One of Connecticut’s premiere outdoor events is blossoming again in West Hartford as the popular Blue Back Farmers’ Market returns for a second season, delivering a robust portion of fresh produce, creative arts and crafts, live music and a whole lot of family entertainment!  Specifically, the Certified CT Grown Farmer’s Market in West Hartford begins on Sunday, June 18, 2023 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and runs every Sunday until October 29, 2023 in the Town Hall parking lot.

“We were overwhelmed by the outpouring of support for our inaugural year as we attracted crowds of 500 to 700 people from across New England and the entire tri-state area every weekend,” said Mary Collins, co-founder of Blue Back Farmers’ Market, which she organizes with her husband Scott Franklin.  “This year promises to be even better with our new Market Manager for vendors-Jess Emonds, and enhanced programs, performers, live demos and interactive displays.”

Specifically, more than 25 vendors will line the rows of West Hartford’s Sunday Farmers’ Market, including some of the most reputable organic and conventional farmers in the state, like Barden Farm, Clatter Ridge, Fat Stone Farm, George Hall Farm, Lion’s Tale Farm, , Sub Edge and Sweet Acre, Lyric Hill, among others. Specialty vendors offering a range of products from linens to microgreens will rotate in each week so that visitors to the market will always find something new to experience.

Sweet new additions to this year’s roster include local bakeries, dessert, and coffee companies, including Pure Goodness Bakery, Granny’s Pie Factory, Hartford Baking Co., gluten free Treats by Taylor  among others.

“As both foodies and community supporters, we always seek out and prefer to purchase locally sourced produce and products – they simply taste better and last longer,” adds Collins.  “West Hartford is the perfect access point for Certified Connecticut Grown farmers and other vendors since the town is literally located in the middle of the state.”

Collins notes that the Blue Back Farmers’ Market will continue to live up to its motto—Come for the food, stay for the fun—by offering extensive and engaging programming every Sunday. Upcoming events include:

• Live, acoustic music
• Meet the Chef Q&A
• Programs on gardening, composting and recycling
• Art and weaving demos
• Wheel Fun Bicycle event for kids
• Dog Days of Summer event in August

Visit www.bluebackfarmersmarket.org for a full calendar of activities and links to the markets’ social media.

Blue Back Farmers’ Market is located in the West Hartford Town Hall parking lot a few hundred yards from Blue Back Square and will have two primary entrances, one on Raymond Road and the other on Main Street. There is plenty of free parking and the area is wheelchair accessible.

“We invite you to experience the Blue Back Farmers’ Market as a “Third Place” - neither work nor home—where people can linger, connect and belong,” concludes Collins. “We want to thank our remarkable vendors and the Town of West Hartford for helping us create a seasonal destination for the entire community.”

There are several convenient and affordable sponsorship levels available for companies and individuals interested in supporting the venture ranging from $100 to $5,000.  Please visit www.bluebackfarmersmarket.org for more information.

The Grand Opening of the Blue Back Farmers’ Market takes place on Sunday, June 18, 2023 and runs every Sunday until October 29, 2023.

About Blue Back Farmers’ Market

West Hartford has increasingly become a destination for people from all across New England. Blue Back Farmers’ Market co-founders Mary Collins and Scott Franklin felt that the town could support a substantial Sunday Farmers’ Market that celebrated not only locally grown and produced food, but also the local culture. The Blue Back Farmers’ Market is their ambitious venture to create a successful “Third Place”—neither work nor home—where people linger, connect and belong. Stop for some fresh lettuce, pick up that special cheese, but then pause at the Art Demonstration or Community Program tents.  Visit www.bluebackfarmersmarket.org for more information on participating farms, events and activities.

As the number of battery technologies continue to increase to charge up the modern world’s multitude of electronic devices, so too has the threat of lethal battery fires.  In fact, according to a recent report by CNN, the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) attributed 216 fires to faulty batteries in 2022, resulting in pleas for better regulation and safety standards.  Packaging and Crating Technologies (PACT®) in Connecticut has answered the call by developing a patented, fire-suppressant packaging wrap called PACT^® Thermo Shield^TM designed to control lithium battery thermal runaway, which causes dangerous and oftentimes deadly fires.  It has passed the proposed testing standards of the SAE International for safety in shipping lithium-ion batteries via land, sea and air.

“Lithium-ion batteries are in most every electronic device you own whether it be for work or play and can become hazardous if they’ve been damaged or have some kind of defect, ultimately causing devastating, explosive fires ,” said Rodger Mort, President of PACT®, LLC.  “Our proprietary PACT^® Thermo Shield^TM product line is a protective and affordable solution that is quickly becoming an industry must when travelling, shipping, storing or disposing of products containing lithium-ion batteries.”

Specifically, PACT^® Thermo Shield^TM is a lightweight, pleated, paper material with a non-toxic, moisture vapor application that prevents thermal runaway, a phenomenon in which the lithium-ion cell enters an uncontrollable, self-heating state caused by extremely high temperatures, shaking or puncturing during transit.  Thermal runaway can result in the ejection of toxic gas, shrapnel and/or particulates, as well as smoke and fire.  If this occurs, the protective PACT^® Thermo Shield^TM wrap immediately cools the internal environment of the package, while limiting oxygen around the payload.  This process prevents the thermal runaway from spreading to other areas of the package, thus, suppressing a potential fire and shielding the surrounding environment from damage.

In the event of a fire, Mort notes that PACT^® Thermo Shield ^TM is capable of containing temperatures up to 800 degrees Celsius or nearly 1,500 degrees Fahrenheit, while restricting the temperature outside of the wrap to 60 degrees Celsius/140 degrees Fahrenheit.  “Lithium-ion battery fires are very difficult to extinguish and usually have to smolder out on their own after many hours, emitting lethal fumes and gases,” he adds. “This makes our product’s ability to contain both the fire and residual smoke within the protective wrap even more crucial.”

Mort further elaborates that besides hand-held devices, like cell phones, Bluetooth headsets and headphones, computer accessories, digital cameras, e-readers, game controllers, laptops, tablets, smartwatches and smoke/fire/carbon monoxide detectors, the most recent and prevalent items containing lithium-ion batteries that have become fire hazards are electric bikes, scooters, hoverboards, unicycles and electric cars.

“Leaving any lithium-ion battery to charge unattended is a major safety hazard, but can become a crime scene especially in large, populated cities like New York and Chicago where entire blocks have burnt down and many human lives have been lost, often firefighters, police officers, EMS technicians and other first responders,” said Mort. “Batteries in such heavy-duty products are believed to have caused 33 fires in New York City this year alone, already resulting in the deaths of three people.”

