbsp;Today, she is the founder of the award-winning studio, Regina Fleming Photography.&nbsp;</p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">“Regina truly exemplifies the unlimited potential and endless options that women have today,” said Elicia Pegues Spearman, chief operating officer at Girl Scouts of Connecticut. “She is a powerful changemaker, demonstrating that young girls can be whatever they desire if they work hard and believe in themselves.”</span></p><p>Fleming's marathon running has supported a range of charitable causes, including New York Road Runners, Team for Kids, the National Parkinson’s Foundation, Grassroots Soccer and Action for Southern Africia.&nbsp;</p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">To help Fleming exceed her fundraising goal for GSOFCT, please visit </span><a href="https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/reginathequeen" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/reginathequeen</a>.</p><p>Spearman emphasizes that donations directly support the four pillars inherent to Girl Scouting - STEAM, Life Skills, Entrepreneurship and Outdoors - and are earmarked for all GSOFCT programs for its 26,000+ members, including camping, exploring science, selling products, earning badges, going on trips, and doing community service.<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </span></p><p>“Running is symbolic of life in that if you stay in your lane, pace yourself and have a courageous and confident attitude, anything is possible,” concludes Fleming.&nbsp;“Together, we can ensure that the Girl Scouts organization continues to provide transformative experiences for girls everywhere—one mile at a time!”&nbsp;</p><p><span style="color: rgb(33, 33, 33);">Visit&nbsp;</span><a href="http://www.gsofct.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);">www.gsofct.org</a><span style="color: rgb(33, 33, 33);">&nbsp;for more information and to get involved in the organization.</span></p>

<p><span style="color: rgb(33, 33, 33);">With only two weeks left until showtime, </span><a href="http://www.gsofct.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Gifts of Love</a><span style="color: rgb(33, 33, 33);">, a non-profit organization that </span>provides food, clothing and household items to Connecticut individuals and families facing a financial crisis, is giving a final call to all state residents to support its 2nd Annual Fall Fundraiser<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> on Friday, Oct. 25, 2024 from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. at the Farmington Gardens Banquet Hall. Dubbed “Club 35”, in honor of the charity’s 35th anniversary, Gifts of Love is encouraging attendees to wear</span> roaring 1920’s and 30’s-<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">era-appropriate costumes and apparel for an evening of nostalgic, spirited fun, but will welcome everyone in their current glad rags.</span></p><p>“We’re getting close to our registration cut-off date and don’t want anyone to miss out on this fun and festive event that’s sure to be the talk of the town well into the New Year!” said Lisa Gray, Executive Director of Gifts of Love. “Besides delicious food, colorful outfits and gorgeous décor, our auctioneer will be Eric Hummel of Hummel Bros. hot dog fame!”</p><p>Gray notes that many customized event sponsorship opportunities still exist for area businesses to join in support with Garrity Asphalt Reclaiming, Carmon Funeral Homes, Liberty Bank, and People’s Bank.</p><p>Gifts of Love services more than 40 towns across Connecticut by offering a fully-stocked grocery pantry consisting of non-perishable items, paper goods, personal hygiene items, meats, and&nbsp;fresh&nbsp;produce and dairy products, a housewares and small appliances pantry and a clothing boutique, where clients can come and shop once a month. The organization has locations in Avon and in Hartford to make it easy for those in need to access necessary goods and services. It is also on the front lines of fighting childhood hunger with its Weekend Food Backpack Program, during which it distributes backpacks stuffed with easy-to-prepare meals and drinks to more than 300 students each week who are receiving free or reduced-cost lunches throughout the school year.</p><p>The “Club 35” fundraising event will feature dinner; two hours of complimentary cocktails; live entertainment by the Simsbury High School Jazz Band, a roaming magician, tarot card reader, and caricaturist; a silent movie; a wine pull; and a live auction with such items as a $200 dinner voucher at Millwright’s Restaurant, tickets to the Hartford Symphony Orchestra, dinner for 8 people from New England Pasta Company, and a private wine class for up to 20 guests, among many attractive prizes. </p><p>Individual tickets are $125 and a table of 10 costs $1,250. Both can be purchased in advance at <a href="http://www.giftsoflovect.