<p>Join RVNAhealth for a unique program that delves into nurturing your mind and soul, alongside your body on January 17 from 1 to 2pm New Milford Senior Center.</p><p>This presentation will explore holistic approaches to wellness, offering insights on how to maintain mental clarity, emotional resilience, and spiritual fulfillment as you age. </p><p>Lunch included, registration required. To register, please call the New Milford Senior Center at: (860)-355-6075.</p><p>Learn more <a href="https://rvnahealth.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://rvnahealth.org/</a></p>

<p class="ql-align-justify">Governor Ned Lamont today announced that due to a weather forecast indicating that Connecticut will experience a period of particularly frigid conditions over the next several days, he is directing the state’s severe cold weather protocol to go into effect beginning at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, January 6, 2025, and remaining in effect through 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 9, 2025.</p><p class="ql-align-justify">High temperatures during this period are forecast to be in the mid to upper twenties, and overnight lows are expected to be in the single digits and teens. Winds are expected to be out of the northwest at 10 to 15 miles per hour with gusts potentially reaching 40 miles per hour.</p><p class="ql-align-justify">Anyone in need of shelter is urged to call 2-1-1 to get connected to these services or visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.211ct.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(31, 100, 229);">211ct.org</a>to view a list of locations. Transportation can be provided if necessary.</p><p class="ql-align-justify">The purpose of the state’s severe cold weather protocol is to ensure that the most vulnerable populations receive protection from the severe cold, which could be life threatening if exposed to the elements for extended periods of time. While enacted, a system is set up for state agencies and municipalities to coordinate with United Way 2-1-1 and Connecticut’s network of shelters to make sure that anyone in need can receive shelter from the outdoors, including transportation to shelters.</p><p class="ql-align-justify">The following actions are implemented while the protocol is enacted:</p><ul><li class="ql-align-justify">The Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection’s Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security uses its WebEOC communications network, which is an internet-based system that enables local, regional, and state emergency management officials and first responders to share up-to-date information about a variety of situations and conditions. The system is used to monitor capacity at shelters across the state, enabling 2-1-1 to act as a clearinghouse to assist in finding shelter space for those who need it. Local officials, working through WebEOC, can alert 2-1-1 and the state when they open temporary shelters or warming centers.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">The Connecticut Department of Social Services, Connecticut Department of Housing, and Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services coordinate with 2-1-1 and the Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness, along with community-based providers, to provide transportation for people seeking shelter.</li></ul><p class="ql-align-justify">For emergency management news and resources, visit the state’s CT<em>Prepares</em>&nbsp;website at&nbsp;<a href="https://ct.gov/ctprepares" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(31, 100, 229);">ct.gov/ctprepares</a>.</p>

<p>Candlelight Farms Stables will host its 2nd Annual Christmas on the Hill on Saturday, December 14th and December 21st, from 12 PM to 4 PM. This festive event invites visitors to enjoy the holiday spirit at the stables with a variety of activities for all ages.</p><p>Highlights include visits with Santa, a petting zoo, pony rides, games, and a holiday craft to take home. The stables will be decorated for the season, creating a cheerful atmosphere for families to celebrate together.</p><p>Admission is $20 per child, which includes a pony ride and a take-home horseshoe craft. Tickets will only be available at the door, and payment can be made via cash or Venmo. Carriage rides are also available for an additional fee of $20 per family or $15 per couple.</p><p>Candlelight Farms is located at 214 Candlewood Mountain Road, New Milford, CT. For more information, contact EmilyAnn at 203-770-4870 (call or text) or message the event page <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/851135800432795?_rdr=" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.</p><p><br></p><p><br></p>