To address this escalating issue, PACT® has recently designed a special product for E-mobility batteries – the PACT^® Thermo Shield TR Sleeve^TM, in which its specially-coated, fire-suppressant paper is wrapped around each battery cell to mitigate thermal runaway between them, thus serving as a heat and flame barrier.  Two independent 3^rd party organizations tested TR Sleeve multiple times and concluded that TR sleeve prevented thermal runaway propagation amongst cells.

Besides transporting and storing items that contain lithium-ion batteries, Mort notes that PACT^® Thermo Shield ^TM also provides an eco-friendly way to ship or transport products safely to a battery recycler.  In fact, the company recently unveiled a smaller product- the TR Envelope to safely transport and store recyclable smaller devices such as cell phones, pagers, smartwatches and A-D batteries. 

“Consumers need to do their part to prevent lithium-ion battery fires by properly recycling their unused electronics and mobility devices,” concludes Mort. “They cannot be tossed in the trash or a regular recycling bin but must be separated from combustible materials like cardboard, paper, and wood scraps.”

He encourages people to check the recycling rules and facility policies within their communities to learn how one should appropriately recycle lithium-ion batteries.  Likewise, businesses, property managers, and anyone interested in recycling large quantities of batteries can acquire secure battery recycling containers and recycling information from PACT^®.

For more information about the innovative PACT^® Thermo Shield ^TM product line or to see a live demo, visit: https://www.pactthermoshield.com/.

ABOUT PACT, LLC

PACT®, LLC is a global leader in manufacturing sustainable, packaging products for the commercial, industrial and military industries. With more than 25 years of experience, the family business was founded by three green packaging professionals and continues to embrace a green future by designing cost-effective, patented, crating solutions like LiftVans and PleatWrap, as well as custom packaging  for the aerospace, medical, electronics, tooling, machinery, furniture, fine art and automotive sectors.  The company’s newest innovation is PACT^® Thermo Shield ^TM, a sustainable, paper-based packaging material that suppresses and controls lithium-ion battery fires by mitigating thermal runaway. 

The company is a member of the Commercial Relocation Network, the Council on Safe Transportation of Hazardous Materials and the International Association of Movers. It is also a preferred vendor for the US Department of Defense and has been awarded a special permit from the US Department of Transportation for the shipping of lithium-ion batteries, as well as passed the proposed SAE-G-27 test standard.   For a full list PACT®’s sustainable packaging solutions, visit www.pactww.com.

PHOTO: PACT^® Thermo Shield^TM, is the world’s first fire- and gas-suppressant packaging wrap designed to safely transport, store and recycle lithium-ion batteries by preventing thermal runaway.  The innovative new line, created by CT-based Packaging And Crating Technologies (PACT^®), has passed the proposed testing standards of the SAE International for safety in shipping lithium-ion batteries via land, sea and air. 

Connecticut retailer Raeann Baribault-Schwartz has been recognized as a shining star in the jewelry industry nationwide. Jewelers of America, the leading nonprofit jewelry association in the United States, named Baribault-Schwartz to its annual “20 Under 40 in Jewelry Retail” list. The honorees embody an ability to lead, innovate, and improve a jewelry store's success while adhering to professional ethics.

“I am honored to be selected for this prestigious distinction, while it is truly a team effort,” said Baribault-Schwartz, Managing Partner of Baribault Jewelers in Glastonbury and co-founder of the Power to B jewelry company. “I proudly steer our family’s legacy into the future as the store celebrates its 75^th anniversary.”  

Through Baribault Jewelers, Baribault-Schwartz and her family have created various limited-edition charity pieces of jewelry giving 20-100% of the proceeds to charities that are close to their hearts, such as Feeding America, Bristol Police Heroes Fund, the Purple Heart Foundation, Breast Friends Fund, American Heart Association, the Glastonbury Education Foundation, the Robb Elementary School Memorial Fund, the Sandy Hook Foundation, HOPE for Fertility Foundation and the Connecticut K-9 Foundation, totaling more than $30,000.

Baribault-Schwartz and her sister Christina Baribault-Ortiz have also co-created the Power to B collection after debuting at the 2022 Academy Awards in Hollywood. The collection currently adorns the wrists of celebrities like Viola Davis and Jordin Sparks. The dynamic duo also hosts a regular feature on Connecticut’s premier Audacy Radio Network, called "BadAss Woman of the Week" to empower and uplift women in the local community.

Baribault-Schwartz’s nomination noted she “empowers, uplifts and inspires her team alongside her brother and sister partners, and is always striving to be the best version of herself while raising her three children.”

Jewelers of America (JA) is the national trade association for businesses serving the fine jewelry marketplace. JA members and non-members across the jewelry industry nominated contenders for the 20 Under 40 list. A panel of industry judges narrowed down more than 150 nominees to 20 honorees. All are under age 40 and employed by JA member retail stores, with job roles ranging from owners to management, marketing, merchandising, training, and more.

“Jewelers of America recognizes the importance of shining a spotlight on the up-and-coming talent found at member stores nationwide. These recipients’ dedication to their craft, community and the industry will pave the way for a brighter future and the next generation of jewelry professionals,” said JA President and CEO David Bonaparte.

About Baribault Jewelers

Since 1948, Baribault Jewelers has been guided by its core values of authenticity, integrity, service, gratitude, courage, trust and respect in providing sterling service to its local, statewide and national clientele. While styles come and go, the mission of the family business has always been to help its valued customers create beautiful memories with the people they love. Visit www.baribaultjewelers.com.

PHOTO

Jewelers of America selected Raeann Baribault Schwartz, Managing Partner of Baribault Jewelers in Glastonbury and co-founder of the Power to B, for its prestigious national “20 Under 40 in Jewelry Retail” list. Credit: Baribault Jewelers

Last year, Mom-preneurs and jewelry designing sisters Christina Baribault-Ortiz and Raeann Baribault-Schwartz of Baribault Jewelers took America by storm when they launched a new, inspirational jewelry line, called The Power to B at the Academy Awards.  Since then, the collection has given thousands of people across the nation the courage and positivity to B Strong, B Fierce, B Badass, B Limitless  and B Fearless in overcoming any personal, professional, or emotional challenge. Now, due to popular demand and customer feedback, the line has released six new power words- B Grateful, Be Blessed, B Present, B Brave, B Kind and B You- just in time for Mother’s Day.

“We are  absolutely delighted that the line has been embraced by both men and women who have shared their compelling stories of success with us,” says Co-Founder of The Power to B Christina Baribault-Ortiz. “The bracelets serve as a reminder that we are never alone and always connected to the positive energy of other people and the overall universe.”

