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Connecticut DEEP Announces the Opening of State Parks and Beaches

<h2>State Parks Remain Open with Restrictions; Shoreline Swimming Areas Open; Inland Swimming Areas Closed, Capacity Limits and Social Distancing Guidelines Remain in Place</h2> <p>They also encourage visitors to select locations closest to your home. State parks and beaches near FCBuzz include:</p> <p></p><table class="'articleList' style=width:100%;table-layout: fixed;"><tbody><tr class="hidemeonmobile"><th style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;text-align: left;">Park</th><th style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;text-align: left;">City</th><th style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;text-align: left;">Location</th></tr><tr><th style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;text-align: left;font-weight:normal;">Centennial State Forest</th><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;">Fairfield</td><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;">Fairfield</td></tr><tr><th style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;text-align: left;font-weight:normal;">Sherwood Island State Park</th><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;">Westport</td><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;">Westport</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p> <p>While some of the information is guidance that DEEP has shared previously, the plan contains a good amount of new information, such as DEEP’s current plan for the swimming areas it oversees, and provides a “one stop shop” for the latest information on outdoor recreation offerings administered by DEEP.</p> <p>As the state begins a phased re-opening of its economy, the vast majority of state parks remain open, as they’ve been throughout the pandemic. The restrictions that they’ve operated under, such as daily capacity limits, social distancing guidelines for visitors, and use of face coverings, also remain in place.</p> <p>The&nbsp;<a href="https://portal.ct.gov/deep-parkscovid19">operational plan</a>&nbsp;can be found here.</p> <p><strong>Swimming and Beaches:</strong></p> <p>Last week, Gov. Ned Lamont, along with the governors of New York, New Jersey, and Delaware, announced that they would open beaches in their respective states effective Friday, May 22. Gov. Lamont also announced that in Connecticut, state parks that feature beaches along the Connecticut shoreline will be open May 22, though with capacity limitations, and visitors are advised to follow social distancing guidelines.</p> <p>At this time, DEEP is permitting swimming only at shoreline State Parks (not inland State Park swim areas). Guidance from the state Department of Public Health indicates that recreational swimming is not a known form of transmission of COVID-19, in saltwater or freshwater. At this time, DEEP is making decisions about permitting swimming at State Parks based on considerations of potential crowding and the ability to maintain social distancing onshore, at beach locations.</p> <p>It is DEEP’s assessment at this time that shoreline parks that feature beaches, operating under limited capacity, can safely accommodate visitors on beaches, provided they follow recommended social distancing guidelines. Visitors to shoreline parks must maintain 15’ of space from other beachgoers (blanket-to-blanket).&nbsp; This distance will allow for a 6’ radius around each person or family and a 3’ walkway in between groups.</p> <p>Based on the very limited size of our beach and swim areas at inland state parks, and current social distancing guidance, DEEP will close beaches at inland State Parks, and prohibit swimming at inland State Parks. Again, this operational decision is based on the potential for on-shore crowding, not a concern of risk of transmission in freshwater.&nbsp; Park staff will monitor beach closure and educate the public to ensure compliance with the closures. DEEP will continue to review this policy in alignment with public health recommendations and will consider the reopening of designated swim areas on a case-by-case basis.&nbsp;</p> <p>If you choose to visit a shoreline state park that features a beach, visitors are encouraged to select locations closest to home, and consider visiting early in the morning before crowds gather. At least 6 feet of social distancing must be maintained between persons, and groups over five remain prohibited. Visitors should recreate with members of their immediate household and not meet up with others. Visitors should bring face coverings and use them whenever they are in proximity to others. Face coverings should not be worn in the water. Visitors should not expect that restroom buildings will be open, but most locations will have portable toilets available.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>DEEP will reduce parking capacity and close beaches for the day if social distancing cannot be maintained, and will make adjustments to operations and consider longer-term closures if the situation warrants. Updates on closures are posted on the state parks Twitter feed,<a href="https://twitter.com/CTStateParks">@CTStateParks</a>.</p> <p>Lifeguards will not be on shoreline beaches in Connecticut state parks early in the season.&nbsp; These beaches are currently posted as "No Lifeguards on Duty."&nbsp; It is expected that shoreline beaches will begin lifeguarding when adequate staffing, training, and safety practices meeting DEEP standards are in place. Lifeguards will be provided training to reduce the risk of virus transmission in the course of their duties, including providing CPR. Guidance for lifeguards is available from the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/in-the-news/coronavirus-prevention-information-for-students">American Red Cross.</a>&nbsp;Lifeguards will not be posted at inland beaches while swimming is prohibited at those beaches.</p> <p>Staff in DEEP’s Water Monitoring and Assessment Program will be monitoring water quality at the shoreline parks open for swimming. The water quality at the beaches will be tested for the presence of infectious diseases using standard bacteria indicator species. Residents will be able to find swimming area closure information at DEEP’s state parks Twitter feed,&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/CTStateParks">@CTStateParks</a>, and will soon also be able to find that information on the DEEP website at<a href="https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/State-Parks/Recreation-Information/State-Swimming-Area-Water-Quality-Report">https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/State-Parks/Recreation-Information/State-Swimming-Area-Water-Quality-Report</a>, or on DEEP’s toll free Water Quality Information Phone Line at 1-866-287-2757.</p> <p>Connecticut municipalities continue to make decisions regarding the beaches and swimming areas they oversee. DEEP has been in consultation with municipalities during the pandemic, and will continue to be. DEEP’s<a href="https://portal.ct.gov/deep-parkscovid19">operational plan</a>is available for municipalities to adapt to their needs if they wish to do so.</p> <p>Limited swimming capacity at state parks, combined with restrictions made by municipalities around the swimming areas they oversee, mean that residents will have to plan beach and swimming excursions well in advance, and be ready with a back-up plan if their first choice is closed.</p> <p>State Campgrounds, Cabins, and Youth Sites:</p> <p>As was recently announced, state Campgrounds, Cabins, Youth sites, Backcountry and River Camping sites are closed until at least June 11.&nbsp; Additional campground reservations for the 2020 season have been postponed for the time being to prevent the need to reimburse the public for future reservations if campgrounds remain closed.</p> <p>Other options to open campgrounds are being considered that minimize staff and public risk.&nbsp; The decision will be based on current public health guidance, cleaning protocols and the availability of adequate staff and appropriate personal protective equipment.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>As we move forward into the summer season, DEEP will continue to monitor and assess public use and recreational activities that occur at state parks and other DEEP managed outdoor recreation areas. Evaluation of that information may result in changes to the operational plan. While law enforcement personnel are authorized to enforce social distancing and group size guidance, DEEP seeks to educate first and ask people to follow the rules, in hopes that visitors will take personal responsibility and make sure that they comply.&nbsp;</p> <p>To view the operational plan, go here:<a href="https://portal.ct.gov/deep-parkscovid19">https://portal.ct.gov/deep-parkscovid19</a>.</p>

