Breathe Easy? Not in CT!

Air Pollution in Connecticut

Sources: American Lung Association; Hartford Courant;

Fairfield County is one of the most polluted countries in the nation, according to the American Lung Association’s 2022 “State of Air” report. This is the 23rd year that the American Lung Association has issued this report, and, unfortunately, Fairfield County is still rated as “F” for air quality.

Though we had the best reading for ozone levels in the American Lung Association’s State of the Air report to date, Fairfield County has the highest ozone readings in the eastern U.S.  The average number of unhealthy days for ozone was more than five times the minimum number for it to earn an “F” grade.

We are not alone in having failing grades for air quality, Middlesex, New London, and New Haven Counties maintained “F” grades. Litchfield maintained its C grade. All counties reported improved levels of ozone, with the exception of New Haven, which remained the same. Granted, this is certainly nothing to brag about.

The grades for ozone and short-term particle pollution were based on a weighted average calculation of data collected over a three-year period. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Air Quality System collected the sample at monitoring sites across the country.

Ruth Canvoi, director of advocacy for the American Lung Association, said that this data is extremely relevant to Connecticut, as Fairfield County remains one of the most polluted counties in the country.  “Clearly we have a lot of work to do in Connecticut,” she said.

“Connecticut residents should be aware that we’re breathing unhealthy air, driven by emissions from power plants and extreme heat as a result of climate change, placing our health and lives at risk,” Ruth Canovi, said of the new report.

The report indicates that this may be because of the amount of transportation emissions that moves through Fairfield County from other states, including emissions from medium and heavy-duty trucks.  A fact that lends validation to those Connecticut residents who have always blamed New Jersey, New York, and Massachusetts for our air quality.

Particle and ozone air pollution continue to impact communities throughout the United States, with some more heavily burdened.

  • A new report from the American Lung Association finds that air pollution is increasingly becoming more of a problem for people In the U.S.
  • Emissions related to fossil fuels have decreased in U.S., but climate change has led to worse air quality.
  • More than 40 percent of Americans live in places with unhealthy levels of particle pollution or ozone, according to the annual report.

The organization’s “State of the Air” report for 2022 also shows that air pollution is becoming increasingly problematic for many Americans.  Over two million more people were breathing unhealthy air in their community compared to last year’s report.

Dr. David Hill, a Connecticut pulmonologist and chair of the Northeast Board of the American Lung Association, said Connecticut has over 95,000 kids with pediatric asthma, over 305,000 adults with asthma, and over 164,000 adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD.

In addition, during the three years covered by the latest report, Americans experienced more “very unhealthy” and “hazardous” air quality days than previously during the report’s two-decade history.

“The fact that we see an increase in the number of Americans that are impacted by particulate pollution compared to last year really demonstrates that air quality remains an important concern for the public,” said Dr. Meredith McCormack, an ALA national spokesperson and a pulmonary and critical care physician at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore.

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Canvoi said that the purpose of the report is to put the complex numbers and figures that are collected into a frame that everyone can understand. In tandem with the education, research, and advocacy efforts that the American Lung Association does, Canvoi said she hopes there will be legislative change to follow.

“We do a lot of policy work at the federal, state, and local level. It’s imperative to have strong laws across the country,” she said.

What is Connecticut doing about clean air?

The state is already taking steps to reduce harmful emissions.

Gov. Ned Lamont has proposed legislation that seeks to adopt stronger emissions standards for medium and heavy-duty vehicles, which account for as much as 53% of nitrogen oxide emissions in Connecticut, despite being only 6% of the on-road vehicle fleet.

Adopting these standards – which have already been adopted by New York, New Jersey, and Massachusetts (well I guess we can’t place the blame on them anymore!!) – would not mandate that Connecticut businesses purchase these vehicles, nor would it place affirmative requirements on those businesses.

Under Lamont’s executive order, the Connecticut Department of Transportation can no longer purchase or use state funds to purchase diesel buses after 2023 and must create a roadmap for electrifying the state’s bus fleet by 2035. The state now has 10 battery electric buses on the road, with two more coming soon, and nearly 50 more on order.

The legislature has other bills under consideration too:

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S.B. 4 is an air quality act that focuses on expanding public and private utilization of electric vehicles in Connecticut to protect human health and the environment.