The six new wearable words of encouragement were determined by surveys, focus groups and customer feedback conducted by the company.  “Once we debuted the line at the Oscars, we received countless emails, direct messages and texts about ideas for other power words that resonated with both our customers and the general public,” adds Raeann Baribault-Schwartz, co-founder of The Power to B.  “We hope to release new power word designs every year to grow the line on a global level.” 

The Power to B was created after both sisters struggled with infertility issues that lasted an arduous six years before being able to conceive and start a family.  What got them through the darkest time of their lives was their love for each other, as well as visual messages of positivity that they would place around their homes. This inspired the third-generation jewelry owners to create stunning bracelets featuring powerful phrases to remind women of all ages that they are not alone.

The bracelet design links cursive power words with a delicate chain held by a lobster claw clasp accented with a black gemstone known for positive energy.  Each phrase is available in a variety of colored cords for $78, silver and yellow gold-plated silver for $88  and 14k white or yellow gold with diamonds starting at $550.

“Affirmations work best when they're used consistently, which is why our jewelry items are simple and striking to be worn every day,” explains Baribault-Ortiz.  “When given as a gift, The Power to B collection provides tangible support for a sister, mother or friend navigating challenges in their life, such as relationships, health issues or career choices.”

Besides being connected to a worldwide network of support, customers of The Power to B collection can feel good that their purchase is helping others in need.  Specifically, the sisters have custom-designed limited-edition bracelets for a variety of local and national charities and donated proceeds to the particular cause. Thus far, a more than $10,000 has been raised for such charities as the UCONN Foundation, Glastonbury Education Foundation, Bristol Police Heroes Fund, HOPE for Fertility Foundation, The Robb School Memorial Fund and the Breast Friends Fund, among others. 

Other timely, trending jewelry gift ideas desired by mothers this year include:

• Lab diamond earrings
• Chanel-style pearl hoop earrings
• Bangle bracelets in vibrant spring colors by designer Jude Frances
• Gold chains
• Tennis bracelets and necklaces

Lastly, permanent jewelry is a beautiful way to forever link the special bond that mothers have with their children through a lightweight and waterproof 14k-gold bracelet.  Baribault Jewelers in Glastonbury is one of the first companies to debut the hot trend in the Northeast region.

“Jewelry will always be one of the top gifts ideas that creates happy memories for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day even graduation, wedding and anniversary day,” concludes Baribault-Schwartz.  “What’s more, there’s truly something for every person and every budget. We listen to our customers' needs and are able to help them select that perfect personalized piece.”

The Power to B collection can be purchased online at www.ThePowertoB.com.  The six new power word designs are exclusively available in-store at Baribault Jewelers at 81 Rankin Road in Glastonbury, Conn. and will be launching online this summer. 

About The Power to B

Created by sisters and designers Christina Baribault Ortiz and Raeann Baribault Schwartz in 2019, The Power to B fine jewelry collection aims to bring people together in joyful empowerment. The stunning 14k gold- or gold-plated phrase bracelets, necklaces and rings remind women to B Strong, B Fierce, B Badass, B Limitless, B Fearless, B Grateful, Be Blessed, B Present, B Brave, B Kind and B You.  Learn more at thepowertob.com.

PHOTO

The newly expanded The Power to B jewelry line includes six additional power word bracelets set to a variety of colored cords, gold or silver chains. Retailing at an affordable $78 the bracelets are an in-demand Mother’s Day gift across the nation and available at www.thepowertobe.com.

Advances in technology and smart devices have significantly improved personal safety for senior citizens while increasing independence. For 15 years, Assisted Living Technologies, Inc. (ALT) has been the leading provider of the most innovative electronic solutions that allow Connecticut’s elderly residents to age safely within the comforts of their own home. Now, the respected care company is offering the next generation of fall detection and medication management technology just in time for Home Safety Month in June.

“The home tech industry has exploded in recent years, and it is nearly impossible for the average family to determine which devices will be the best fit their elderly loved one’s needs,” said Nick D’Aquila, Vice President at Assisted Living Technologies. “We offer a free home safety assessment in order to create an individualized care plan that typically combines technology with personal care.”

D’Aquila notes that the two most pressing concerns for seniors and their families include fall prevention and medication management.

ALT has recently introduced the following high-tech gadgets to the Connecticut eldercare community to help allay these issues, while ensuring peace of mind for family members:

• The PERS Smartwatch is an affordable yet cutting edge mobile personal response system that enables assistance quickly anywhere in the U.S. Features include running on 4G LTE networks, all day battery life, proprietary location detection by combining Wi-Fi and GPS, vibration feedback for the hearing and visually impaired and automatic 911 dispatch if a fall motion is detected.       Additionally, the Smartwatch monitors its wearer’s heart rate, step count, and daily weather. Family members can also locate their loved ones with a simple text.
• The TEARDROP is also an affordable fall prevention device for active seniors that’s worn around the neck outside of clothing. TEARDROP’s feature-rich benefits include running on 4G LTE networks to keep them safe anywhere in the U.S., extended battery life, powerful built-in two-way voice technology, proprietary location detection, enhanced fall detection and vibration feedback for hearing and visually impaired seniors. Additionally, the device is capable of multiple language support and water-resistant.
• The Dose Flip is a portable, smart pill box that can help anyone take the right meds at the right times. At the scheduled time, the Dose Flip will sound an alarm and flash lights. To dispense, the individual simply flips the pill box over into their hand or a cup and takes the medication. The Dose Flip lets family caregivers know if medications are not being remembered or taken as directed by sending notifications via phone call, text message, or email. The Dose Flip works on 4G LTE networks, so WiFi is not needed. The device is easy to set up and secure and comes with adaptive equipment such as stands, extra trays and refilling disks.
• The Hero Smart Dispenser alerts a senior when it’s time to take a pill with a sound and blinking light. One button press sorts and dispenses the allotted dose. The Hero can hold up to a 90-day supply of 10 medications, supports any pill size or shape and fits all standard kitchen counters.

“Each of our tech offerings are extremely user-friendly for the senior homeowner and easy to track and monitor from afar for the family member,” he adds. “What’s more, the elderly individual can feel safe and assured in continuing to connect with friends and freedom to enjoy life.”

D’Aquila notes that a lot of aging people need a combination of both technology and personal care. Here, sister company Assisted Living Services, Inc. (ALS) offers some of the industry’s best-trained caregivers, who help their elderly clients with all personal activities of daily living such as meal preparation, medication reminders, safety, escorts to appointments, showering, toileting and transferring.

