Jazz in Garden & Growth of CT Youth Employment Program
September 3, 2024
A huge fundraiser for Windham Free Library is taking place on September 8, 2024. Please read below to see how you can get tickets to Jazz in the Garden!
An excellent youth employment program is expanding across the state! Keep scrolling to learn how this new investment will provide opportunities for our youth to find a career path.
The state is taking steps to combat a rise in credit, debit, and EBT card skimming scams. I will dig deeper into how you can avoid becoming a victim.
Here are the sections in today's email:
Let's Talk About It: Jazz in the Garden
Growth of Connecticut Youth Employment Program
Battle Against Credit & Debit Card Skimming
Workshop on Dangers of Sports Betting
Let's Talk About It: Jazz in the Garden
We previewed everything you need to know about the 22nd annual Jazz in the Garden event on my weekly radio show “Let’s Talk About It.” Three guests, who are dedicated to the growth of Windham Center, broke down how this event makes a difference in our community. We also discussed the preservation efforts at the historic Windham Inn.
Jazz in the Garden will take place on Sunday, September 8 from 3 P.M. - 6 P.M. at 80 Windham Center Road, which is a mansion with 33 acres containing an enormous barn on the back of the property. There will be tents and ample parking for guests. Unlike in years past, a female vocalist will perform this time around.
Andrew Celentano, a classical musician based in Windham, joined the show to promote the fabulous musical act coming to our town. Tickets are $70 in advance and $75 at the door. Steve Lamoreaux, the Vice President on the board for the Windham Free Library, explained this event is the largest fundraiser of the year for the library.
We also discussed the on-going preservation of the historic Windham Inn on Scotland Road. Gwen Bruno, the president of the Windham Preservation, explained the facility has received funding to undertake important restoration work. The 1772 Foundation awarded the inn grants in the past two years. Those funds went toward a new roof!
Be sure to click on the video below to listen to learn more about the restoration of the Windham Inn and the upcoming festivities at Jazz in the Garden.
Steve Lamoreaux gives us a preview of Jazz in the Garden.
Growth of Connecticut Youth Employment Program
I’m happy to share the Connecticut Youth Employment Program is growing exponentially. Governor Ned Lamont is doubling funding from $5 million to $10 million. The Connecticut Youth Employment Program helps young people explore careers and bring them into the job market. Teens from 14 to young adults up to 24 years old have an opportunity to work side-by-side with professionals who help them build career networks. Participants also receive job training and experience, all while earning a paycheck.
People from 14 to 24 can register through the Eastern Connecticut Workforce Investment Board in partnership with EASTCONN, Norwich Human Services, and New London Youth Affairs. Participants are paid minimum wage to work approximately 80-100 hours during July and August, while some internships continue even longer. In-person or remote internships include trainings in pre-employability skills, such as résumé writing, goal setting, career interests and lifestyle budgeting, as well as getting connected with their local community.
The state is taking action after a spike in credit, debit, and EBT card skimming scams throughout the country. According to an analysis conducted earlier this year, the number of debit cards compromised in skimming crimes nearly doubled in 2023, impacting more than 315,000 cards and 3,500 financial institutions.
Connecticut is working to educate consumers and frontline workers on the signs of potential fraud. Make sure you protect yourself when making a purchase. Before using a credit, debit, or EBT card, you should:
Use the safest payment method available. Tapping your digital wallet or a contactless card can be safer than inserting or swiping your card. If that's not an option, inserting the card's chip is safer than swiping.
Cover the pad when typing in your PIN.
Check for a gas pump security tape.
Pay at the cash register.
Use credit cards instead of debit cards.
Visually inspect the card reading device to see if something looks off or abnormal, such as sticky keys, an added bulk, or mismatched colors.
Give the device a wiggle before using it to make sure it is intact.
Inspect the card slot before inserting a card to see if it appears to be different or heavier than usual, or if any components seem loose or altered.
I encourage you to report suspected skimming devices or fraudulent purchases to store managers and law enforcement and file a complaint with the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection through ct.gov/DCP.
Workshop on Dangers of Sports Betting
The sports betting culture seems to be taking over traditional sports viewing and fandom at a very fast rate. Every game, in every sport viewed on the major U.S. networks are now promoting sports betting venues at every opportunity, while in-game sporting apps are being introduced by the dozens.
How can we treat individuals with such an onslaught of technology and options that now inhabit the sports viewing space? This workshop, run by Robby Fuqua of Telus Health, will explore and focus on the individual approaches to those experiencing problem sports betting issues and the dilemma of sports viewing, being a fan, and successful treatment.
This virtual event will take place on Thursday, September 5 from 12 P.M. – 2 P.M.