After a nearly seven-hour debate Tuesday, the Connecticut Senate backed an omnibus bill aimed at reducing transportation pollution through more stringent emission standards on trucks and provisions intended to encourage electric vehicle uptake.

Lawmakers approved the 34-page bill on a 24 to 11 vote after debating it for most of the day. Sen. Tony Hwang, R-Fairfield, joined all Democrats in supporting the measure.

Democrats amended the bill on the floor, adding a provision of another bill approved by the Transportation Committee, which allows Connecticut to adopt California emissions standards for medium and heavy-duty trucks.

Sen. Will Haskell, a Westport Democrat who co-chairs the transportation panel, said it was incumbent on the legislature to take steps to reduce climate change and curb asthma rates aggravated by vehicle pollution.

“Emissions from transportation are rising, not falling,” Haskell said early in the debate. “By almost every metric …  we’re moving in the wrong direction and until we act, we let the next generation down. Until we decide to face this problem head-on, we decide each day to pass down a planet that’s slightly or, frankly, substantially worse than the one that we inherited.”

Among other things, the bill requires the state vehicle fleet to be at least 50% electric by 2026, simplifies the installation of charging stations, and expands programs that provide rebates for buying electric vehicles. Other provisions seek to modernize traffic signals in order to reduce vehicle idling and encourage communities to transition to electric school buses.

Republicans questioned the legislation at length and proposed seven unsuccessful amendments to change the bill. During his closing remarks, Senate Minority Leader Kevin Kelly said Connecticut’s air quality is largely impacted by pollution from other states.

“The air we breathe comes from states to our west. New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana. That’s where tomorrow’s air is coming from,” Kelly said, citing environmental protection agency statistics suggesting 90% of southwestern Connecticut ozone levels result from out-of-state pollution.

In a statement Wednesday, Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Commissioner Katie Dykes said 90% of Connecticut’s air pollution on bad air quality days originates in other states and is outside of Connecticut’s jurisdiction and control.

“As a small state impacted by overwhelming air pollution transport, Connecticut recognizes the federal government and upwind states have a critical role in implementing national strategies to reduce emissions that lead to the formation of ozone. DEEP, working with the Attorney General’s Office, is vigorously seeking legal recourse through dozens of lawsuits against the Trump Administration’s misguided environmental policies that impede DEEP’s ability to achieve clean, healthy air for the citizens of Connecticut,” Dykes said.

In a press release, Kelly and Sen. Paul Formica, R-East Lyme, said that while Connecticut residents deserve clean air, the legislation would not achieve that goal due to out-of-state pollution.

“We could take every truck off the road and it still wouldn’t stop the massive pollution that blows into Connecticut from states to our west,” Kelly and Formica said in a joint statement. “The proposed truck emissions policy would add new costly burdens onto CT’s working- and middle-class families without making a difference in the air we breathe.”

Instead, the Republican lawmakers called on Connecticut’s congressional delegation to push for federal action on clean air.

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Sen. Christine Cohen, a Guilford Democrat who co-chairs the Environment Committee, said every little bit counts.

“While I disagree with the sentiment behind these questions because I fundamentally believe one incremental change can make a world of difference, I can say unequivocally that we join several states in acting,” Cohen said.

The bill now goes to the House of Representative for consideration.

Sikorsky and State Commit to Keeping Headquarters in Stratford

Bi-Partisan Bill Passed by State Representatives

State Representative Phil Young (D)
120th Connecticut House District

State Representative Ben McGorty, (R)
122nd Connecticut House District

State Representative Joe Gresko, (D)
121st Connecticut House District

Dear Neighbor,

In a show of support and commitment to keep Sikorsky and their jobs in the state and region State Representatives Phil Young, and Ben McGorty co-sponsored a bipartisan legislative agreement that the State of Connecticut and parent company Lockheed Martin negotiated to keep Sikorsky headquartered and building helicopters in Connecticut through 2042.

Under the agreement, Lockheed Martin will receive $50 million or $100 million in sales and use tax offsets and payroll tax credits depending on if the Pentagon awards one or two of the contracts for the new helicopter programs to Sikorsky.