In fact, the agency’s unique and comprehensive CarePlus program blends hands-on, in-person caregiving with the latest technological devices, which are provided at no cost, giving seniors an improved quality of life.

“Our award-winning caregivers understand the value of keeping the brain active through lively game playing, crafts and socialization,” adds D’Aquila. “Not only do these outside activities have cognitive benefits, but also emotional benefits since socializing and interacting may help in preventing sadness or depression.”

About Assisted Living Technologies, Inc.

Since 2010, Assisted Living Technologies, Inc has provided technical solutions that promote safety, independence, and improved quality of life for elderly and individuals with special needs. A leader in its industry, the company has earned the Connecticut Association for Healthcare at Home’s “Healthcare at Home Innovation Award”, as well as ranked on the 2020 Inc. 5000 list of fastest growing companies. For more information, visit www.assistedlivingtechnologies.com.

About Assisted Living Services, Inc.

Since 1996, award-winning home care agency Assisted Living Services, Inc. in Cheshire and Westport has provided quality care to residents across Connecticut. Its unique CarePlus program blends personal care by over 600 employees and caregivers with technological safety and monitoring devices from sister company Assisted Living Technologies, Inc. ALS was ranked on the 2020 Inc. 5000 list of fastest growing companies. Learn more by visiting www.assistedlivingct.com or calling 203.634.8668.

PHOTO: (from left) Nick D’Aquila, Vice President at Assisted Living Technologies, Inc. and Mario D’Aquila, Chief Operating Officer at sister company Assisted Living Services, Inc. lead the company’s line of advanced tech devices and stellar care services to seniors across Connecticut and Massachusetts.

Photo Courtesy of: Assisted Living Technologies, Inc.

People of all ages and income levels have been affected by America’s high inflation and recession fears. From college graduates just entering the workforce to seniors on a fixed income, everyone is concerned about their financial forecast for 2023. Metric Financial, a leading financial planning firm in CT, has developed a series of tips to ensure that no matter what the year brings, individuals and closely held businesses will be financially fit throughout it.

“With the current stock market volatility, the United States’ 31 trillion-dollar debt, and recent bank collapses, many people are naturally fearful about how these events will affect them this year and beyond,” said Timothy Baker, a Chartered Financial Analyst and founder of Metric Financial in Simsbury. “We have developed proven techniques designed to help protect your wealth throughout every decade of your life and manage through the ever unpredictable financial markets.”

Specifically, Metric Financial recommends the following advice for each stage of life:

Ages 25-35: Think long-term. Be as aggressive as your stomach can handle. And make a plan – understand what your cash needs are and sock away the rest. The majority of long-term investments should be in stocks and diversified with Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs). Make sure to put enough into company retirement plans to get the matching contributions. Consider the advantages of a Roth IRA if you are eligible. If you have children, strongly consider a 529 plan for college savings. If you plan to work with an advisor, scrutinize fees closely.

Ages 35-55: If you have children, continue to fund college savings plans, but also know the rules and consider alternative places to save for education. Begin to increase contributions into company retirement plans, but also think about what taxes will look like in retirement and think about tax diversification. Update your plan and change your allocation between stocks and bonds accordingly – this should not be automatic, but rather based on projected needs. In a similar vein, evaluate what is in your employer’s retirement plan. Target Date Funds are not always the best choice, but many plans default to them.

Ages 55-75: At the risk of being repetitive, continue to update your plan. This is also a great time to get an estate plan in place. The earlier the better as it can help avoid lengthy probate procedures in the event of unforeseen circumstances. This is the time to start thinking about how you are allocated between stocks and bonds based on when you think you might retire AND when you might need to start drawing on your investments for income. Those two dates are not necessarily always the same. It is important to consider all sources of income after retirement. Also, start thinking about a “gig”. Getting a part-time job doing something you enjoy supplements income and keeps you busy.

Age 75 and up: The plan still matters! At this point, the IRS is requiring you to take distributions from your retirement account. Do you need them for income? Or can you reinvest them in another account to ensure the funds continue to grow for heirs? Make sure to revisit your estate plan. Is your will up to date? Do you need a trust? Are beneficiaries properly assigned to investment accounts? It’s a great time to make sure your financial house is in order so you can relax and enjoy the fruits of your decades of labor!

“With proper planning for your age group, we can not only withstand this economic turbulence, but be protected in the future,” adds Baker.

Founded in 2018, Metric Financial, LLC is registered as an Investment Adviser with the State of Connecticut. Led by Chartered Financial Analyst Timothy Baker, the firm provides investment management services, comprehensive financial planning, debt management, estate planning, retirement planning, risk management and tax planning, among others. Baker conducts frequent educational sessions and public seminars on a variety of financial topics of interest to schools, business groups, and associations. For more information, please visit www.metricfin.com or call 860.256.5895.

PHOTO: Tim Baker of Metric Financial educates the young and old alike on the proper investment strategies for their particular age bracket.

Photo Courtesy of: Metric Financial

To honor the sacrifice of American military veterans and first responders, Packaging and Crating Technologies, LLC (PACT) in Watertown, Conn., announces a partnership with the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. Throughout the month of May 2023, PACT will donate $10 for every purchase of its LiftVan product to the nonprofit which provides mortgage-free homes for America’s catastrophically injured veterans and first responders, Gold Star and fallen first responder families.

“We have strong ties to the military, as it is a key industry using our containers,” said Rodger Mort, President of PACT, a family-owned manufacturing company dedicated to sustainability that offers durable, lightweight, and sustainable shipping, crating and packaging systems. “It is our privilege to give back to the heroes and their families who have given our country so much.”

One of those families is the reason the Tunnel to Towers Foundation was founded. Firefighter Stephen Siller, who was assigned to Brooklyn’s Squad 1, had just finished his shift when he got word over his scanner of a plane hitting the North Tower of the World Trade Center. He drove his truck to the entrance of the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel, but it had already been closed for security purposes. Determined to carry out his duty, he strapped 60 lbs. of gear to his back, and raced on foot through the tunnel to the Twin Towers, where he gave up his life while saving others. Stephen had everything to live for; a great wife, five wonderful children, a devoted extended family, and friends.

To date, the Foundation has provided over 1,000 mortgage-free homes for these American heroes and the families they leave behind. Over 500,000 participants have supported the organization’s 80+ national walk, run and climb fundraisers.

Mort notes that PACT is a preferred vendor for the US Department of Defense and has been awarded a special permit from the US Department of Transportation for the shipping of lithium-ion batteries, as well as passed the proposed SAE-G-27 test standard.

