WalletHub, a website that offers free credit schools and reports, just released its 2020 ranking of America's school systems and places Connecticut in the #2 spot with a total score of 66.25. Massachusetts is on top with a total score of 71.73. 

What's more, Connecticut is #1 for Highest Median ACT Scores and #3 for Highest Reading Test Scores.

Here's the method behind the results:

WalletHub says, "We evaluated those dimensions using 33 relevant metrics, which are listed below with their corresponding weights. Each metric was graded on a 100-point scale, with a score of 100 representing the highest quality of public K–12 education. Finally, we determined each state and the District’s weighted average across all metrics to calculate its overall score and used the resulting scores to rank-order our sample."

WalletHub says they account for performance, funding, safety, class size, and instructor credentials when deciding on a school system's rank. To determine the top-performing school systems in America, WalletHub compared the 50 states and the District of Columbia across 33 key metrics. Click here to learn about their findings, expert insight from a panel of researchers, and a full description of their methodology.

Meet WalletHub's team of experts here.

Through a partnership with the Women and Family Life Center in Guilford and the United Way of Greater New Haven, the Beth-El Center will now be providing shelter diversion services along the Connecticut shoreline from Milford to Madison.                                                          

Through its newly-formed shoreline diversion specialist staff position, Beth-El Center will be streamlining its efforts to prevent homelessness by identifying and supporting individuals and families throughout the shoreline area who are housing unstable and at the brink of homelessness. The diversion specialist will be assisting those who are at high risk for homelessness by identifying alternate housing arrangements and connecting them with services to help them return to permanent housing without entering into the emergency homeless response system.

“The collective impact of our three agencies working together to help vulnerable populations is significant,” says Jenn Paradis, Executive Director of Beth-El Center. “Homelessness knows no geographic boundaries so coordination and partnerships like this are important for the greater Milford community.”

This new position, which will be based at Women and Family Life Center in Guilford starting in mid-August, is funded through Connecticut's Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program, also known as the Small Cities Program, which the town of Guilford helped facilitate.

According to Meghan Scanlon, Executive Director of Women & Family Life Center, "We could not be more excited and proud to partner with Beth El Center on bringing the housing navigator position to our Shoreline community. If there is one thing this uncertain time has shown us it is that in order to tackle big problems like housing insecurity, we need to be creative and collaborative. Now, more than ever, families are facing very difficult choices between rent and food. This is not a new problem, but the pandemic has made it worse. To the extent we can avoid them entering the shelter system, we want to, which is why this position is so critical right now.”

The shoreline diversion specialist will be mobile throughout the region, engaging and collaborating with various community partners and targeting specific sites where vulnerable populations might found such as soup kitchens. Helping to make homelessness rare, brief and nonrecurring and providing case management services is the goal.

“The long term effects of housing insecurity from this pandemic and other factors are our focus and this position is one piece of the puzzle in the larger fight to end homelessness," says Scanlon. 

For more information about Beth-El Center and its services, visit www.bethelmilford.org or call 203.876.0747.                                                        

About Beth-El Center

The Beth-El Center is a recognized leader in caring for and meeting the needs of those experiencing hunger and homeless in the greater Milford area. The Center serves individuals and families by providing shelter and case management services which provide support and assistance for achieving self-sufficiency. The Center’s soup kitchen offer hot meals to community members in need and feeds up to eighty persons daily. The Beth-El Center is located at 90 New Haven Avenue in Milford. Visit www.bethelmilford.org for more information.

State Parks Remain Open with Restrictions; Shoreline Swimming Areas Open; Inland Swimming Areas Closed, Capacity Limits and Social Distancing Guidelines Remain in Place

They also encourage visitors to select locations closest to your home. State parks and beaches near Madison include:

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.

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.

The operational plan can be found here.

Swimming and Beaches:

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.

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.

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).  This distance will allow for a 6’ radius around each person or family and a 3’ walkway in between groups.

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.  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. 

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.  

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,@CTStateParks.

Lifeguards will not be on shoreline beaches in Connecticut state parks early in the season.  These beaches are currently posted as "No Lifeguards on Duty."  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 American Red Cross. Lifeguards will not be posted at inland beaches while swimming is prohibited at those beaches.

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, @CTStateParks, and will soon also be able to find that information on the DEEP website athttps://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/State-Parks/Recreation-Information/State-Swimming-Area-Water-Quality-Report, or on DEEP’s toll free Water Quality Information Phone Line at 1-866-287-2757.