The state incentives are tied to the company achieving wage, employment and capital investment targets. In addition, the global security and aerospace conglomerate agrees to maintain Sikorsky’s corporate headquarters here through 2042.

Thirty-four supply-chain companies located in Stratford, Trumbull, and Shelton will benefit from the new state deal. These supply-chain companies are the small- and medium-sized businesses that employ hundreds of highly skilled local residents in each town.

“Sikorsky is a staple of our community that continues to employ thousands of local residents in its numerous facilities around Connecticut,” Rep. McGorty said. “Not only is this deal beneficial to Sikorsky, but also to the private vendors who supply parts and the small businesses who provide their services. I am proud to ensure its future in the 122nd District and in our state.”

Sikorsky employs over 8,000 people in their Connecticut Facilities in Stratford, Bridgeport, Shelton, North Haven and Trumbull.

“I was proud to co-sponsor this bill which will serve Connecticut residents and businesses for the next two decades,” noted Rep. Phil Young

Read HB 5505 Here:

https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=HB05505&which_year=2022

Tax Breaks

State Representative Joe Gresko, (D)
121st Connecticut House District

State Representative Phil Young (D)
120th Connecticut House District

Dear Neighbor,

After months of negotiation and hearing input from residents across our state, we are happy to pass along great news. We are poised to vote early next week on a state budget, which provides historic tax relief for parents, retirees, workers, and property owners.

The budget proposal we unveiled today offers Connecticut taxpayers like you and our neighbors $600 million in tax cuts. $600 MILLION!

Our budget plan Cuts Your Taxes by:
•    Cutting state income taxes for retirees
•    Lowering property taxes on homes and cars
•    Extending tax cuts for workers in low-paying jobs (EITC)
•    Creating a state tax credit for childcare
•    Extending the 25-cent gas tax cut until December
•    Establishes state child tax credit worth $250 per child

As we approach a vote on this historic tax relief package, I will update you in the coming days on the spending side of the budget where we make groundbreaking investments in children’s mental health, increase funding in juvenile justice and anti-crime programs, leverage new federal funding for important programs, and invest in childcare, education, and our workforce.

Sincerely,
Phil Young and Joe Gresko

New Tennis & Pickle Ball Courts Available

Reservations to Stratford Residents Only

The Stratford Recreation Department is proud to announce our Brand New Pickleball and Tennis courts at Short beach and Wooster Middle School are now open for use.

6 New Pickleball courts and 3 New tennis courts will add to our existing courts at Flood Middle School and Bunnell High School.  All Courts are available for Stratford residents to reserve.    Stratford residents ONLY can now reserve courts in 2 hour blocks. Reservations can Only Be Made Online at:

https://townofstratford.recdesk.com/Community/Home.

We cannot accept reservations over the phone.

Reservations can be made one week in advance Monday through Sunday. ONLINE Reservations will open up Monday mornings at 9am for the following week.

Reservations can only be made by Stratford Residents. You can only reserve one time slot per day.     There will be NO STAFF at the tennis courts.   Those using the courts will need to respect the reservations of others. It is suggested you bring a printed receipt as proof of your reservation to prevent potential conflicts. The reservation calendar can be found online at :

https://townofstratford.recdesk.com/Community/Home

  • Please follow these step by step instructions to Reserve a Tennis Court:
  • Go to the website https://townofstratford.recdesk.com/Community/Home
  • Log in, or create a User ID and password.
  • Click Facilities. Scroll to the bottom.
  • Click Tennis Courts.
  • Click green “reserve” next to Short Beach, Wooster or Flood Tennis Court 1,2, 3 or 4 (select one court only).
  • Pick date of request. Click Reserve.
  • Type name of organization (your first and last name).
  • Note the number of people in your group.
  • Pick a time (2 hour window) and click the green + sign.
  • Add to cart.
  • Go to Checkout.
  • Accept Waiver.
  • Click “Complete Form”.
  • Fill out Covid waiver form. Scroll to bottom and click “Submit Form”.
  • Make sure to fill in all questions with an * and sign with your mouse.
  • Click “I have completed all forms”.
  • Click continue.
  • The screen will say “checkout has been successfully compl

 

Recycle for Reuse

Stratford Library Needs Your Used Books

Annual Book Sale by Stratford Library Back

The Stratford Library Board is currently requesting donations for its June book sale to be held during Stratford’s Main Street Festival June 4th and 5th.  Contributors are urged to recycle their good books to share with others and help the Stratford Library increase their book purchase fund at the same time.