“We are donating a portion of LiftVan sales as it is PACT’s most popular product with the military,” explains Mort. “It is designed to meet overseas shipping requirements while keeping military equipment protected and dry. From submarine doors and firing systems to flight simulators and combat systems, we have built custom solutions for every need.”

The LiftVan container comes in 5 sizes to accommodate the transport of heavy-duty items up to 2,000 pounds, while easily stacking 3 bins high. Using the company’s patented process of cross-core lamination of triple-wall, double-wall and fiber board, the large recyclable crates are as strong as wood. These unique water resistant products are splinter-free, reusable, easily set up and knocked down for storage. One of the biggest benefits is weighing 200 lbs less than a comparable wooden container.

PACT also manufactures PleatWrap (paper bubble) which is a sustainable paper wrap. PleatWrap has an engineered pleated center that is sandwiched between a tissue and a Kraft paper layer. It offers superior corner protection as compared to its plastic competition and can be recycled after use.

Additionally, when they are ready to be disposed of, PACT’s products can be brought to any recycling center or eco-friendly dumpster, unlike traditional wood crates, which can seldom be recycled and often come with hefty disposal fees.

Finally, PACT adheres to a lean and green manufacturing process by specializing in low inventory volumes based on market demand and quick turnaround times with its off-the-shelf and customized, eco-friendly packaging solutions. For a demo on the ease of assembling a PACT shipping container, visit: https://www.pactww.com/products/custom-crates/.

“Whether it’s by purchasing our product, donating to this important charity or participating in a Tunnel to Tower event, we encourage everyone to show their appreciation to the men and women in the armed forces and local first responders,” concludes Mort.

ABOUT PACT, LLC

PACT, LLC is a global leader in manufacturing sustainable, packaging products for the commercial, industrial and military industries. With more than 25 years of experience, the family business was founded by three green packaging professionals and continues to embrace a green future by designing cost-effective, patented, crating solutions like LiftVans and PleatWrap, as well as custom packaging for the aerospace, medical, electronics, tooling, machinery, furniture, fine art and automotive sectors.  The company’s newest innovation is Thermo Shield, a sustainable paper-based packaging material that suppresses and controls lithium ion battery fires by mitigating thermal runaway. 

About the Tunnel to Towers Foundation

Born from the tragedy of 9/11, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation carries out its mission to “do good,” by providing mortgage-free homes to Gold Star and fallen first responder families with young children and by building specially-adapted smart homes for catastrophically injured veterans and first responders. Tunnel to Towers is also committed to eradicating veteran homelessness and helping America to Never Forget September 11, 2001. Visit T2T.org to learn more and follow Tunnel to Towers on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

PHOTO: Packaging and Crating Technologies, LLC in Watertown, Conn. will donate $10 per LiftVan purchase to the nonprofit organization Tunnel to Towers Foundation throughout the month of May in honor of Memorial Day. 

Photo Courtesy of: PACT, LLC

Baribault Jewelers marked an extraordinary 75 years as a family-owned business with a dazzling event on April 18, 2023 in conjunction with state officials, legislators, and community leaders. The star-studded celebration kicked off with a rededication ribbon cutting ceremony followed by fun and food. Every attendee was surprised with a $100 gift certificate.

The accolades began with the Presentation of a Governor’s Proclamation by Paul O. Robertson, Deputy Commissioner of the Connecticut State Department of Economic and Community Development, followed by:

• Presentation of Congressional Citation by Outreach Coordinator Collin Duran of Congressman John Larson’s Office
• Presentation of CT General Assembly Citation by Glastonbury State Senator M.D. Rahman
• Presentation of CT General Assembly Citation by Glastonbury State Representative Jill Barry

“This was such a joyful commemoration as Glastonbury’s first ever jewelry store those many years ago,” explains Lewis Baribault, who took over the fine jewelry store located on Rankin Road in 1988. His three children Christina Baribault Ortiz, Raeann Baribault-Schwartz and Lewis Baribault III help manage the daily operations of the company and will ensure that the Baribault legacy continues long into the future.. “We are grateful to everyone who came out for the festivities as well as the community who has supported and grown with us.”  

About Baribault Jewelers

Since 1948, Baribault Jewelers has been guided by its core values of authenticity, integrity, service, gratitude, courage, trust and respect in providing sterling service to its local, statewide and national clientele.  While styles come and go, the mission of the family business has always been to help its valued customers create beautiful memories with the people they love. Visit www.baribaultjewelers.com.

PHOTO

The Baribault family, friends, local business leaders and state and legislative officials celebrate the 75^th anniversary of Baribault Jewelers with a ribbon rededication ceremony on April 18, 2023 in Glastonbury.

Photo Credit: Nicole Bedard

Live-in Caregiver Kenneth Amissah of East Hartford, Conn. has been named the Platinum Caregiver of the Year 2022 by Assisted Living Services, Inc. (ALS). The ALS team recently presented Amissah with the prestigious $5,000 award at its office in Cheshire. Amissah, originally from Ghana, Africa, was chosen from the 60 monthly winners for not only providing outstanding care for his client, but for becoming his compassionate advocate as well.

“We are thrilled to recognize Ken’s stellar support and unwavering dedication to his client,” said Mario D’Aquila, MBA and Chief Operating Officer of the family-owned homecare agency with offices in Cheshire and Westport. “Ken exemplifies the spirit of the award for home caregivers who see their work with seniors and people with disabilities not only as a rewarding job, but as a personal calling.”

D’Aquila read Amissah’s nomination at the award ceremony:

“Ken started caring for John N. of New Britain, on Nov. 29, 2018 and has been with him ever since. Ken has been a great advocate for John, encouraging him to be independent and accountable for his participation in activities of daily living. John had a conservator in the beginning of his care, however, once John was accepted to the State of CT Home Care Program for Elders, the conservator was no longer needed in assisting him. Kenneth then stepped up into a role he did not plan on taking on. For example, Ken persistently contacted John’s building manager to ensure John’s carpet was replaced after the community washing machine leaked water into his apartment. Ken and John have become great friends, someone John can trust and rely on. They go shopping, out to lunch and afternoon drives to get John out of the house and socialize. Ken encourages John to make shopping lists and purchase the items on his list when they go grocery shopping. Ken always treats John with dignity. He is proactive, sensitive to John’s abilities, and just an all-around great guy. Ken is a man of faith, kind, humble, loving and empathetic. The live-in department chose Ken to be the recipient of the Platinum Caregiver Award in October 2022, and the company as a whole has chosen Ken as the Platinum Caregiver of the year for 2022. We are so proud to have Ken as part of the Assisted Living Services family and look forward to many more years of service to our seniors.”