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’soperational planis available for municipalities to adapt to their needs if they wish to do so.

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.

State Campgrounds, Cabins, and Youth Sites:

As was recently announced, state Campgrounds, Cabins, Youth sites, Backcountry and River Camping sites are closed until at least June 11.  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.

Other options to open campgrounds are being considered that minimize staff and public risk.  The decision will be based on current public health guidance, cleaning protocols and the availability of adequate staff and appropriate personal protective equipment.  

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. 

To view the operational plan, go here:https://portal.ct.gov/deep-parkscovid19.

Letter to the Editor

Guidelines Released by the Reopen Connecticut Taskforce Miss the Mark, Do Not Allow for the Safe Reopening of Offices

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.

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.

Allow me to highlight some examples of where the program outline failed.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

- David Lewis, Norwalk, Connecticut

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.

Roadmap Outlines Strategy for Accelerating Deployment of EVs in Connecticut

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.

According to the DEEP, there have been 5,213 Electric Vehicles registered in Connecticut. Electric Vehicles registered in zip codes near Madison include:

The top 10 towns in Connecticut for electric vehicle registrations are:

The top 5 models for Connecticut Registrations of EV’s are:

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. 

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.

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.

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.
Environmental stakeholders from around the state applauded the EV Roadmap’s release.

To view the EV Roadmap, visit: http://www.dpuc.state.ct.us/DEEPEnergy.nsf/c6c6d525f7cdd1168525797d0047c5bf/f7ed4932eec438d0852585520001c81b/$FILE/EV%20Roadmap%20for%20Connecticut.pdf

U.S. News & World Report reviewed more than 24,000 U.S. public high schools and 207 Connecticut schools made their 2020 rankings. Below are the rankings of high schools in and around {town}.

According to U.S. News & 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.

U.S. News & World Report says that they take a holistic approach 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.

Here are the top 10 high schools in Connecticut:
#1 Connecticut IB Academy in East Hartford
#2 Weston High School
#3 Darien High School
#4 Staples High School (Westport)
#5 New Canaan High School
#6 Simsbury High School
#7 Greenwich High School
#8 Hall High School (West Hartford)
#9 Ridgefield High School
#10 Marine Science Magnet High School of Southeastern
See the complete Connecticut High School rankings HERE.
To see how schools in the state’s top metro areas ranked, check out the pages for Hartford, New Haven, Norwich, and Bridgeport.

View the article in its entirety here.

Some Good News!

Everyday heroes are emerging amidst the pain we are all experiencing. Their stories can inspire us all.

HamletHub has been received an abundance of stories about ordinary people doing extraordinary things so we created a special "hub" to spread joy called Community is not Canceled.

Community is not Canceled features a plethora of inspiring stories that will give you many reasons to smile!

Read about:

• A Connecticut tree company hanging 50' flags outside of hospitals across the state
• Towns celebrating birthdays with fire truck drive-bys
• A nine-year-old violinist bringing joy to those celebrating birthdays during the quarantine
• Danbury "hackers" who have transformed their techie space into a face shield manufacturing "hub"
• A family who climbed to the roof of a nursing facility to speak to a loved one through a window
• Family celebrating the birth of a baby in the age of COVID-19

We are in this together. Stay strong. 

If you have an inspiring story from Madison to share, please email communitymatters@hamlethub.com

Visit Community is not Canceled HERE.

Support for Connecticut Food Bank During COVID-19: Race Against Hunger

Connecticut Food Bank needs the town of Madison 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.
One way Madison 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.
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. Register now to help the state's largest source of emergency food assistance!
The food bank is still open, but hours are modified. Below is a list of Food Banks within 20 miles of Madison. Please call because there may be changes.

As of March 31, 2020, a total of 3128 laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been reported among Connecticut residents. Six hundred and eight patients are currently hospitalized. Sixty-nine residents have died. In addition to the deaths related to COVID-19 that have been reported to the Department of Public Health (DPH), this update contains information on the number of deaths that have been reported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME).

Today, the OCME provided information on 14 additional COVID-19 related deaths that occurred during March 17-29. There were 16 COVID-19 related deaths on March 30, and 3 on March 31. Moving forward, deaths reported to either the OCME or DPH will be included in the daily COVID-19 update.

Fairfield County currently has the most cases in the state with 1870 COVID-19 confirmed positives 1870. View the data per county and town here.