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.giftsoflovect.org</a>. To become an event partner or to donate a live auction item, contact: <a href="mailto:info@giftsoflovect.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">info@giftsoflovect.org</a> or call&nbsp;860-676-2323.</p><p>“In order to hit our fundraising goal of $57,000, we are really relying upon the entire Connecticut community to support the cause of assisting local residents with vital basic needs in our society today,” adds Gray.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>National Battery Technology Convention Offers CT Manufacturer Opportunity to Showcase Life-Saving Products</strong></p><p><em>Packaging and Crating Technologies Presents Newest Solutions for Lithium-Ion Battery Fires</em></p><p>Every October, the International Trade Administration, U.S. government, and manufacturing industry leaders come together to celebrate National Manufacturing Month, recognizing the vital role of American manufacturing in society. This year, Packaging and Crating Technologies (PACT®), a Connecticut-based manufacturer of a patented fire-suppressant product line, will showcase its newest innovations for combating lithium-ion battery fires at The Battery Show in Detroit, Michigan, from October 7-10, 2024.</p><p>PACT, located in Watertown, Conn., will present the <strong>TR EnvelopeTM</strong>, its latest solution for lithium-ion battery fires. The Battery Show is North America's premier event for battery and electric vehicle technology businesses.</p><p>“We are honored to be invited to this highly-advanced, high-tech forum to showcase our critical, life-saving solutions for lithium battery fires—a problem that continues to grow as more electronic-powered devices enter the marketplace,” said Rodger Mort, President of PACT, LLC. “We are excited to demonstrate how our products provide safer methods for shipping and recycling these dangerous batteries, while unveiling our latest safety innovations.”</p><p>Mort explains that lithium batteries power many everyday devices, including cell phones, laptops, tablets, Bluetooth headsets, smartwatches, and baby monitors. However, some of the most hazardous items containing these batteries today are e-bikes, scooters, hoverboards, and electric cars—especially when left charging unattended.</p><p>“What makes these batteries so dangerous is a process called <em>thermal runaway</em>, where a lithium-ion battery enters an uncontrollable, self-heating state due to high temperatures, shaking, or puncturing,” Mort added. “This can result in the ejection of toxic gases, shrapnel, smoke, and fire, which can pose significant dangers to both people and the environment.”</p><p>At The Battery Show, more than 19,000 engineers, business leaders, and innovators from industries such as automotive, medical, and aerospace will have the opportunity to learn about PACT’s extensive line of safety products, including:</p><ul><li><strong>PACT Thermo ShieldTM</strong>: A thin, lightweight packaging material that controls thermal runaway by creating a vapor cloud to cool the internal environment of the package below 780ºC, limiting oxygen to prevent battery temperatures from reaching dangerous levels.</li><li><strong>TR SleeveTM</strong>: A crucial safety solution for e-mobility devices like electric vehicles (EVs), e-bikes, and e-scooters. The TR Sleeve serves as a heat and flame barrier by wrapping each battery cell in Thermo Shield, mitigating thermal runaway.</li><li><strong>TR EnvelopeTM</strong>: A customizable format of Thermo Shield designed for safely transporting and storing smaller devices, such as cell phones, pagers, and A-D batteries.</li></ul><p>Mort also highlighted a new product in development, the <strong>PACT Lion-XTM Fire Extinguisher</strong>, which is currently undergoing testing. Expected to be available by the end of the year, this pre-mixed, water-based extinguisher is designed to quench lithium-ion fires within 30 seconds and is the first of its kind globally, eliminating the release of toxic gases.</p><p>In celebration of National Manufacturing Month, PACT will host a public open house on Thursday, October 3, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at its headquarters at 1100 Buckingham Street in Watertown, CT, offering a sneak peek at how its innovative products are made.</p><p>“We’re excited to introduce our latest inventions that reduce lithium battery fires on both the national stage and here in Connecticut,” said Mort. “If we can save even one life, while preventing property damage and personal injury, we’ve done our job.”</p><p>For more information about PACT® and its products, visit <a href="https://www.pactthermoshield.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">PACT Thermo Shield</a> or stop by booth #2323 at The National Battery Show.</p>