D'Aquila explains that the Platinum Caregiver Award program was created to acknowledge caregivers’ contributions in a meaningful way to hopefully drive change across the caregiver profession. Since its inception in March 2019, ALS has awarded more than $240,000 to over 100 staff members. Each month, five caregivers earn a $1,000 monetary bonus accompanied by a beautiful crystal statue and certificate of merit in response to an employee and client survey administered by Homecare Pulse, a third-party company that measures customer satisfaction. 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, office staff can nominate caregivers for excellent work performance like covering shifts and perfect attendance.

For more than two decades, ALS 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 ALS has a high employee retention rate with some employees still working for the agency for nearly two decades. Managers receive incentives if quality assurance benchmarks are achieved.

ALS employs caregivers across the state, all of whom are insured, bonded, and supervised. Newly hired employees undergo a National Criminal Background Check and eVerify. All of their Personal Care Assistants who do services for clients on the CT Home Care Program for Elders have received specialized training to perform personal care or assist with activities of daily living. Additional training is provided in OSHA, Safety, Alzheimer’s Care, End of Life Care, Elder Abuse, Customer Service, and more. ALS is currently accepting applications for daily and live-in caregivers.  

About Assisted Living Services, Inc.

Since 1996, award-winning home care agency Assisted Living Services, Inc. (ALS) in Cheshire and Westport has provided quality care to residents across Connecticut. Its unique CarePlus program blends personal care by over 600 employees and caregivers with technological safety and monitoring devices from sister company Assisted Living Technologies, Inc. ALS was ranked on the 2020 Inc. 5000 list of fastest growing companies. Learn more by visiting www.assistedlivingct.com or calling 203.634.8668.

PHOTO: Assisted Living Services, Inc. recently honored Kenneth Amissah as Platinum Caregiver of the Year 2022 at its office in Cheshire, Conn. Pictured from left: Kimberly Vertrees – Marketing Outreach Liaison, Lynne Talbott – Hourly & Marketing Director, Kristin Mercadante – Live-in Services Coordinator, Amy Cormier – Human Resources Director, Mario D’Aquila – Chief Operating Officer, Tom Daly – Live-in Services Director, Kenneth Amissah, John N. – friend & client of Assisted Living Services, Andrew Silvester – Controller, Shayna Dabkowski – Live-in Services Scheduling Manager, Stephanie Cyr – Human Resources Manager, Carole L’Heureux – Payroll Manager, Melissa Lapointe – Live-in Services Scheduling Manager, Nicholas D’Aquila – Chief Information Officer.

Photo Courtesy of: Assisted Living Services, Inc.

A couple’s love may be priceless, but the symbol of their commitment can be a big investment. According to The Knot, the average price of a diamond engagement ring is currently $6,000. To make the ring of their dreams a reality, luxury lab-grown diamonds are a stunning new option.

“We find customers buying Lab-grown diamonds love the lower price for the bigger diamond look,” said Lewis Baribault, Jr., Owner of Baribault Jewelers a family-owned, fine jewelry company in Glastonbury. “They are significantly more affordable, costing 30-50% less than natural diamonds, though what matters most is the quality a person is getting for the price.”

Natural diamonds are mined, cut, and priced based on clarity, carat (weight), cut and color. Lab diamonds are created in a lab using a process that’s chemically identical to the way natural diamonds are created but are not mined from the earth. They’re priced using the same criteria as natural diamonds and can also be GIA-certified. 

Baribault explains that while lab diamonds are a great choice for many buyers, not all lab diamonds are created equal. Baribault’s in-house B Lab diamonds are created using the chemical vapor disposition (CVD) process, resulting in lab diamonds that are physically identical to natural diamonds. CVD allows for a much higher level of control over the final product, resulting in diamonds with fewer flaws and better clarity.

“Honestly, the result is so beautiful, only a gemologist can tell the difference between the natural and man-made gems,” said Baribault. “That’s why it’s a good idea to purchase a GIA-certified lab-grown stone to ensure the highest quality.”

Baribault shares the top 3 trends in engagement rings this season:

1.      Three Stones – The sentimental design of three stones instead of one represents a couples past, present and future.
2.      Hidden Blooms – a subtle string of small diamonds is wrapped around the crown of the diamond, making it visible only from the side. The delicate detail is meant to be enjoyed by the wearer every time they look at it.
3.      Stackable Bands – This trend is here to stay. The multiple bands symbolize life’s big moments so each stack tells a unique story.

Although many people assume that natural diamonds are transparent and colorless, Baribault emphasizes that most have a hint of color. Their pigmentation may range from a slight tint invisible to the naked eye to darker colors that are more obvious. D-color diamonds are often referred to as white diamonds because they truly are completely colorless, hence earning them the highest rating on the color scale. For maximum brightness, every B Lab diamond is F color or better, known as a colorless diamond.

April’s birthstone is diamond and also marks the 75^th diamond anniversary of Baribault Jewelers. In honor of the momentous milestone, a ribbon rededication ceremony will be held on Tuesday, April 18, 2023 at 9 a.m. in conjunction with state officials, legislators, and community leaders. Customers can enter to win $7,500 worth of giveaways and enjoy $75 discounts on select jewelry pieces from the Baribault vault. 

In addition to lab-grown diamonds, Baribault Jewelers has curated one of the largest collections of natural D-grade natural white diamonds in the U.S., offering the precious gemstones in engagement rings, earrings, pendants, wedding bands and bracelets with a price point starting at less than $1,500.

“Ultimately, whether you go for a natural or lab-created diamond is a matter of personal preference,” Said Baribault. “Both types of diamonds have their own unique properties, as well as their own pros and cons. However we believe in informing our customers on either option- if you’re not sure what questions to ask or who to look to for guidance, Our trusted advisors are here to help you select the diamond that will maximize your budget based on what’s most important to you.”

About Baribault Jewelers

Since 1948, Baribault Jewelers has been guided by its core values of authenticity, integrity, service, gratitude, courage, trust and respect in providing sterling service to its local, statewide and national clientele.  While styles come and go, the mission of the family business has always been to help its valued customers create beautiful memories with the people they love.  Visit www.baribaultjewelers.com.

PHOTO:

Lab-created diamonds are the hot new trend in bridal jewelry this year offering the same high-quality as natural diamonds but with a lower cost and larger stone size. Glastonbury-based Baribault Jewelers offers an on-site lab that allows for a much higher level of control over the final product, resulting in diamonds with fewer flaws and better clarity.

CT Financial Advisor discusses the differences between mutual funds and Exchange Traded Funds.