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Letter: CT Guidelines Miss the Mark, Do Not Allow for the Safe Reopening of Offices

<p><em>Letter to the Editor</em></p> <h2>Guidelines Released by the Reopen Connecticut Taskforce Miss the Mark, Do Not Allow for the Safe Reopening of Offices</h2> <p>On May 9, 2020, a council of Connecticut business leaders, in concert with the Lamont Administration, released rules and guidance for the “safe” reopening of workplaces across the state. The processes, principles, and protocols issued by this taskforce reflect a failure to address some of the most basic needs that the state’s business community (including both employers and employees) desperately requires.</p> <p>The guidelines state that “employees are encouraged to continue to work from home where possible.” While I am sure this statement was intended to highlight how even the most detailed and complete safety measures would still result in a substantial amount of risk present in any and all office environments, there is no excuse for the incompleteness of the issued guidelines.</p> <p>Allow me to highlight some examples of where the program outline failed.</p> <p>Reopen Connecticut failed to issue regulations or standards to be followed by building managers and landlords, which should have focused on the safe setup of common bathrooms, elevators, building access points, and even stairwells.</p> <p>While the regulations issued state that all office spaces are required to be thoroughly cleaned prior to reopening (and on an ongoing basis), there are no clear guidelines as to ownership of this responsibility. What falls to the employer/tenant, and what will be the responsibility of building management? Given the fact that office spaces are most often cleaned by service providers secured directly by the landlord, standards for their cleaning needed to be defined, and were not.</p> <p>Employers are responsible for providing office workers with Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), and Reopen Connecticut guidelines have made it clear that if PPE is not provided to employees, offices cannot open. However, the State has not provided a way for businesses to acquire the needed PPE, which will significantly hinder most from reopening their doors given how difficult it continues to be to acquire masks, gloves and, most importantly, sanitizing products.</p> <p>Once offices reopen, there is also the inevitability that an employee or a member of their household will test positive for COVID-19. None of the guidance issued outlines steps a business must follow when this occurs. The cascade of challenges and issues that will shadow such an incident were very much overlooked by our leaders in Hartford, and protocols for meeting “re-certification” standards to reopen after such a diagnosis was also notably absent.</p> <p>Even more troubling, there are also no specific requirements that mandate building management to notify tenants when an individual who has been in the building tests positive for COVID-19.</p> <p>Businesses bringing employees back to the office will be required to post clear signage reinforcing all safety related protocols and policies, yet the State did not provide samples of these postings or indicate where they can be downloaded. It can be anticipated that the content of these notices may be incomplete and thus ineffective without the proper guidance from the taskforce.</p> <p>It is understandable that Connecticut employers want to reopen their offices and welcome employees back as quickly as possible. However, in order to do so safely, they must be provided with a much more complete, robust, and clearly outlined set of standards and guidelines.</p> <p>Those employed in the State of Connecticut are also eager to return to their workplace, but demand that they have confidence the office they return to is safe and that the State and their employer have done everything possible to ensure their health and wellbeing.</p> <p>Reopen Connecticut fails miserably to address the needs of both Connecticut employers and workers. As a thirty-year resident of the state and business owner since 2001, I am incredibly disappointed in the taskforce’s efforts and output on this front. We all deserve better.</p> <p>- David Lewis, Norwalk, Connecticut</p> <p><em>David Lewis is CEO of OperationsInc (www.OperationsInc.com), the state’s largest HR Consulting Practice. The 90-employee consulting group is based in Norwalk.</em></p>

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How Many Electric Vehicles are Registered in FCBuzz?