Summary

Laboratory-Confirmed COVID-19 Cases 3128 (+557)

COVID-19 Associated Deaths 69 (+33)

Patients Currently Hospitalized with COVID-19 608 (+91)

Patients tested for COVID-19 15600 (+1000)

The Dr. Katherine A. Kelley State Public Health Laboratory has tested a total of 2008 patients for COVID19; 359 (18%) patients tested positive. The graph (image #2) shows the number of patients tested by date specimens were received. Hospital and commercial laboratories also are offering testing for COVID19 in Connecticut; in total, more than 15600 tests have been reported to date.

Governor Ned Lamont today announced that his administration has reached an agreement with over 50 credit unions and banks in Connecticut to offer mortgage relief to the state’s residents and businesses who continue to face hardship caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic. Under the agreement, the following relief policies are being offered by participating financial institutions:

• 90-day grace period for all mortgage payments: Participating financial institutions are now offering mortgage-payment forbearances of up to 90 days, which will allow homeowners to reduce or delay monthly mortgage payments. In addition, the institutions will:
• Provide a streamlined process for requesting forbearance for COVID-19-related reasons, supported with available documentation;
• Confirm approval and terms of forbearance program; and
• Provide the opportunity to extend forbearance agreements if faced with continued hardship resulting from COVID-19.
• Relief from fees and charges for 90 days: For at least 90 days, participating financial institutions will waive or refund mortgage-related late fees and other fees including early CD withdrawals.
• No new foreclosures for 60 days: Financial institutions will not start any foreclosure sales or evictions.
• No credit score changes for accessing relief: For those taking advantage of this COVID-19-related relief, late or missed payments will not be shared with credit reporting agencies.

The agreement, which was negotiated on behalf of the Lamont administration by Commissioner Jorge Perez at the Connecticut Department of Banking, builds upon similar initiatives that have been enacted in recent days in California and New Jersey, and has been endorsed by the Connecticut Bankers Association and the Credit Union League of Connecticut. More than 50 credit unions and banks statewide are participating, including Webster Bank, American Eagle Financial Credit Union, Liberty Bank, Charter Oak Federal Credit Union, Bank of America, Nutmeg State Financial Credit Union, and Peoples United Bank. Additional financial institutions are expected to join the initiative in the coming days. The Department of Banking will maintain updated list of participating institutions on its website.

“This agreement with our financial institutions will allow Connecticut residents to obtain some relief as this public health emergency has had an impact on thousands of people in our state,” Governor Lamont said. “I thank each of these financial institutions that will provide this relief and applaud their participation in this agreement. The way we are going to get through this crisis is by working together, and this is an example of how we are going to get that done.”

The Department of Banking, along with the state’s banks and credit unions, is reminding residents that their money remains safe during the COVID-19 crisis and protected by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). No deposits have ever been lost under the protection of the FDIC and NCUA.

“This is a time when we need our entire financial services industry to come together to work tirelessly for the people of Connecticut, which is why I have asked the banks and credit unions to join forces and present one united approach which tells all of Connecticut, ‘We are in this together,’” Commissioner Perez said. “I am pleased to see that these efforts are well underway and that they are helping Connecticut residents work through this challenge.”

Leadership at Connecticut’s credit unions and banks said that they are flexibly meeting member and customer needs everyday on a case-by-case basis in a number of ways that may include fee waivers, access to short-term loans, loan deferrals and uninterrupted access to digital services, even though some credit unions and banks have temporarily limited physical access to their lobbies.

Bruce Adams, president and CEO of the Credit Union League of Connecticut, said, “We view ourselves as the financial first responders in this crisis, and I applaud Governor Lamont and Commissioner Perez for their leadership in partnering with us to provide even more financial solutions for the people of Connecticut.”

Tom Mongellow, president and CEO of the Connecticut Bankers Association, said, “Connecticut banks and credit unions are open for business, and statewide we have quickly and voluntarily responded to Governor Lamont’s and Commissioner Perez’s directives. Our financial institutions continue to ensure the financial well-being of the people and businesses they serve across the state, while protecting the health of their team members and customers.”

Adams and Mongellow are stressing that customers with loans should stay in close contact with their financial institution to identify their particular needs and work on customized solutions. They are also reminding customers that measures to protect people's health and safety continue to be available:

• Drive-through services are available at numerous branches;
• Individual appointments for in-person meetings are available at many financial institutions;
• Call centers employees stand ready to assist customers and members;
• Technology platforms give ready access to online services like bill pay, transfers, remote depositing of checks and ATMs for cash needs; and
• People can use mobile payment channels and debit cards or credit cards to make purchases.
  