Almost half of the entire American population owns mutual funds either through their company retirement plan or as part of their personal investment portfolio, according to Statista.com. Yet, Chartered Financial Analyst Tim Baker of Metric Financial in Simsbury, Connecticut, cautions all consumers and corporations that they’re probably not getting their money’s worth with mutual funds and instead recommends Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs), a proven and less expensive investment vehicle with potentially better returns that is becoming the top choice for retirement savings today. Baker is bringing the educational message to a variety of forums for National Financial Literacy Month throughout April.

“Although Exchange-Traded Funds have been available for the past 30 years, they have just recently started gaining in popularity for their low cost and potential returns” said Baker, founder and CEO of Metric Financial, an investment management and financial planning firm. “In addition, they are more tax efficient, which has a direct impact on an individual’s future wealth.”

ETFs are a fund that owns baskets of securities, such as stocks, and bonds, just like mutual funds and both offer ways for investors to diversify their portfolios by owning small amounts of many different companies.

Baker notes, however, that there are several key differences between the two investment options:

1.       ETFs are much more liquid since they trade on an exchange and can be bought and sold whenever stocks can, while mutual funds can only trade once at the end of each day.
2.       ETFs are transparent investments: if an investor wants to know what is in an ETF, all holdings are publicly available daily. Mutual funds do not have to disclose holdings and when they do, it usually takes a long time, so the holdings may not be in the fund anymore, producing obsolete information.
3.       Mutual funds are prone to distributing long and short-term capital gains, while ETFs have a structure that makes capital gain distributions rare, hence lower taxes for the fund owner.
4.       Mutual funds tend to be actively managed, and therefore have much higher fees associated with them. ETFs, on the other hand, are passively managed to follow a simple index, like the S&P 500, which equates to lower fees. For example, the average actively managed US large cap mutual fund costs 0.7% as compared to 0.03% for an ETF that tracks the S&P 500.

“We’ve been witnessing two major shifts in the investment industry,” adds Baker. “People are trading their high-priced mutual funds for cheaper ETFs and many investors have moved their money into funds that passively track an index and capture returns, as opposed to relying on an active fund manager, who attempts to ‘beat the market’ with superior stock-picking, a method that has proven to be ineffective over time due to human error.”

He further distinguishes that there is plenty of research by financial industry rating systems Morningstar and Vanguard that demonstrates actively managed funds cannot do any better than the much cheaper simple index in the long run.

“The simple fact that there are currently more than 2,000 ETFs in the United States, representing close to $4 trillion in assets, proves that investors are realizing the benefits of a passive investment strategy,” concludes Baker. “While the financial industry benefits from all the dollars that remain in mutual funds, the individual investor benefits from the lower fees and potential superior performance when they move their money to ETFs.”

In honor of April National Financial Literacy Month, Baker will be conducting free, educational seminars on the differences between mutual funds and ETFs to various businesses, professional organizations, community groups and schools. For a full schedule and to register for an event, please visit www.metricfin.com.

ABOUT METRIC FINANCIAL

Founded in 2018, Metric Financial, LLC is registered as an Investment Adviser with the State of Connecticut. Led by Chartered Financial Analyst Timothy Baker, the firm provides investment management services, comprehensive financial planning, debt management, estate planning, retirement planning, risk management and tax planning, among others. Baker conducts frequent educational sessions and public seminars on a variety of financial topics of interest to schools, business groups, and associations. For more information, please visit www.metricfin.com or call 860.256.5895.

PHOTO: Chartered Financial Analyst Timothy Baker is founder of Metric Financial, a Connecticut-based investment management and financial planning firm that offers educational sessions and public seminars on creating and preserving wealth for one’s retirement. Baker and his team work closely with accountants to mitigate his clients’ tax liability and increase their bottom line through passive investment strategies with Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs).

Photo Courtesy of: Metric Financial

According to MoveBudha.com, the moving industry generates tons of waste, in fact, 900 million cardboard boxes, 90 million pounds of packing paper and 30 million rolls of tape to be exact! One Connecticut manufacturing company is on a mission to reduce these amounts in American landfills and the overall environment by offering a variety of reusable and recyclable corrugated cardboard containers for the commercial, industrial and military sectors instead of traditional wood, plastic and metal materials.  Specifically, Packaging and Crating Technologies, LLC (PACT), a family-owned manufacturing company in Watertown, CT, has created a comprehensive line of durable, lightweight, and sustainable shipping, crating and packaging systems for National Earth and Recycling Months. 

“Although corrugated cardboard became an industry standard for packing and shipping in the early 1900’s, its main drawback was that it couldn’t be reused if it became damaged or deformed during transit or got wet from rain and snow,” said Rodger Mort, President of PACT, LLC.  “We have solved these problems by developing a specially designed, corrugated cardboard crate that is strong, water resistant, and able to withstand extreme pressure and temperatures.  In fact, some of our customers have been able to use their original crates for up to hundred moves!”

Mort reveals that PACT’s patented process consists of cross-core lamination with triple-wall, double-wall or fiber board to produce a superior corrugated cardboard container.  Besides its strength and durability, the bins offer a variety of sizes that can safely transport anything from fine art and glass to motorcycles and furniture.  “The inherent cushioning embedded in our cardboard will buffer any vibrations during transit whether it be by boat, plane or truck, so that the goods arrive in perfect condition.”

In fact, PACT has taken every protection precaution in the design of its crates from the ground up as it has created special corrugated spiral feet consisting of three layers of the strong material for additional shock absorption, as well as a patented, customized J-Crate that protects merchandise in the event of a tip over, while eliminating dust throughout the supply chain. 

PACT’s complete line of eco-friendly, corrugated cardboard moving containers consists of:

• LiftVan- a large, durable container that comes in 5 sizes to accommodate the transport of heavy-duty items up to 2,000 pounds, while easily stacking 3 bins high.
• PleatWrap- a sustainable paper bubble wrap that has an engineered pleated center sandwiched between a tissue and a Kraft paper layer. PleatWrap gives superior corner protection as compared to plastic packaging and can be recycled after use.
• J-Crate-a lightweight, corrugated insert that is quick and easy to assemble, pack and unpack and offers a parcel 360-degree protection from shock, vibrations and dust accumulation.
• Spiral Foot-a triple-wall, fiberboard fastener block that sits on the ground and attaches to the upper crate for lightweight durability and inherent vibration protection.
• MP40- a special packaging crate that contains 4 built-in dividers to ensure safe transit of fragile items such as plasma TVs, framed wall art, glass and marble tabletops.  When not used for moving, it can be used as a resilient dolly-free bin.
• Sofa Crate-a customized crate for larger furniture shipping that is strong enough to stack 6 units high.  This corrugated cardboard version replaces metal racking, thus increasing warehouse space.
• Motorcycle Crate-give your prized possession maximum moving protection through its patented corrugated sidewalls for side-impact and stacking strength. 