<h2>Roadmap Outlines Strategy for Accelerating Deployment of EVs in Connecticut</h2> <p>Coinciding with the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day which took place a few weeks ago, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection issued its Electric Vehicle Roadmap for Connecticut (EV Roadmap), a comprehensive strategy for achieving widespread deployment of electric vehicles in the state, and a key tool in the state’s effort to improve air quality for residents while also addressing the climate crisis.</p> <p>According to the DEEP, there have been 5,213 Electric Vehicles registered in Connecticut. Electric Vehicles registered in zip codes near FCBuzz include:</p> <p></p><table class="'articleList' style=width:100%;table-layout: fixed;"><tbody><tr class="hidemeonmobile"><th style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;text-align: left;">Zip</th><th style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;text-align: left;">EV Registrations</th></tr><tr><th style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;text-align: left;font-weight:normal;">06880</th><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;">227</td></tr><tr><th style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;text-align: left;font-weight:normal;">06824</th><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;">106</td></tr><tr><th style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;text-align: left;font-weight:normal;">06883</th><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;">75</td></tr><tr><th style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;text-align: left;font-weight:normal;">06611</th><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;">50</td></tr><tr><th style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;text-align: left;font-weight:normal;">06851</th><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;">49</td></tr><tr><th style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;text-align: left;font-weight:normal;">06825</th><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;">40</td></tr><tr><th style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;text-align: left;font-weight:normal;">06614</th><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;">32</td></tr><tr><th style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;text-align: left;font-weight:normal;">06854</th><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;">31</td></tr><tr><th style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;text-align: left;font-weight:normal;">06612</th><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;">26</td></tr><tr><th style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;text-align: left;font-weight:normal;">06615</th><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;">23</td></tr><tr><th style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;text-align: left;font-weight:normal;">06606</th><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;">20</td></tr><tr><th style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;text-align: left;font-weight:normal;">06855</th><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;">20</td></tr><tr><th style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;text-align: left;font-weight:normal;">06890</th><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;">17</td></tr><tr><th style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;text-align: left;font-weight:normal;">06605</th><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;">7</td></tr><tr><th style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;text-align: left;font-weight:normal;">06604</th><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;">6</td></tr><tr><th style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;text-align: left;font-weight:normal;">06610</th><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;">4</td></tr><tr><th style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;text-align: left;font-weight:normal;">06607</th><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;">3</td></tr><tr><th style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;text-align: left;font-weight:normal;">06838</th><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;">1</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p> <p>The top 10 towns in Connecticut for electric vehicle registrations are:</p> <table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 189px; height: 235px;" width="128" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="width: 75px;">Town</td> <td style="width: 120px;"># Registrations</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 15.0pt;"> <td class="xl65" style="height: 15pt; width: 75px;" width="64" height="20">Greenwich</td> <td style="width: 120px;" align="right" width="64">328</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 15.0pt;"> <td class="xl65" style="height: 15pt; width: 75px;" height="20">Westport</td> <td style="width: 120px;" align="right">227</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 15.0pt;"> <td class="xl65" style="height: 15pt; width: 75px;" height="20">Stamford</td> <td style="width: 120px;" align="right">181</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 15.0pt;"> <td class="xl65" style="height: 15pt; width: 75px;" height="20">New Canaan</td> <td style="width: 120px;" align="right">140</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 15.0pt;"> <td class="xl65" style="height: 15pt; width: 75px;" height="20">Darien</td> <td style="width: 120px;" align="right">111</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 15.0pt;"> <td class="xl65" style="height: 15pt; width: 75px;" height="20">Fairfield</td> <td style="width: 120px;" align="right">106</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 15.0pt;"> <td class="xl65" style="height: 15pt; width: 75px;" height="20">Wilton</td> <td style="width: 120px;" align="right">93</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 15.0pt;"> <td class="xl65" style="height: 15pt; width: 75px;" height="20">Ridgefield</td> <td style="width: 120px;" align="right">79</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 15.0pt;"> <td class="xl65" style="height: 15pt; width: 75px;" height="20">Guilford</td> <td style="width: 120px;" align="right">77</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 15.0pt;"> <td class="xl65" style="height: 15pt; width: 75px;" height="20">Weston</td> <td style="width: 120px;" align="right">75</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p>The top 5 models for Connecticut Registrations of EV’s are:</p> <table style="width: 185px; height: 126px;" width="145"> <tbody> <tr style="height: 21px;"> <td style="width: 69px; height: 21px;">Model</td> <td style="width: 116px; height: 21px;"># Registrations</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 21px;"> <td style="width: 69px; height: 21px;" width="64">Tesla</td> <td style="width: 116px; height: 21px;" width="81">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 1,218</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 21px;"> <td style="width: 69px; height: 21px;">Chevrolet</td> <td style="width: 116px; height: 21px;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 1,072</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 21px;"> <td style="width: 69px; height: 21px;">Toyota</td> <td style="width: 116px; height: 21px;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 1,016</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 21px;"> <td style="width: 69px; height: 21px;">Ford</td> <td style="width: 116px; height: 21px;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 733</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 21px;"> <td style="width: 69px; height: 21px;">Nissan</td> <td style="width: 116px; height: 21px;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 389</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p>One of the focus areas of the EV Roadmap is scaling up electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) such as charging stations in order to encourage higher EV penetration rates. “Range anxiety,” or fear that an EV will run out of power before a destination is reached, will diminish as consumers become more confident in charging accessibility.&nbsp;</p> <p><br>There are 376 publicly-accessible EV charging stations with a total of 966 charging connectors in the state, including 50 direct current fast charger (DCFC) locations with 212 charging connectors. A significant increase in workplace Level 2 charging connectors, public Level 2 charging connectors, and public DCFC connectors will be critical to supplement residential charging and meet future charging demands.</p> <p>The EV Roadmap focuses in on several key areas, including the transitioning of public and private fleets and medium and heavy-duty vehicles to EVs; making the consumer charging experience more consistent; minimizing grid impacts through demand reduction measures; providing demand charge relief for charging station owners and EV fleet operators; exploring opportunities for pilot programs with local innovators in the EV field; working with the state and municipal governments to modify building codes and permitting requirements to support EV infrastructure deployment; and leveraging financial incentives, such as the Connecticut Hydrogen and Electric Automobile Purchase Rebate (CHEAPR), to help make EV purchase price less of a barrier to consumers.<br><br>In issuing the EV Roadmap, DEEP is mindful of the pervasive impact the COVID-19 pandemic is having on communities both locally and around the world, the full scale and effects of which, though unknown at this time, are and will be significant. DEEP will continue to monitor the COVID crisis and consider its impact on the long-term goals outlined in the EV Roadmap.<br>Environmental stakeholders from around the state applauded the EV Roadmap’s release.<br><br>To view the EV Roadmap, visit: <a href="http://www.dpuc.state.ct.us/DEEPEnergy.nsf/c6c6d525f7cdd1168525797d0047c5bf/f7ed4932eec438d0852585520001c81b/$FILE/EV%20Roadmap%20for%20Connecticut.pdf">http://www.dpuc.state.ct.us/DEEPEnergy.nsf/c6c6d525f7cdd1168525797d0047c5bf/f7ed4932eec438d0852585520001c81b/$FILE/EV%20Roadmap%20for%20Connecticut.pdf</a></p>

