Earlier this month, a Connecticut treasure was highlighted on a national platform. The Sterling Opera House in Derby was Connecticut’s first building listed on the National Register of Historical Places and it was at the center of a Discovery Channel episode. We spoke with Kellie Santiago, the executive director of The Derby Historical Society of Derby, CT.
IMAGE CREDIT: Kellie German Santiago
According to estimates from Feeding America, more than 460,000 (1 in 8) Connecticut residents struggle with hunger. At a closer look at the recent data, more than 112,000 children are considered food insecure in our state. We spoke with Jason Jakubowski, President and CEO Connecticut Foodshare, about the updated data and resources available for kids who rely on school meals but now don’t have them during the summer months.
Image Credit: Getty Images
Today’s Pet of the Week is going to be Watson! He’s a 4-year-old orange cat.
~ I am a quiet and cuddly kitty. I would prefer a peaceful home.
~ I would love to live with another cat but would prefer a dog free home.
~ I am FIV positive so I need a home where all household cats are indoor only.
~ I have not had much experience with children but am willing to consider sharing my home with older kids (12+) who can be gentle and respectful of pets, pending meet and greet.
~ I have some special needs but still have lots of life to live and love to give. Please ask the adoption counselor to explain when you visit with me.
Host Paul Pacelli welcomed Yankee Institute blogger Meghan Portfolio on Tuesday’s edition of “Connecticut Today” to chat about a controversial labor bill that Governor Ned Lamont has promised to veto (00:21). Paul also opened the show talking about the latest gun violence in Bridgeport (11:23)
Image Credit: REUTERS
Police departments across the country are desperately looking for officers. Recruitment and retainment have been major challenges, especially since the pandemic, for departments across Connecticut, including the Park City. Bridgeport Police are offering something no other department in the state is during the month of June. We spoke with Lt. Angelo Collazo about conditioning camp happening every Tuesday and Thursday evening next month.
For more information: bridgeportct.gov/bpdshift or call (203) 576-8332
IMAGE CREDIT: Melissa Sheketoff
An estimated 19 million Americans have at least one phobia, and studies show phobias illustrate the negative effects can have on people’s mental and physical health. So, how do we overcome fear and prevent it from crippling our lives? It’s not easy, but counselor, Julius Dudics says the best way to overcome fear is giving up control. But how do you give up control to a God that you don’t believe in or trust? We dive into this.
IMAGE CREDIT: iStock / Getty Images Plus
Wellness company, Exos, launched a four-day work week pilot program last year and decided to keep it after fantastic results six months later. Many want to know why more companies don’t adopt four-day work week models. But the bigger question should be: why don’t managers trust their team more to try new programs? We looked at a recent article and talked about it in length with career strategist, Julie Bauke.
For the article: How one company created a four-day workweek program that works for its employees (hr-brew.com)
IMAGE CREDIT: iStock / Getty Images Plus
According to recent Census data, the number of farms in Connecticut is slowly shrinking. Farmers have cited a labor shortage, especially when it comes to young people in the profession, as a reason for the dwindling numbers. We asked the Department of Agriculture Commissioner, Bryan Hurlburt, about the findings. We also got a better idea of how important the farming industry is in our state and how “support local” is a huge solution to the problem.
IMAGE CREDIT: Melissa Sheketoff
We saw it over Memorial Day weekend, more and more people went outside getting exposed to the sun. Unfortunately, most people hear the messages about sun exposure damage but don’t acknowledge the importance of sunscreen. We welcomed Dr. Jim Clune, Melanoma Surgeon at Smilow Cancer Hospital (member of Yale Cancer Center) to the show. He tackled this subject and debunked some thoughts around sunscreen application.
IMAGE CREDIT: iStock / Getty Images Plus