<p><strong><em>-Strong, sustainable products protect Human Lives and the Environment from Toxic Lithium Battery Fires-</em></strong></p><p>Every year on April 22nd, Earth Day marks the anniversary of the popular environmental movement that began in 1970. Since then, it has become a global event with over a billion people participating in environmental activities across nearly 200 countries who share the common mission of reducing waste, smog and water pollution that threaten the health of our planet. Connecticut manufacturer Packaging and Crating Technologies, LLC (PACT) a leader in the green, sustainable packaging industry for the past 30 years, is doing its part by taking organic materials and creating several patented products designed to eliminate one of the most environmentally-threatening offenders of our modern time: lithium battery fires. Specifically, within the past couple of years, the family-owned company has developed the eco-friendly <a href="http://www.pactthermoshield.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">PACT Thermo ShieldTM</a>, TR SleeveTM, TR EnvelopeTM and the PACT Lion-X TM Fire Extinguisher to save human lives and the planet.</p><p>“As evidenced by the daily news headlines, lithium-battery explosions in all of our current hand-held devices and electronic equipment are becoming a severe threat to the planet,” said Rodger Mort, chief operating officer at PACT, LLC. “Lithium battery fires generate extreme heat and usually have to smolder out on their own after hours or even days, all while releasing toxic gas and black smoke into the atmosphere which compromises our air and water quality and contributes to climate change.”</p><p>Mort notes that every day, there are multiple electronic fires across the world whether it’s a cargo ship carrying a fleet of EVs across the ocean, an electric bus combusting while its being charged in a city docking station, or even a consumer charging their electric bike battery which is left unattended in their apartment. In fact, <span style="color: rgb(16, 16, 16);">recent data from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) shows that&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/tag/lithium-ion-batteries/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(16, 16, 16);">lithium battery</a><span style="color: rgb(16, 16, 16);">&nbsp;fires on U.S. flights have risen 388% since 2015, now occurring nearly twice a week.&nbsp;</span></p><p>What makes lithium batteries dangerous is that they can become damaged very easily, typically when they are being transported, stored or charged. The damage or defect then causes thermal runaway, a <span style="color: rgb(33, 33, 33);">phenomenon in which the lithium-ion cell enters an uncontrollable, self-heating state. This can result in an explosion of smoke, fire and shooting shrapnel, while creating an extremely dangerous domino effect as the fire spreads to and ignites other lithium battery cells.</span></p><p>It was in answer to safety measures requested by its commercial, industrial and military clients that PACT fabricatedPACT® Thermo ShieldTM , <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">a </span>lightweight, fire-suppressant wrap made from 100% recycled paper and coated with a proprietary organic ink that controls thermal runaway in electronics. When a lithium battery goes into thermal runaway and begins to burn, the special ink releases a moisture barrier that creates a vapor cloud to immediately cool the internal contents of the package, while limiting oxygen around the package to prevent lethal gases from forming. To date, it is the only product that has passed the proposed testing standards of the SAE International <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">for safety in shipping lithium batteries via land, sea and air. </span></p><p>Taking its invention one step further, PACT then created TR SleeveTM, in which its natural PACT Thermo ShieldTM paper is wrapped around each lithium battery cell to mitigate thermal runaway between them, thus serving as a crucial heat and flame barrier. TR SleeveTM has become an international safety precaution for the charging of E-mobility batteries used in the ever-prevalent EVs, E-buses, E-scooters and E-bikes as <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">BS Technics, a thermal interface company in Korea is using TR Sleeve in lithium battery production for its multi-national customers like as Samsung, Hyundai, and LG Electronics, among other prominent brands.