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Find out where FCBuzz High School ranks in U.S. News & World Report

<p></p> <p><a href="https://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/connecticut" target="_blank">U.S. News &amp; World Report</a> reviewed more than 24,000 U.S. public high schools and 207 Connecticut schools made their 2020 rankings.&nbsp;Below are the rankings of high schools in and around {town}.</p> <p></p><table class="'articleList' style=width:100%;table-layout: fixed;"><tbody><tr class="hidemeonmobile"><th style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;text-align: left;">High School</th><th style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;text-align: left;">CT Rank</th><th style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;text-align: left;">Nat Rank</th><th style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;text-align: left;">Grad Rate</th><th style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;text-align: left;">Enrollment</th></tr><tr><th style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;text-align: left;font-weight:normal;">Stratford High School</th><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;">#112</td><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;">#6,567</td><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;">94%</td><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;">958</td></tr><tr><th style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;text-align: left;font-weight:normal;">Center For Global Studies</th><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;">#113</td><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;">#6,775</td><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;">98%</td><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;">284</td></tr><tr><th style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;text-align: left;font-weight:normal;">Achievement First Bridgeport Academy</th><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;">#118</td><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;">#7,457</td><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;">73%</td><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;">218</td></tr><tr><th style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;text-align: left;font-weight:normal;">Wilton High School</th><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;">#11</td><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;">#537</td><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;">99%</td><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;">1,330</td></tr><tr><th style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;text-align: left;font-weight:normal;">Aerospace/Hydrospace Engineering And Physical Sciences Hs</th><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;">#121</td><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;">#7,611</td><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;">93%</td><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;">475</td></tr><tr><th style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;text-align: left;font-weight:normal;">Bunnell High School</th><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;">#122</td><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;">#7,656</td><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;">98%</td><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;">1,045</td></tr><tr><th style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;text-align: left;font-weight:normal;">Information Technology And Software Engineering High School</th><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;">#144</td><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;">#10,283</td><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;">94%</td><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;">475</td></tr><tr><th style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;text-align: left;font-weight:normal;">Central High School</th><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;">#160</td><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;">#12,573</td><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;">78%</td><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;">1,612</td></tr><tr><th style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;text-align: left;font-weight:normal;">Bassick High School</th><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;">#162-207</td><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;">#13,345-17,792</td><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;">64%</td><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;">970</td></tr><tr><th style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;text-align: left;font-weight:normal;">Biotechnology Research &amp; Zoological Sciences at the Fairchild Wheeler Campus</th><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;">#162-207</td><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;">#13,345-17,792</td><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;">96%</td><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;">471</td></tr><tr><th style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;text-align: left;font-weight:normal;">Bridgeport Military Academy</th><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;">#162-207</td><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;">#13,345-17,792</td><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;">96%</td><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;">301</td></tr><tr><th style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;text-align: left;font-weight:normal;">Bullard-Havens Technical High School</th><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;">#162-207</td><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;">#13,345-17,792</td><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;">96%</td><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;">778</td></tr><tr><th style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;text-align: left;font-weight:normal;">Capital Preparatory Harbor School Inc.