What’s more, PACT’s corrugated cardboard container systems are able to be stacked and stored flat, hence, maximizing warehouse space and reduce the shipping weight, a welcomed benefit with current escalating fuel prices.  Additionally, when they are ready to be disposed of, PACT’s products can be brought to any recycling center or eco-friendly dumpster, unlike traditional wood crates, which can seldom be recycled and often come with hefty disposal fees.

“Our corrugated crates are half the weight and take up half the space of a full wooden pallet, which saves the customer hundreds of dollars in shipping costs per load,” adds Mort. “Equally important, there is no compromise in stack-ability of up to 4,000 pounds and reusability, which helps preserve the environment with less waste.”

Finally, PACT adheres to a lean and green manufacturing process by specializing in low inventory volumes based on market demand and quick turnaround times with its off-the-shelf and customized, eco-friendly packaging solutions. 

Finally, adopting corrugated shipping crates company-wide addresses another pressing issue: the protracted labor shortage facing not only the logistics industry, but many other sectors worldwide. With companies looking to do more with less manpower, the corrugated crate’s simple fold-out process significantly mitigates labor-intensive crate construction.  For a demo on the ease of assembling a PACT shipping container, visit: https://www.pactww.com/products/custom-crates/.

“Just like our entire product line, we are a lean and green manufacturing machine,” concludes Mort.  “As more businesses realize the massive benefits of corrugated cardboard not only to their company’s bottom line, but to the overall health of the environment, we know that the sustainable packaging revolution will continue to skyrocket across the world and we’re excited to be a key player within it!”

ABOUT PACT, LLC

PACT, LLC is a global leader in manufacturing sustainable, packaging products for the commercial, industrial and military industries. With more than 25 years of experience, the family business was founded by three green packaging professionals and continues to embrace a green future by designing cost-effective, patented, crating solutions like LiftVans and PleatWrap, as well as custom packaging  for the aerospace, medical, electronics, tooling, machinery, furniture, fine art and automotive sectors.  The company’s newest innovation is Thermo Shield, a sustainable paper-based packaging material that suppresses and controls lithium ion battery fires by mitigating thermal runaway. 

The company is a member of the Commercial Relocation Network, the Council on Safe Transportation of Hazardous Materials and the International Association of Movers. It is also a preferred vendor for the US Department of Defense and has been awarded a special permit from the US Department of Transportation for the shipping of lithium-ion batteries, as well as passed the proposed SAE-G-27 test standard.   For a full list PACT’s sustainable packaging solutions, visit www.pactww.com

PHOTO: Connecticut-based Packaging and Crating Technologies, LLC (PACT) is a top, global manufacturer of sustainable, durable and reusable packaging for the commercial, industrial and military markets.  Through its patented corrugated cardboard process, it allows companies to transport all materials safely, more cost-effectively and environmentally friendly. 

Photo Courtesy of: PACT, LLC

The number one organization for girls is turning 111 years young this year! Locally, Girls Scouts of Connecticut is marking the momentous milestone on March 12, 2023 with one-derful events, including a proclamation from Governor Ned Lamont, to kick off National Girl Scout Week March 12-18.

“The founding of Girl Scouts played a pivotal part of women’s history in America and across the globe,” said Diana Mahoney, Chief Executive Officer of Girl Scouts of Connecticut (GSOFCT). “We honor our rich traditions while adapting to the changing needs of girls to keep them engaged, empowered and excited.”

Mahoney explains the annual weeklong observance encourages Girl Scouts, alums, and volunteers to shout their Girl Scout pride from the rooftops and find ways to connect with one another and give back. Individual troops plan their own activities and take part in national events as well.

Mahoney shares a sampling of Connecticut troop special initiatives:

• Sunday, March 12: Girl Scout Sunday is a special day dedicated to thinking about your beliefs and how they’re reflected in the Girl Scout Law.
• Sunday, March 12: Happy Birthday Girl Scouts! On March 12, 1912, Juliette Gordon Low started Girl Scouts!
• Monday, March 13: Girl Scout Traditions! Do a good deed, even if it is small.
• Tuesday, March 14: Celebrate STEM with Pi! Today is Pi Day (3.14) and a day to celebrate women in science, technology, engineering, and math!
• Wednesday, March 15: Celebrate Outdoors! Get outdoors today and explore!
• Thursday, March 16: Show your Girl Scout Spirit! Wear your uniform and pins proudly to show you are a Girl Scout, who lives with courage, confidence, and character, and who makes the world a better place!
• Friday, March 17: Celebrate our Girl Scout History!
• Friday, March 17: Girl Scout Jummah is a special day dedicated to thinking about your beliefs and how they’re reflected in the Girl Scout Law.
• Saturday, March 18: Girl Scout Sabbath Saturday is a special day dedicated to thinking about your beliefs and how they’re reflected in the Girl Scout Law. 

“Girl Scout week also falls during Women’s History Month when we remember resilient women throughout history,” notes Mahoney. “From the trailblazing vision of our founder, Juliette Gordon Low, to the countless Girl Scouts and Girl Scout alums who made or are making strides for women every day, it’s a great time to get inspired and discover just how much of a difference every girl can make by speaking up and showing up.”

Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) is the largest leadership organization for girls in the world. Currently, there are about 2.5 million girl and adult members worldwide. Juliette Gordon Low organized the first Girl Scout troop on March 12, 1912, in Savannah, Georgia. The Girl Scout Cookie Program is the largest girl-led business in the world. Girl Scouts sell about 200 million boxes of cookies—nearly $800 million worth—during each cookie season. GSOFCT shares a fun fashion look back at troop uniforms throughout the years.

Discover more about Girl Scouts’ Women's History Month at https://linktr.ee/gsofct.

We Are Girl Scouts of Connecticut

Girl Scouts bring their dreams to life and work together to build a better world. Through programs from coast to coast, Girl Scouts of all backgrounds and abilities can be unapologetically themselves as they discover their strengths and rise to meet new challenges—whether they want to climb to the top of a tree or the top of their class, lace up their boots for a hike or advocate for climate justice, or make their first best friends. Backed by trusted adult volunteers, mentors, and millions of alums, Girl Scouts lead the way as they find their voices and make changes that affect the issues most important to them. To join us, volunteer, reconnect, or donate, visit gsofct.org.

PHOTO: Girl Scouts of Connecticut is celebrating its 111^th birthday on March 12, 2023 with a host of local events and troop initiatives.

Credit: Girl Scouts of Connecticut