</span></p><p>Similarly, TR EnvelopeTM, also made from PACT Thermo ShieldTM, safely transports and stores smaller devices such as cell phones, pagers, smartwatches and other items that use rechargeable A-D batteries.<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Mort explains that any of the PACT Thermo ShieldTM paper-based solutions can be re-used multiple times and safely discarded and recycled in landfills when maximum usage is achieved. </span></p><p>Lastly, Mort discusses the company’s newest green invention – the PACT Lion-X TM Fire Extinguisher, an organic water-based solution that quenches lithium battery fires upwards of 1,600 degrees within seconds, while instantly transforming black smoke, thus preventing hydrogen, methane and chlorine gases from being produced and released into the environment. </p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Additionally, when the fire is completely extinguished, PACT Lion-XTM only leaves behind a fine powder residue, which continues to cool surfaces and is easily washed off with a wet cloth or paper towel. </span>Further, unlike other chemical-based solutions, PACT Lion-X<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> TM</span> is designed to be </p><p>used without personal protective equipment (PPE) and is safe to wash and flush into sewers, streams and other waterways. </p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">“We are very proud that our products save </span>first responders, transportation professionals, waste management engineers and the general public, all while protecting the environment,” adds Mort. “We know that our green and sustainable safety solutions will be a game-changer in preserving the planet now and into the future.”</p><p><span style="color: rgb(33, 37, 41);">For more information about PACT’s environmental-enhancing product line, please visit: </span><a href="http://www.pactthermoshield.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.pactthermoshield.com</a>.</p>

<p><strong style="color: rgb(59, 56, 56);"><em>-</em></strong><strong style="color: rgb(33, 33, 33);"><em> </em></strong><strong><em>INGRID NARVAEZ AND TASHIMA WATSON </em></strong><strong style="color: rgb(33, 33, 33);"><em>OF </em></strong><strong style="color: rgb(59, 56, 56);"><em>Assisted Living Services, Inc. Among 13 Honorees</em></strong><strong style="color: rgb(33, 33, 33);"><em> </em></strong><strong style="color: rgb(59, 56, 56);"><em>-</em></strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(33, 33, 33);">Two female home healthcare professionals employed at&nbsp;</span><a href="https://url.emailprotection.link/?blGrx8TcLDzAiQ76Zvr4bmjaxfHL0Jj2kIMho8_T9oG2pNB95ioxpohswlxiZRBJbtMxBliewh72xqI7-sJCZVg~~" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Assisted Living Services, Inc.</a><span style="color: rgb(33, 33, 33);">&nbsp;(ALS) in Cheshire, Westport and Putnam, CT., today earned the prestigious Healthcare Warrior Award presented by the Hamden Regional Chamber of Commerce. Ingrid Narvaez and Tashima Watson both of Waterbury were among 13 honorees from the healthcare field, that included doctors, nurses, homecare aides, educators and support staff from various area health agencies, as well as fire and police departments. The 5th Annual Ceremony was held on April 9, 2025&nbsp;at the Vue in Hamden with host Kathryn Hauser of </span><em style="color: rgb(33, 33, 33);">WTNH-NewsChannel, 8</em><span style="color: rgb(33, 33, 33);"> and more than 100 attendees.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">“We are thrilled that our family company was represented on both the live-in caregiver and home healthcare staff categories,” said Mario D’Aquila, MBA and chief operating officer. “Ingrid and Tashima’s unwavering dedication to the entire eldercare industry and their above-and-beyond care to our specific senior clients deserve to be recognized every day.” </span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(33, 33, 33);">The Hamden mayor and fire and police chiefs were among the more than 100 people who attended the breakfast. The honorees were nominated by their peers and their stories were read to the audience. Each Healthcare Warrior received a framed certificate and heart shaped award.</span></p>