Donations of good hard cover books and paperbacks, fiction or non-fiction as well as sound and video recordings, can be brought to the library.   A special book collection bin is on site in the Main Lobby.  The book sale workers encourage residents to donate their biographies, cookbooks, poetry, plays, travel, mystery, science fiction, children’s books, etc.  Premium condition books and children’s materials would be especially appreciated this year.

No magazines, Readers Digest condensed books or textbooks of any kind can be accepted.

Patrons requiring help to unload cars must call 203.385-4166 prior to their delivery in order for the library to arrange assistance. Donations will be accepted through Friday, May 27th.

Current library hours are Monday – Thursday: 10-8, Friday – Saturday: 10-5 and Sunday: 1-5.  The book donation bin is located in the library’s Main Lobby adjacent to the Main Street entrance.

For further information, call 203.385-4161 or check the library website at: www.stratfordlibrary.org.

VAX Facts

Confirmed Cases Of Covid-19 In Stratford As Of Today

The Stratford Health Department and State Department of Public Health have confirmed 10,879 COVID-19 cases in Stratford, and 1,982 probable cases as of April 25th, for a total of 12,861 cases. This represents an increase of 87 confirmed cases and an increase of 6 probable cases since our last report of April 18, 2022. The Health Department continues to monitor these trends. There have been 199 deaths to date.

The state is releasing information about how many individuals are vaccinated in all Connecticut communities. As of April 20th, 2022, 79.54% of the town’s population had been vaccinated with at least a first dose.

Note: Positive results from at-home COVID-19 tests are not included.

Second Booster Shot Recommended

The FDA and CDC now recommend a second booster dose of either the Pfizer-BioNTech or the Moderna COVID-19 vaccines for certain immunocompromised individuals 12 or older and all people over the age of 50. This second mRNA booster should be administered at least 4 months after receipt of a first booster dose of any COVID-19 vaccine. Additionally, adults who received a primary J&J vaccine and booster dose of J&J COVID-19 vaccine at least 4 months ago should now receive a second booster dose using an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine. Data continue to show the importance of vaccination and booster doses to protect individuals both from infection and from severe outcomes of COVID-19.

The FDA has approved the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, the second COVID-19 vaccine to gain full approval. The vaccine will now be marketed as “Spikevax” for the prevention of COVID-19 disease in individuals 18 years of age and older.

Test To Treat Now Open

The CT Department of Public Health has announced the opening of more than 40 “Test to Treat” sites in Connecticut, which will allow individuals to access COVID-19 treatment immediately after testing positive.

Through the newly launched nationwide Test to Treat initiative, people can get tested and – if they are positive and treatments are appropriate for them – fill a prescription from a health care provider, all in one location. Test to Treat sites, located at select pharmacies, urgent care centers, and federally qualified health centers.

DPH Commissioner Manisha Juthani, MD states, “In order for COVID-19 treatments to work, they must be started early, within five days of when your symptoms start. The Test to Treat initiative provides eligible patients faster, easier access to potentially life-saving treatments.”

A web-based site locator is now available to make it easier to find Test to Treat locations. Those who may have difficulty accessing the internet or need additional support locating a Test to Treat site can call 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489) to get help in English, Spanish, and more than 150 other languages – 8am to midnight ET, seven days a week.

The Disability Information and Access Line (DIAL) is also available to specifically help people with disabilities access services. To get help, call 1-888-677-1199, Monday-Friday from 9am to 8pm ET or email DIAL@usaginganddisability.org.

Get Vaccinated and Boosted.

Ready to work for Connecticut

Christopher Green Throws Hat in the Ring

Green to Challenge Senator Kevin Kelly in District 21

I’m running to become your State Senator in the 21st Senatorial District, which includes the towns of Monroe, Seymour, Shelton and Stratford, because I’m a strong candidate who has what it takes to be an effective legislator.