  

This week, Governor Lamont signed an Executive Order 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:

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

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!

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

Please refer constituents to https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Fishing/CT-Fishing 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: https://ctdeep.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=70d13bc033854b89a87c04b1d11b1a43

You can find a helpful video here: https://www.facebook.com/CTFishAndWildlife/videos/1147555402243388/

A list of the fishing spots are listed below:

Around Bridgeport/Danbury/Norwalk/Stamford:

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
Major Trout Streams – Aspetuck, Byram, Farmill, Mianus, Mill, Morrissey Brook, Norwalk, Pequonnock, Pond Brook, Pootatuck, Rippowam, Saugatuck

Around Hartford/New Britain:

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
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

Around Middletown/East Haddam:

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

Major Trout Streams – Coginchaug, Hammonasset, Hemlock Valley Brook, Pine Brook, Salmon

Around New Haven/Naugatuck:

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

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

Around New London/Norwich:

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

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

Around Torrington/Winsted:

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

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

Around Vernon/Mansfield:

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

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

Around Willimantic/Danielson:

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

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

Content last reviewed March 2020.

Walking and hiking are healthy ways to reduce stress during this difficult time, but make sure to adhere to social distancing as outlined by the CDC - even when outdoors!

Governor Lamont has allowed the trails and grounds of Connecticut State Parks and Forests to remain open for solitary outdoor enjoyment.  If you plan on visiting a park, it should be for solitary recreation, not group activities.

However, please note, to prevent community spread of COVID-19, indoor spaces at State Parks and Forests are closed and public restrooms will be closed at most state parks. 

A list of parks near Madison can be found here:

CT DEEP is providing up to the minute information about our parks here

Please plan ahead as many amenities and indoor facilities are closed. Connecticut State Parks and Forests urges you to take the following steps to enhance “social distancing” when enjoying the outdoors:

• If you’re not feeling well, stay home! 
• Rather than traveling to some of the most popular spots, for example, Hammonasset Beach State Park, Sleeping Giant State Park, or Bluff Point State Park, try a park you may not have visited before or one close to your home. Because most park and forest facilities do not have open restrooms, visitors are encouraged to plan a trip to a nearby park for a short, local visit.
• If you arrive at a park and crowds are forming, choose a different park or trail, or return another day or time.
• Observe the CDC's minimum recommended social distancing of six feet from other people, whether you’re walking, biking, or hiking. Practice it and know what it looks like.
• Warn other trail users of your presence and as you pass to allow proper distance and step off trails to allow others to pass, keeping minimum recommended distances at all times. Signal your presence with your voice, bell, or horn.
• Follow the CDC’s guidance on personal hygiene prior to heading to the park. Wash your hands, carry hand sanitizer, cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and avoid surfaces that are touched often, such as doorknobs, handrails, and equipment.

All state parks can be accessed by Connecticut residents free of charge, supported by the Passport to Parks program. 

The DEEP will be monitoring visitor capacity at the state’s most popular parks and may reduce the parking threshold to further limit the number of visitors and help to prevent overcrowding. For up-to-date information on park closures, follow @CTStateParks on Twitter.

Please be aware that the opening of camping season at Connecticut State Parks and Forests will be postponed until Memorial Day weekend in May, unless a further delay is required. All campground reservations that were made for stays prior to Memorial Day weekend will automatically be canceled and refunds will be processed. 

DEEP will be closely monitoring state and federal guidelines for minimizing the spread of COVID-19 and will make further adjustments to state park and forest operations as needed. More tips for safe enjoyment of outdoor spaces are available from the National Recreation and Parks Association at www.nrpa.org. 

To keep informed of the latest updates, please visit: Connecticut State Parks, follow us on Twitter @CTDEEPNEWS and @CTStateParks, and facebook.com/CTState

Declining crude oil prices continue to drive average gas prices lower this week, says AAA Northeast.

In Connecticut today, the statewide average of $2.29 is 13 cents cheaper compared to last week and 39 cents cheaper compared to last year.

A similar scenario is playing out on the national level: today’s national average price of $2.13 is also down 13 cents compared to last week and 49 cents lower compared to last year.

In the last week, crude oil prices dropped to $22 a barrel, a low not seen since 2002, said Fran Mayko, AAA Northeast spokeswoman. “Crude accounts for nearly 60% of the retail pump price so when crude is cheap, gas prices follow suit.”