<p class="ql-align-center"><strong>CT Manufacturer Leads the Charge at Annual International Battery Show in Orlando, FL</strong></p><p class="ql-align-center"><em>-Packaging and Crating Technologies Presented Lithium Battery Safety Solutions to Thousands of Industry Peers</em>–</p><p><span style="color: rgb(10, 16, 18);">A state of emergency was declared in Northern California following a fire at the world’s</span> largest<span style="color: rgb(10, 16, 18);"> lithium battery storage plant earlier this year. </span><a href="http://www.pactww.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Packaging And Crating Technologies</a> (PACT®), a Connecticut manufacturer of fire-suppressant paper wrap is helping to ensure that this never happens again. The innovative family-owned business recently presented its life-saving product line that prevents and extinguishes lithium battery fires at the International Battery Seminar &amp; Exhibit<span style="color: rgb(10, 16, 18);"> in Orlando, Florida. Specifically, PACT COO Rodger Mort conducted an informational session for </span>thousands of consumers, automotive, military, grid, and industrial professionals. </p><p>“Our booth was swamped with hundreds of visitors each day who work within the battery and EV tech communities,” said Rodger Mort, chief operating officer at PACT, LLC. “We addressed the hot topics of how to safely charge, transport and recycle lithium batteries that are used to power a variety of E-mobility equipment and handheld devices.” </p><p>Mort explains that the company’s signature product- PACT Thermo ShieldTM was invented as a thermal management system for shipping and storing items containing lithium batteries. It consists of three thin, lightweight, paper materials coated with proprietary ink. When a lithium battery goes into thermal runaway and burns, the special ink releases a moisture barrier that creates a vapor cloud to immediately cool the internal contents of the package to prevent a domino fireball effect, while limiting oxygen around the package to prevent the battery temperature from escalating to 1,500° Fahrenheit, at which point, lethal gases form.</p><p>From the same technology, PACT also developed a 100% paper-based solution for lithium-ion battery packs, called TR SleeveTM that shuts down thermal runaway on the cellular level, as well as TR EnvelopeTM, which safely transports and stores smaller devices such as cell phones, pagers, smartwatches and rechargeable A-D batteries, items becoming a hazard for commercial airlines during flight.</p><p>Lastly, Mort discussed the company’s newest invention – the PACT Lion-X TM Fire Extinguisher, which is still undergoing testing requirements but is targeted to be available by end of the year. The pre-mixed, water-based solution quenches lithium battery fires upwards of 1,600 degrees within seconds, while eliminating the release of toxic gases into the environment and is the first of its kind on a global scale.</p><p>“The PACT team was very well-received at this venue as lithium battery safety is a serious global issue,” adds Mort. “As new electronic devices continue to enter the market, we are </p><p>committed to educating industry peers, business owners and consumers on the proper way to handle, charge and recycle these items.”</p><p>As the longest-running annual battery industry event in the world, the International Battery Seminar &amp; Exhibit has always been the preferred venue to announce significant developments, new products, and showcase the most advanced battery technology. In fact, Sony chose the International Battery Seminar as the platform to first announce its lithium-ion technology in 1991, an accomplishment that has since gone on to change the world.</p><p><span style="color: rgb(33, 37, 41);">For more information about PACT Thermo Shield</span> TM<span style="color: rgb(33, 37, 41);">, visit: </span><a href="http://www.pactthermoshield.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.pactthermoshield.com</a><span style="color: rgb(33, 37, 41);">.&nbsp;</span></p>