</th><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;">#162-207</td><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;">#13,345-17,792</td><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;">56%</td><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;">148</td></tr><tr><th style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;text-align: left;font-weight:normal;">Harding High School</th><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;">#162-207</td><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;">#13,345-17,792</td><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;">60%</td><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;">967</td></tr><tr><th style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;text-align: left;font-weight:normal;">The Bridge Academy</th><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;">#162-207</td><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;">#13,345-17,792</td><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;">78%</td><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;">179</td></tr><tr><th style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;text-align: left;font-weight:normal;">Fairfield Ludlowe High School</th><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;">#18</td><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;">#883</td><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;">98%</td><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;">1,510</td></tr><tr><th style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;text-align: left;font-weight:normal;">Weston High School</th><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;">#2</td><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;">#202</td><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;">99%</td><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;">808</td></tr><tr><th style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;text-align: left;font-weight:normal;">Fairfield Warde High School</th><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;">#38</td><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;">#1,683</td><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;">sch</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p> <p>According to U.S. News &amp; World Report, the highest-ranked schools are scattered throughout the country, showing that the best schools are not concentrated in any one geographic area. Nine different states are represented among the top 10 schools. More broadly, the top 100 schools span 29 states.</p> <p><br>U.S. News &amp; World Report says that they take a holistic <a href="https://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/articles/how-us-news-calculated-the-rankings" target="_blank">approach </a>to evaluating schools, focusing on six factors: college readiness, reading and math proficiency, reading and math performance, underserved student performance, college curriculum breadth and graduation rates. College readiness measures participation and performance on AP and IB exams.</p> <p>Here are the top 10 high schools in Connecticut:<br>#1 Connecticut IB Academy in East Hartford<br>#2 Weston High School<br>#3 Darien High School<br>#4 Staples High School (Westport)<br>#5 New Canaan High School<br>#6 Simsbury High School<br>#7 Greenwich High School<br>#8 Hall High School (West Hartford)<br>#9 Ridgefield High School<br>#10 Marine Science Magnet High School of Southeastern<br>See the complete Connecticut High School rankings HERE.<br>To see how schools in the state’s top metro areas ranked, check out the pages for Hartford, New Haven, Norwich, and Bridgeport.</p> <p><a href="https://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/connecticut/rankings" target="_blank">View the article in its entirety here.</a></p>

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Some Good News

Apr

21

Some Good News

<h2>Some Good News!</h2> <p>Everyday heroes are emerging amidst the pain we are all experiencing. Their stories can inspire us all.</p> <p>HamletHub has been received an abundance of stories about ordinary people doing extraordinary things so we created a special "hub" to spread joy called&nbsp;<a href="http://news.hamlethub.com/index.php?option=com_acymailing&amp;no_html=1&amp;ctrl=url&amp;urlid=36316&amp;mailid=0&amp;subid=307" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://news.hamlethub.com/index.php?option%3Dcom_acymailing%26no_html%3D1%26ctrl%3Durl%26urlid%3D36316%26mailid%3D0%26subid%3D307&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1587581340995000&amp;usg=AFQjCNFWiPKzZpzuCGWRwB9ho9tVtbn2bQ">Community is not Canceled</a>.</p> <p>Community is not Canceled features a plethora of inspiring stories that will give you many reasons to smile!</p> <p>Read about:</p> <ul> <li>A Connecticut tree company <a href="https://communityisnotcanceled.hamlethub.com/index.php/categories/inspiration/140-ct-tree-company-hangs-american-flag-outside-of-danbury-and-norwalk-hospitals-as-patriotic-tribute-to-healthcare-workers" target="_blank">hanging 50' flags outside of hospitals</a> across the state</li> <li>Towns celebrating birthdays with <a href="https://communityisnotcanceled.hamlethub.com/index.php/categories/creativecommunities/142-redding-fire-department-birthday-drive-by-brings-joy-to-children-during-quarantine" target="_blank">fire truck drive-bys</a></li> <li><a href="https://communityisnotcanceled.hamlethub.com/index.php/categories/creativecommunities/130-nine-year-old-from-ridgefield-brings-joy-to-those-who-have-a-birthday-during-the-quarantine" target="_blank">A nine-year-old&nbsp;violinist&nbsp;</a>bringing joy to those celebrating birthdays during the quarantine</li> <li><a href="https://communityisnotcanceled.hamlethub.com/index.php/categories/inspiration/149-danbury-hackers-turned-facemask-manufactoring-hub-to-help-frontline-heroes" target="_blank">Danbury "hackers" </a>who have transformed their techie space into a face shield manufacturing "hub"</li> <li>A family who climbed to the roof of a nursing facility to <a href="https://communityisnotcanceled.hamlethub.com/index.php/categories/inspiration/155-carol-gardell" target="_blank">speak to a loved one through a window</a></li> <li>Family celebrating the<a href="https://communityisnotcanceled.hamlethub.com/index.php/categories/inspiration/128-magaly-olivero" target="_blank"> birth of a baby in the age of COVID-19</a></li> </ul> <p>We are in this together. Stay strong.&nbsp;</p> <p>If you have an inspiring story from FCBuzz to share, please email <a href="mailto:communitymatters@hamlethub.com">communitymatters@hamlethub.com</a></p> <p>Visit Community is not Canceled <a href="https://communityisnotcanceled.hamlethub.com/" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>