Generally, gas prices tend to rise at the start of spring. “But, that’s not the case this year,” Mayko added. “With Americans staying home and practicing social distancing to slow the spread of Covid-19, we’re seeing less traffic, which ultimately is driving down demand, increasing inventories and pushing pump prices down.”

The ongoing crude price war between Russia and Saudi Arabia is also contributing to the drop in prices and until the two countries end their standoff, domestic crude is likely to remain low, Mayko said.

Here's AAA’s weekly price survey of Connecticut’s six metro regions:

Greater Bridgeport                $2.40          Lower Fairfield County:                    $2.40

New Haven/Meriden            $2.28            Greater Hartford                                $2.26  

New London/Norwich          $2.27            Windham/Middlesex                        $2.21

                                                                   Statewide Average:  $2.29

Today, Oklahoma and Ohio register the lowest average per-gallon prices in the nation at $1.74 and $1.81, respectively. Hawaii and California continue to hold the highest prices in the nation with $3.48 and $3.21, respectively. Connecticut moved to the 15th spot on the list of states with the highest prices in the nation. Average gas prices may be obtained daily through www.gasprices.aaa.com.

Today, Governor Ned Lamont released a list of businesses designated as essential.  Non-essential businesses are ordered to restrict their in-person workforce from going to work. The entire list along with the explanation is provided below.

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On March 20, 2020, The Governor issued Executive Order 7H, directing all businesses and nonprofit entities in the State of Connecticut to utilize, to the maximum extent possible, any telecommuting or work from home procedures that they can safely employ.  That order also directed that, no later than March 23, 2020 at 8 p.m., each non-essential business or nonprofit entity (and therefore not including or applicable to any state or local government agencies, quasi-public agencies, political subdivisions or other entities that do not constitute businesses or nonprofits) shall reduce the in-person workforce at each business location by 100% from pre-state of emergency declaration employment levels.  Executive Order 7H authorized the Commissioner of the Department of Economic and Community Development (“DECD”) to provide legally binding guidance about which businesses are essential. Pursuant to that directive, DECD hereby issues the following guidance concerning which businesses and nonprofit entities are “essential” for purposes of Executive Order 7H.  

Nothing in this guidance shall be deemed to modify or supersede any current or future Executive Order that separately and specifically addresses a particular business or activity.  Specific businesses or activities separately addressed by other current or future Executive Orders issued pursuant to the current declared public health and civil preparedness emergency must comply with any such orders unless and until those orders are modified or terminated separately.    

THE ESSENTIAL BUSINESSES OR NONPROFITS DESIGNATED IN THIS GUIDANCE are not subject to the in-person restriction set forth in Executive Order 7H.  With respect to non-essential businesses and nonprofits, this guidance applies to each business location individually and is intended to assist businesses in determining whether they are an essential business and the steps they may take to request that designation.  

The guidelines set forth here apply to places of business. Non-essential businesses may continue activities that are conducted off-site (e.g. a customer’s home) and/or by telecommuting or working from home. 

Pursuant to the Governor’s Executive Order 7J, issued on March 22, 2020, 1) non-essential retailers may be staffed on-site, provided that they may only offer remote ordering (e.g. phone, internet, mail, dropbox) and curb-side pick-up or delivery and 2) non-essential businesses and nonprofits to allow staff or third parties on site to the minimum extent necessary to provide security, maintenance and receipt of mail and packages. This includes, but is not limited to, auto, boat, bicycle, recreational vehicle, and all other vehicle sales, if conducted remotely. 

To the extent possible, employees of Essential Businesses whose duties are not critical to an Essential Business function described below should telecommute or utilize any work from home procedures available to them.  

For purposes of Executive Order 7H, “essential business,” means:

1. Essential workers in the 16 Critical Infrastructure Sectors, as defined by the federal Department of Homeland Security unless otherwise addressed in a prior or future executive order pertaining to the existing declared public health and civil preparedness emergency.