<p><strong><em>-Assisted Living Services Announces Annual Platinum Caregiver of the Year 2024 Awardee-</em></strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">In a time where employers often find it difficult to get employees to show up for work, Ghanian born Nana</span><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">&nbsp;</strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Darko Amoateng actually lives at work each day! As a live-in caregiver for </span><a href="http://www.assistedlivingct.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Assisted Living Services, Inc</a>., a family-owned home care agency with offices in Cheshire, Westport and Putnam, CT, Amoateng has been named the Ultimate Platinum Caregiver of the Year for 2024 for delivering exceptional senior care to his elderly client – retired police officer 87-year-old Joseph Glowacki of West Hartford. In an official ceremony on February 25, 2025. Amoateng was presented with <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">a $5,000 check, crystal award and framed certificate. </span></p><p>“We are thrilled to recognize Nana’s outstanding senior support and unwavering dedication to his client,” said Mario D’Aquila, MBA, chief operating officer of Assisted Living Services. “Nana was chosen for the annual accolade because he truly exemplifies the spirit of going beyond the call of duty in his position and becoming an extended member of his client’s family.” </p><p>In fact, Glowacki himself admits that his life has improved beyond his expectations with Amoateng in it in: “Not only does Nana anticipate my moods and needs, but he helps me engage </p><p>in activities that had been lost to me. We play cards, go for walks, watch sports and make non- monetary wagers to add excitement. What’s more, Nana walks about 1 ½ miles to the grocery store because I prefer Whole Foods and neither I nor Nana, own a car. He is like another son to me and brother and uncle to our entire family. In fact, he’s included in our most recent family portrait hanging on the wall!”</p><p>D’Aquila notes that Amoateng was a recipient of the monthly Platinum Caregiver Award in July 2023 and again in September 2024. He has provided live-in care to Glowacki since August, 2022. When not on assignment, Amoateng lives in Bronx, NY. </p><p>D'Aquila explains that the Platinum Caregiver Award program was created <span style="color: rgb(33, 33, 33);">to acknowledge caregivers’ contributions in a meaningful way, while simultaneously creating positive change within the caregiving industry. </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Since its inception in March 2019, Assisted Living Services</span><span style="color: rgb(33, 33, 33);"> has </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">awarded more than $360,000 to more than 200+ staff members.</span><span style="color: rgb(33, 33, 33);"> Each month, five caregivers earn a $1,000 monetary bonus accompanied by a beautiful crystal statue and certificate of merit </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">in response to an employee and client survey administered by </span><span style="color: rgb(33, 33, 33);">Homecare Pulse, a third-party company that measures customer satisfaction. </span>Caregivers can also be recognized by their clients through 5-Star Google reviews, glowing written letters, or rave reviews via emails and phone calls. Additionally, Assisted Living Services office staff can nominate caregivers for excellent work performance such as covering extra shifts and perfect attendance.</p><p>Joesph’s son, Douglas Glowacki adds, "my father would not be alive today without Nana, who ensures that he eats well, stays healthy, is mobile and enjoys life like he never did in the past. My Dad's life is a million times better with Nana in it!”</p><p>“We are so proud to have Nana as part of the Assisted Living Services family and look forward to many more years of service to our seniors,” concludes D’Aquila. “Caregiving is not only a profession, but also a personal commitment to lovingly care for someone as their own family would - day in and day out.” </p><p><span style="color: rgb(33, 33, 33);">For nearly 30 years, Assisted Living Services has led the charge to raise the standards for quality of care across the board in the highly competitive homecare industry. Incentives and genuine appreciation for staff members are just a few of the reasons&nbsp;that the company has a high employee retention rate with some employees still working for the agency nearly three decades later. Managers also receive incentives if quality assurance benchmarks are achieved.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(33, 33, 33);">Assisted Living Services employs caregivers across the state, all of whom are insured, bonded, and supervised. Newly hired employees undergo a National Criminal Background Check, eVerify, as well as receive comprehensive training.</span></p>