<p class="ql-align-justify">Governor Ned Lamont today announced that teenage students and high schools in Connecticut can win up to $26,000 in prizes by entering a submission into Connecticut’s 16th&nbsp;annual&nbsp;<a href="https://officeofthegovernor.cmail19.com/t/j-l-ghhlhdl-tlluktttuu-u/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 113, 187);"><strong>Teen Safe Driving Video Contest</strong></a>&nbsp;hosted by the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and Travelers.</p><p class="ql-align-justify">The contest calls on teens to create video public service announcements with compelling messages that motivate their peers to always practice safe driving whenever getting behind the wheel.</p><p class="ql-align-justify">Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death for teens in the United States. In 2022, there were 2,514 people killed in crashes across the country involving a teenage driver between the ages of 15 and 18.</p><p class="ql-align-justify">The contest is open to all public, private, and home-schooled high school students in Connecticut between the ages of 14 and 18. Students are required to produce a creative, unique, and effective video public service announcement no longer than 45 seconds in length that highlights interactions between drivers and other teens and illustrates ways to practice safer driving habits while obeying Connecticut’s teen driving laws. The videos must also address at least one specific Connecticut teen driving law.</p><p class="ql-align-justify">DMV Commissioner Antonio “Tony” Guerrera was the House chairperson of the General Assembly’s Transportation Committee in 2008 when he helped lead the effort to enact major reforms within Connecticut’s laws aimed at increasing safety for teen drivers.</p><p class="ql-align-justify">Since the contest began, nearly 5,000 students representing 120 high schools across Connecticut have participated.</p><p class="ql-align-justify">To read the full contest rules and instructions on how to submit a video, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://officeofthegovernor.cmail19.com/t/j-l-ghhlhdl-tlluktttuu-o/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 113, 187);"><strong>ct.gov/teendriving/contest</strong></a>. The deadline for submissions is February 3, 2025.</p><p class="ql-align-justify">To watch winning videos from previous years,&nbsp;<a href="https://officeofthegovernor.cmail19.com/t/j-l-ghhlhdl-tlluktttuu-b/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 113, 187);"><strong>click here</strong></a>.</p>

<p>Let’s come together to support 275 + families in the New Milford area! With your generous contributions, we can make this happen. Your donations will help us buy turkeys and other essential goodies.</p><p>Every little bit counts! Just $50 provides a Thanksgiving meal for a family.</p><p>Join us in making a difference and supporting the New Milford Food Bank’s Thanksgiving Baskets Program. </p><p>To make a monetary donation, visit: <a href="https://loom.ly/waXlglg?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR1NY1DBSPqL4L7IIkBpCW8SSbDLS_ngIfyr0cin5-lSIJC-SjcPHZy0H_k_aem_OKa2gRNfsI1NH-qv4rVPNQ" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: var(--blue-link);">https://loom.ly/waXlglg</a></p>

<p>Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he is directing U.S. and state flags in Connecticut lowered to half-staff in honor of Robert Sharkevich Sr., a member of the Wethersfield Volunteer Fire Department and former member of the Hartford Fire Department who died in the line of duty while responding to a brush fire at Lamentation Mountain in Berlin.</p><p class="ql-align-justify">Flags should be lowered effective immediately and remain lowered until sunset on the date of interment, which has not yet been determined. The Office of the Governor will send out a notification when flags should be returned to full staff.</p><p class="ql-align-justify">“I am very heartbroken to learn the news of the tragic loss of Firefighter Sharkevich, who died while bravely and courageously responding to the brush fire at Lamentation Mountain in Berlin,”&nbsp;Governor Lamont said. “His selfless dedication to public service and the safety of his community and the surrounding towns is nothing less than heroic. On behalf of the people of Connecticut, I thank him for the service he has provided to our state, and I extend my deepest condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues in the Wethersfield Volunteer Fire Department and Hartford Fire Department.”</p><p class="ql-align-justify">“This is a tragic reminder of the sacrifice and risk that our professional and volunteer firefighters face day in and day out when they put on their uniforms,”&nbsp;Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz said. “Firefighter Sharkevich bravely answered the call to assist the area’s fire crews in responding to this brush fire, and he will forever be remembered as a hero. My heart breaks for his loved ones and the members of the Wethersfield Volunteer Fire Department, the Hartford Fire Department, and Connecticut’s whole firefighting community. I am keeping each of them and their loved ones in my thoughts and prayers.”</p><p class="ql-align-justify">In accordance with the governor’s directive, flags will be at half-staff on the Connecticut State Capitol building and all other state-operated buildings, grounds, and facilities statewide. Individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, and any other private entities and government subdivisions are encouraged to lower their flags for this same duration of time. Since no flag should fly higher than the U.S. flag, all other flags, including state, municipal, corporate, or otherwise, should also be lowered.</p><p><br></p>