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FCBuzz Residents Can Support Connecticut Food Bank By Participating in Race Against Hunger

<h2>Support for Connecticut Food Bank During COVID-19: Race Against Hunger</h2> <p>Connecticut Food Bank needs the town of FCBuzz to help to support their efforts during the COVID-19 Pandemic! Food Bank volunteers are working tirelessly during this unprecedented time to feed the hungry throughout Connecticut.<br>One way FCBuzz can support the Food Bank is by participating in The Race Against Hunger, a virtual 5K run and walk that takes place between April 13th - April 19th. Since it’s virtual, you can participate at the time and place of your choosing! Register at www.jbsports.com.<br>This virtual event is a way for Connecticut runners to stay connected and motivated while keeping our distance! Let’s come together to support those in need during these critical times. <a href="https://www.jbsports.com/" target="_blank">Register now</a> to help the state's largest source of emergency food assistance!<br>The food bank is still open, but hours are modified. Below is a list of Food Banks within 20 miles of FCBuzz. Please call because there may be changes.<br></p><table class="'articleList' style=width:100%;table-layout: fixed;"><tbody><tr class="hidemeonmobile"><th style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;text-align: left;">Date</th><th style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;text-align: left;">Time</th><th style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;text-align: left;">City</th><th style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;text-align: left;">Place</th></tr><tr><th style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;text-align: left;font-weight:normal;">Wednesday, April 8</th><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;">9:30 AM</td><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;">Danbury</td><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;">New Hope Baptist Church</td></tr><tr><th style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;text-align: left;font-weight:normal;">Wednesday, April 8</th><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;">4:00 PM</td><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;">Bridgeport</td><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;">Roosevelt School</td></tr><tr><th style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;text-align: left;font-weight:normal;">Wednesday, April 8</th><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;">4:30 PM</td><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;">Hamden</td><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;">Hamden Middle School</td></tr><tr><th style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;text-align: left;font-weight:normal;">Wednesday, April 8</th><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;">5:30 PM</td><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;">Bethel</td><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding:5px;">Walnut Hill Church</td></tr></tbody></table><br>Keep checking Connecticut Food Bank’s website and social media for updates for the Mobile Pantry schedule. <br>Should you have questions, the Mobile Pantry Hotline is updated daily. Call (203) 741-9751 for info.<p></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span id="zoho_button_ext" style="display: none; position: absolute; z-index: 99999999; width: 80px; height: 31px; background-image: url('chrome-extension://ddafdejlekcmnafgnbllcfkebabhabcl/images/zshare.png'); background-size: 80px 31px; opacity: 0.9; cursor: pointer; top: 826px; left: 1487px;"></span></p>

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Gov Lamont Announces Open Fishing Season for Connecticut