<p class="ql-align-center"><strong>Girl Scouts of Connecticut Members Get Deep Dive in State Government During Daylong Event</strong></p><p><strong>(Hartford, CT)</strong> – <em>March 17, 2025</em> – For 113 years, Girl Scouts of Connecticut has served as the preeminent organization best positioned to help girls develop important leadership skills to become future changemakers. This underlying mission was best exemplified on Tuesday, March 11. 2025 when the non-profit organization hosted its annual Girl Scouts at the Capitol Day, a program designed to offer a deep dive into state government and teach members the importance of civic engagement and public service. Specifically, 93 Girl Scouts heard inspiring messages from Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz, four state senators, twelve state representatives as well as the executive director and staff from the Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity &amp; Opportunity and League of Women Voters in the House Chambers at the Connecticut State Capitol Building. The <span style="color: rgb(33, 33, 33);">eve</span>nt coincided with Women's History Month, as well as National Girl Scout Week.</p><p>“We are absolutely ecstatic with the amazing turnout for our recent Girl Scouts at the Capitol Day, the first time offering it since the pandemic in 2019,” said Elicia Pegues Spearman, chief executive officer at Girl Scouts of Connecticut. “Nearly 100 Girl Scout members learned the inner workings of state government, the importance of being a public servant and how they can make an impact—even before they can vote!”</p><p>Through panel discussions, hands-on activities and tours of both the Capitol Building and Legislative Office Building, Girl Scouts were fully immersed in the political process.</p><p>A special milestone of the day was the official pining ceremony of state legislators by their Girl Scout constituents into an honorary Girl Scout Capitol Troop. Participating legislators included: Senator Eric Berthel- 32nd District, Senator Paul Cicarello- 34th District, Senator Tony Hwang- 28th District, Senator Julie Kushner- Deputy President Pro Tempore, 24th District, Rep Kate Ferrar- Newington, West Hartford, Rep Marty Foncello- Brookfield, Bethel, Newtown, Rep Irene Haines-East Haddam, East Hampton, Salem, Rep Anne Hughes-Easton, Redding, Weston, Rep Dominique Johnson- Norwalk, Westport, Rep Sarah Kiett-Fairfield, Trumbull, Rep Jennifer Leeper-Fairfield, Southport, Rep Tracy Marra- Darien, Norwalk, Rep Amy Morrin Bello- Wethersfield, Rep Cristin McCarthy-Vahey- Bridgeport, Fairfield, Rep Laurie Sweet- Hamden and Rep Gary Turco- Newington, New Britain. </p><p>Additionally, various staff members from the Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity &amp; Opportunity and the League of Women Voters discussed the history of women in the law-making process, contributions of female leaders in government and ways to launch a political career. </p><p>“All Girl Scout attendees walked away with a deeper understanding of how they can advocate for the causes they care about, while <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">pursuing their passion for public service,” adds Spearman. “We </span><span style="color: rgb(33, 33, 33);">are grateful to our management team, troop leaders, volunteers, legislative partners and our eager Girl Scout members for making it such a successful and memorable day!”</span></p>

<p>The Connecticut Spelling Bee will return to West Hartford on Sunday, March 9, 2025, and participants will compete for the chance to represent Connecticut at the Scripps National Spelling Bee in May.</p><p>The 8th&nbsp;Annual Connecticut Spelling Bee is presented by the Noah Webster House &amp; West Hartford Historical Society, Connecticut’s Official Regional Partner to the Scripps National Spelling Bee. The competition begins at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 9 at the Hoffman Auditorium at the University of Saint Joseph, located at 1678 Asylum Avenue in West Hartford.</p><p>Students competing in The Connecticut Spelling Bee have already won their school- or town-wide spelling bees. This year, thousands of Connecticut students in grades 1-8 participated in the spelling bee program. From that, 64 are eligible to move on to the state level. This makes 2025 the largest and most competitive Connecticut Spelling Bee in recent history, a number that grows each year.