2. Healthcare and related operations including:

• biotechnology therapies
• consumer health products and services
• doctor and dentist offices
• elder care, including adult day care
• health care plans and health care data
• home health care workers or aides
• hospitals
• manufacturing, distributing, warehousing, and supplying of pharmaceuticals, including research and development
• medical marijuana dispensaries and producers
• medical supplies and equipment providers, including devices, diagnostics, services, and any other healthcare related supplies or services
• medical wholesale and distribution
• nursing homes, or residential health care facilities or congregate care facilities
• pharmacies
• physical therapy and chiropractic offices
• research and laboratory services, including testing and treatment of COVID-19
• veterinary and animal health services
• walk-in-care health facilities

3. Infrastructure including:

• airports/airlines
• commercial trucking
• dam maintenance and support
• education-related functions at the primary, secondary, or higher education level to provide support for students, including distribution of meals or faculty conducting e-learning
• hotels and other places of accommodation
• water and wastewater operations, systems, and businesses
• telecommunications and data centers
• transportation infrastructure including bus, rail, for-hire vehicles and vehicle rentals, and garages
• utilities including power generation, fuel supply, and transmission
• 4. All manufacturing and corresponding supply chains, including aerospace, agriculture, and related support businesses

5. Retail including:

• appliances, electronics, computers, and telecom equipment
• big-box stores or wholesale clubs, provided they also sell groceries, consumer health products, or operate a pharmacy
• convenience stores
• gas stations
• grocery stores including all food and beverage retailers
• guns and ammunition
• hardware, paint, and building material stores, including home appliance sales/repair
• liquor/package stores and manufacturer permittees
• pharmacies
• pet and pet supply stores

6. Food and agriculture, including:

• farms and farmer’s markets
• food manufacturing, processing, storage, and distribution facilities 
• nurseries, garden centers, and agriculture supply stores
• restaurants/bars (provided compliance with all applicable executive orders is maintained)

7. Services including:

• accounting and payroll services

• animal shelters or animal care or management, including boarding, grooming, pet walking and pet sitting 

• auto supply, repair, towing, and service, including roadside assistance

• bicycle repair and service

• building cleaning and maintenance

• child care services

• critical operations support for financial institutions

• financial advisors

• financial institutions, including banks, credit unions, and check cashing services

• funeral homes, crematoriums, and cemeteries

• insurance companies

• laundromats/dry cleaning

• legal and accounting services

• mail and shipping services

• marinas and marine repair and service

• news and media

• real estate transactions and related services, including residential leasing and renting

• religious services (subject to Executive Order 7D limiting gatherings to 50 people)

• storage for Essential Businesses

• trash and recycling collection, hauling, and processing

• warehouse/distribution, shipping, and fulfillment

8. Providers of basic necessities to economically disadvantaged populations including:

• food banks

• homeless shelters and congregate care facilities

• human services providers whose function includes the direct care of patients in state-licensed or funded voluntary programs; the care, protection, custody and oversight of individuals both in the community and in state-licensed residential facilities; those operating community shelters and other critical human services agencies providing direct care or support social service agencies

9. Construction including:

• all skilled trades such as electricians, HVAC, and plumbers 

• general construction, both commercial and residential

• other related construction firms and professionals for essential infrastructure or for emergency repair and safety purposes

• planning, engineering, design, bridge inspection, and other construction support activities

10. Services necessary to maintain the safety, sanitation and essential operations of all residences and other buildings (including services necessary to secure and maintain non-essential workplaces):

• building cleaners or janitors

• building code enforcement

• disinfection

• doormen

• emergency management and response

• fire prevention and response

• general maintenance whether employed by the entity directly or a vendor

• home-related services, including real estate transactions, closings, appraisals, and moving services

• landscaping services

• law enforcement

• outdoor maintenance, including pool service

• pest control services

• security and maintenance, including steps reasonably necessary to secure and maintain non-essential businesses

• state marshals

11. Vendors that provide essential services or products, including logistics and technology support, child care, and services needed to ensure the continuing operation of government agencies and provide for the health, safety and welfare of the public including: 

• billboard leasing and maintenance

• child care services

• essential government services

• government owned or leased buildings

• information technology and information security

• logistics

• technology support

12. Defense 

• defense and national security-related business and operations supporting the U.S. Government or a contractor to the US government

If the function of your business is not listed above, but you believe that it is essential or it is an entity providing essential services or functions, you may request designation as an Essential Business.

Requests by businesses to be designated an essential function as described above, should ONLY be made if they are NOT covered by the guidance.

To request designation as an Essential Business, please click here.

Restrictions on requesting designation as an Essential Business:

• Any business that only has a single occupant/employee (e.g. attendant) is deemed exempt and need not submit a request to be designated as an Essential Business.

If you have further questions not answered above, please submit them to DECD at decd.covid19@ct.gov.