<p dir="ltr">This week, Governor Lamont signed an<a href="https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/Office-of-the-Governor/Executive-Orders/Lamont-Executive-Orders/Executive-Order-No-7L.pdf?la=en&amp;fbclid=IwAR1OprkwECOxBVr5h3XVXa8a8uVCylPhqUEF7x4t0bo-ggxs_D5KmVy-0CM">&nbsp;Executive Order</a>&nbsp;that included the early opening of the fishing season in Connecticut. With spring showing its early colors, fishing is a perfect outdoor activity. It states:</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>opening the fishing season early in inland waters will help to limit community spread of COVID-19 by eliminating the large crowds that often accompany the traditional Opening Day of fishing in April</em></p> <p dir="ltr">If you are suffering from cabin fever, head to your favorite fishing hole and drop in a line! Remember, even while fishing or engaging in any outdoor activity, social distancing is a MUST. Please remain 6' apart!</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>During this time of social distancing, fishing should be enjoyed as solitary experience or with members of the immediate household, not as a group activity. DEEP is encouraging all anglers to follow social distancing practices. Anglers should maintain a distance of at least six feet from others, practice good personal hygiene, stay home and away from others if they feel sick, and avoid areas where anglers or others congregate. All other fishing laws and regulations, including requirements for a fishing license and trout and salmon stamp when needed, and all methods, creel limits and length limits remain in effect. More information and a helpful FAQ can be found on DEEP’s website</em></p> <p dir="ltr">Please refer constituents to&nbsp;<a href="https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Fishing/CT-Fishing">https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Fishing/CT-Fishing</a>&nbsp;for more information. We continue to stock trout and plan on completely our spring 2020 stockings. Below you will find the listings of our stockings so far this spring. Anglers should also check out our Interactive Stocking map at:&nbsp;<a href="https://ctdeep.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=70d13bc033854b89a87c04b1d11b1a43">https://ctdeep.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=70d13bc033854b89a87c04b1d11b1a43</a><a href="https://ctdeep.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=70d13bc033854b89a87c04b1d11b1a43"></a></p> <p dir="ltr">You can find a helpful video here:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/CTFishAndWildlife/videos/1147555402243388/">https://www.facebook.com/CTFishAndWildlife/videos/1147555402243388/</a></p> <p dir="ltr">A list of the fishing spots are listed below:</p> <h2>Around Bridgeport/Danbury/Norwalk/Stamford:</h2> <p>Lakes - Ball Pond, Beardsley Park Pond, Blanchard Pond, Candlewood Lake, Cobbs Mill Pond, Disbrow Pond, Factory Pond, Great Hollow Pond, Housatonic Lake, Isinglass Reservoir (Farmill), Lake Kenosia, Lake Lillinonah, Lake Zoar, Mamanasco Lake, Miller’s Pond, Mohegan Lake, Nells Rock Reservoir, Pierrepont Pond, Saugatuck Reservoir, Shelton Reservoir #2, Silvermine Pond, Squantz Pond, Starrett Pond, Tollgate Pond, Tungsten Mine Park Pond, Twin Brooks Park Pond, West Pequonnock Reservoir<br>Major Trout Streams – Aspetuck, Byram, Farmill, Mianus, Mill, Morrissey Brook, Norwalk, Pequonnock, Pond Brook, Pootatuck, Rippowam, Saugatuck</p> <h2>Around Hartford/New Britain:</h2> <p>Lakes - Angus Park Pond, Batterson Park Pond, Broad Brook Mill Pond, Brookfield Pond, Congamond Lakes, Freshwater Pond, Howells Pond, Manitook Lake, Rainbow Reservoir, St Martha’s Pond, Salmon Brook Pond, Salters Pond, Silver Lake, Stratton Brook Park Pond<br>Major Trout Streams – Blackledge, Cherry Brook, Coppermine Brook, Dickenson Creek, Farmington, Fawn Brook, Pequabuck, Podunk, Raymond Brook, Roaring Brook, Salmon Brook, Scantic, Stony Brook, Stratton Brook</p> <h2>Around Middletown/East Haddam:</h2> <p>Lakes - Bashan Lake, Beseck Lake, Black Pond, Cedar Lake, Dooley Pond, Great Hill Pond, Higganum Reservoir, Lake Hayward, Messerschmidt’s Pond, Miller’s Pond, Moodus Reservoir, Pataconk Lake, Pistol Shop Pond, Schreeder Pond</p> <p>Major Trout Streams – Coginchaug, Hammonasset, Hemlock Valley Brook, Pine Brook, Salmon</p> <h2>Around New Haven/Naugatuck:</h2> <p>Lakes - Axle Shop Pond, Baldwin Pond, Barber Pond, Beaver Park