</p><p>“As Connecticut’s Official Regional Partner to the Scripps National Spelling Bee, the Noah Webster House is proud to once again present this event and we have more students than ever participating this year,” said Jeffrey Mainville, Executive Director of the Noah Webster House &amp; West Hartford Historical Society. “We are especially grateful to PeoplesBank, the Premier Sponsor of the 2025 Connecticut Spelling Bee.”</p><p>“At PeoplesBank, we are deeply committed to our associates, customers, and community. We proudly support The Connecticut Spelling Bee; this event not only fosters educational excellence but also strengthens our community spirit. By integrating our associates into this celebration, we reinforce our dedication to both education and community engagement,” said Ryan Young, PeoplesBank, West Hartford Banking Center Manager.</p><p>The Connecticut Spelling Bee is free and open to the public. Seating is limited. Live recordings of this event are strictly prohibited. Doors open at 12:30 p.m. For more information, please email us at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:events@noahwebsterhouse.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(5, 99, 193);"><u>events@noahwebsterhouse.org</u></a>.</p><p>The winner of The Connecticut Spelling Bee will represent the state at the Scripps National Spelling Bee May 27, 2025, through May 29, 2025, at the Gaylord National Resort &amp; Convention Center in Port Washington, Maryland.<strong>&nbsp;</strong>The top Connecticut speller will also receive a $1,000 scholarship to the University of Saint Joseph if admitted.</p><p>“Noah Webster House is grateful to our friends at University of Saint Joseph for once again hosting The Connecticut Spelling Bee on their beautiful campus,” added Mainville.</p><p>This year, schools from all eight of Connecticut’s counties participated in the spelling bee program. Schools include: Academy For International Studies (Windsor), Alcott Elementary School (Wolcott), Andover Elementary School (Andover), Annie Fisher STEM Magnete School (Hartford), Bertrand Spencer Elementary School (Middletown), Bethlehem Elementary School (Bethlehem), Bi - Cultural Hebrew Academy Of Connecticut (Stamford), Booth Hill Elementary School (Trumbull). Bristow Middle School (West Hartford), Bungay Elementary School (Seymour), Catholic Academy Of Waterbury (Waterbury), Center Elementary School (East Hampton), Charles H Barrows Stem Academy (North Windham), Daniels Farm School (Trumbull), East Hampton Middle School (East Hampton), East Lyme Middle School (Niantic), Fields Memorial School (Bozrah), Frenchtown Elementary School (Trumbull), Gilbert School (Winsted), Glenville Elementary School (Greenwich), Great Plain Elementary School (Danbury), Harry M. Bailey Middle School (West Haven), Helen Keller Middle School (Easton), Henry S Chase Elementary School (Waterbury), Interdistrict Discovery Magnet School (Bridgeport), Isabell Pearson School (Winsted), Jane Ryan Elementary School (Trumbull), Jumoke Academy (Hartford), King Philip Middle School (West Hartford), Lawrence Elementary School (Middletown), Mabelle B Avery Middle School (Somers), Mary R. Fisher Elementary School (North Grosvenordale), May V Carrigan Intermediate School (West Haven), Middlebrook Elementary School (Trumbull), Middlebrook Middle School (Wilton), Middlesex Middle School (Darien), Multicultural Magnet School (Bridgeport), North Stonington Elementary School (North Stonington), Northeast Middle School (Bristol), Northville Elementary School (New Milford), Northwestern Regional Middle School (Winsted), Old Greenwich School (Old Greenwich), Oxford Middle School (Oxford), Pembroke Elementary School (Danbury), Ralph M Johnson Elementary School (Bethel), Renzulli Gifted and Talented Academy (Hartford), Reuben E Thalberg Elementary School (Southington), Sandy Hook Elementary School (Sandy Hook), Scotts Ridge Middle School (Ridgefield), Sedgwick Middle School (West Hartford), Seymour Middle School (Seymour), Somers Elementary School (Somers), Southern Connecticut Hebrew Academy (Orange), Stadley Rough Elementary School (Danbury), Strawberry Hill International School (Stamford), Tashua Elementary School (Trumbull), Thirman Milner School (Hartford), Thomaston Center School (Thomaston), Thompson Middle School (North Grosvenor), Toquam Magnet School (Stamford), Torrington Middle School (Torrington), Totoket Valley Elementary School (Northford), Vernon Center Middle School (Vernon), Westbrook Middle School (Westbrook), and Western Connecticut Academy (Danbury).</p><p><br></p><p>&nbsp;</p>