Lagoon, Black Pond, Clarks Mill Pond, Clarktown Pond, Dayton Pond, Hancock Brook Flood Control Pond, Hop Brook Flood Control Pond, Housatonic Lake, Lake Chamberlain, Lake Lillinonah, Lake Saltonstall, Lake Stibbs, Lake Wintergreen, Lake Zoar, Maltby Lakes, North Farms Reservoir, Pages Millpond, Picketts Pond, Prospect Park Pond, Quonnipaug Lake, Scovill Reservoir, Silver Lake, Southford Falls Pond, Upper Fulton Park Pond, Wards Millpond, Wharton Pond, Woodruff’s Pond</p> <p>Major Trout Streams – Bladens Brook, Branford, Chatfield Hollow Brook, Eight Mile Brook, Farm, Hop Brook, Little, Menunketesuck Brook, Mill, Muddy, Nonnewaug, Pomperaug, Quinnipiac, Sprain Brook, Weekeepeemee Brook, Wepawaug</p> <h2>Around New London/Norwich:</h2> <p>Lakes - Amos Lake, Andersons Pond, Ashland Pond, Aspinook Pond, Avery Pond, Babcock Pond, Billings Lake, Bog Meadow Pond, Day Pond, Dodge Pond, Fitchville Pond, Fort Shantok Pond, Gardner Lake, Glasgo Pond, Godfrey Pond, Gorton Pond, Green Falls Reservoir, Hallville Pond, Hewitt Flyfishing Pond, Hewitt Pond (lower), Hodge Pond, Hopeville Pond, Horse Pond, Lake of Isles, Lantern Hill Pond, Long Pond, Mohegan Park Pond, Norwich Pond, Pachaug Pond, Pataganset Lake, Pickerel Lake, Powers Lake, Red Cedar Lake, Rogers Lake, Savin Lake, Sawmill Park Pond, Uncas Lake, Wyassup Lake</p> <p>Major Trout Streams – Beaver Brook, Broad Brook, Choate Brook, Eight Mile, Gardner Brook, Green Falls, Hunts Brook, Indiantown Brook, Jeremy, Judd Brook, Latimers Brook, Meadow Brook, Mt Misery Brook, Myron Kinney Brook, Pachaug, Salmon, Shunock Brook, Susquetonscut Brook, Whitford’s, Wood, Yantic</p> <h2>Around Torrington/Winsted:</h2> <p>Lakes - Bantam Lake, Black Rock Pond, Black Rock Flood Control Pond, Burr Pond, Colebrook Flood Control Pond, Dog Pond, East Twin Lake, Hatch Pond, Highland Lake, Indian Pond, Lake Lillinonah, Lake McDonough, Leonard Pond, Mad River Flood Control Pond, Mohawk Pond, Mt. Tom Pond, Mudge Pond, Northfield Brook Flood Control Pond, Northfield Cutlery Co. Pond, Park Pond, South Spectacle Pond, Stillwater Pond, Tyler Pond, Waramaug Lake, West Branch (Hogsback) Reservoir, West Hill Pond, West Side Pond, West Twin Lake, Winchester Lake, Winnemaug Lake, Wononscopomuc Lake, Wood Creek Pond, Zeiner’s Pond</p> <p>Major Trout Streams – Aspetuck, Bantam, Blackberry, Butternut Brook, Carse Brook, Farmington, Furnace Brook, Hall Meadow Brook, Housatonic, Lead Mine Brook, Macedonia Brook, Mad, Morgan Brook, Morissey Brook, Naugatuck, Nepaug, Pomperaug, Sandy Brook, Shepaug, Still, Whiting</p> <h2>Around Vernon/Mansfield:</h2> <p>Lakes - Bald Mountain Pond, Bigelow Pond, Bishop Swamp, Bolton Lakes, Bolton Notch Pond, Breakneck Pond, Coventry Lake, Crystal Lake, Eagleville Lake, Gay City Park Pond, Hamilton Reservoir, Holbrook Pond, Johnson Pond, Lafayette Pond, Mansfield Hollow Reservoir, Mansfield Training School Ponds, Mashapaug Lake, Mono Pond, Morey Pond, Shenipsit Reservoir, Somersville Mill Pond, Stateline Pond, Tankerhoosen Lakes, Walkers Reservoir, Whitney Flood Control Pond</p> <p>Major Trout Streams - Bigelow Brook, Blackledge, Broad Brook, Charter Brook, Crystal Lake Brook, Fawn Brook, Fenton, Furnace Brook, Great Meadow Brook, Hockanum, Hop, Judd Brook, Mt Hope, Natchaug, Quanduck Brook, Quinebaug, Roaring Brook, Scantic, Skungamaug, Tankerhoosen, Willimantic</p> <h2>Around Willimantic/Danielson:</h2> <p>Lakes - Alexander Lake, Beach Pond, Beachdale Pond, Beaver Brook Ponds, Bicentennial Pond, Black Pond, Griggs Pond, Halls Pond, Hampton Reservoir, Keach Pond, Killingly Pond, Lawton Pond, Little Pond, Moosup Pond, Muddy Pond, Paine Pond, Perry Pond, Pine Acres Lake, Quaddick Reservoir, Roseland Lake, Ross Pond, Tetrault Pond, Wauregan Reservoir, West Thompson Lake</p> <p>Major Trout Streams - Bigelow Brook, Blackwells Brook, Five Mile Brook, Five Mile R, French, Kitt Brook, Little, Mashamoquet Brook, Merrick Brook, Middle, Mount Misery, Muddy Brook, Natchaug, Quinebaug, Shetucket, Snake Meadow Brook, Still, Willimantic</p> <p>Content last reviewed March 2020.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span id="zoho_button_ext" style="display: none; position: absolute; z-index: 99999999; width: 80px; height: 31px; background-image: url('chrome-extension://ddafdejlekcmnafgnbllcfkebabhabcl/images/zshare.png'); background-size: 80px 31px; opacity: 0.9; cursor: pointer; top: 353px; left: 439px;"></span></p>

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