In the last election (2020), Senate District 21 was an unopposed election.  That is not democracy.  So I am stepping up to run to put myself out there as someone committed to working hard to help my district and all of Connecticut prosper.

I’ve lived in Connecticut basically my entire life.  I grew up in Berlin in the center of the State, and, through my hard work in the classroom, in leading volunteer organizations, and running track and cross-country I wound up at Harvard where I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Social Studies.  I moved to Stratford in 2018 with my now wife. Francesa, our first child, was born in March.

Most of my career has been in education, first as a middle school math teacher at an innovative STEM school in central Massachusetts, and later working for a math enrichment program focused on providing supplemental math lessons in a classroom format to students focused on an earlier exposure to algebra.

Over the last 8 years or so, I grew the first two locations of this math program in Connecticut to over 2000 students and their families serviced by a team of about 30 teachers and support staff and was overseeing millions in revenue. It was an award-winning after-school math program for K-12 students. Named “among the top schools in the world” by the Johns Hopkins University’s Center for Talented Youth (CTY).  It was a wonderful melding of education, business and leadership that allowed me to utilize my skills for communication, organization, and analysis to simultaneously deliver a world-class education for students, and value and efficiency to the business.

I love Connecticut and the community I’m a part of within it.  I think times are tough and many people are stressed, angry and scared for the future. I’m committed to campaigning actively within this community by getting out there and listening compassionately to my constituents to hear their concerns and try to find ways to address them.

Our State Legislature has an important role to play in the quality of life of our citizens, so I think it’s important for people who are passionate, hardworking, and capable to step up and try to solve the problems that will help deliver a better life for all of Connecticut NOW and put us on a track for an even brighter future for our children.

I am hearing residents talk a lot about affordability, and I look forward to attacking that issue, as it is a real and complicated problem that is impacting everyone.  It starts with pushing for efficient tax structures that properly fund our programs but do not overly burden our residents- especially those struggling to make ends meet.  But, it also means long term thinking about affordable housing, effective and affordable education, maintaining and enhancing our infrastructure, and quality and affordable healthcare.  It also means ensuring all citizens have the opportunity to build wealth but that they also have an efficient but meaningful safety net in case of job loss, disability, or retirement.

We are still early in the campaign, so I hope a lot of my platform will come organically from getting out into the community and listening to constituents talk about the problems that matter most to them.

For further information go to my campaign website:

https://www.cgreen4senate.com/

Food Insecurity

State Representative Phil Young (D)
120th Connecticut House District

Dear Neighbor,

We often don’t think about food insecurity impacting our college students, but the truth is that many students face challenges in providing nutritional, affordable meals for themselves. Remote learning during the pandemic presented additional challenges.

The added stress of food insecurity can significantly affect a student’s success in pursuing higher education, which can lead to lower academic performance, depression, poor physical health, and low retention.

Today the House passed HB 5301 which works to identify the nutritional needs of students and establish strategies to combat food insecurity at our colleges and universities.

Under this bill, public colleges and universities in Connecticut will conduct a survey and collect data to evaluate programs and services that address the needs of food insecure students. The bill also identifies programs offered by colleges that meet federal criteria to expand access to the food-assistance SNAP program to full-time students.

Programs and services that can help:
•            Lower cost food or meals plans
•            Provide additional swipes on meal plan
•            Provide financial assistance
•            With access to campus food pantries
•            Help with access to fruit and vegetable incentive program

At a time with high inflation and rising costs of everyday items, I am proud to support this legislation that will help so many in need.

This bill next heads to the senate for consideration.

Sincerely,

Phil Young

Tip of the Hat to SHS Top Honors

Stratford High School Honor Roll for 3rd Quarter

First Honors:

Grade 12: Samuel Francisco  Aca-Tecuanhuehue ,  Emma  Afrah Tutu ,  Amira  Agbere ,  Ka’Leah L  Archie ,  Amariah L  Armstrong ,  Jaylisse  Avila ,  Alexis Jolie  Barada ,  Caitlynn Georgina  Barrett ,  Desmond Lamar  Billups ,  Benjamin  Branyan ,  Julie Anne  Carbone ,  Edwin A  Carcamo ,  Andrew  Carmody ,  Barrett Matthew  Caseria ,  Benjamin Logan  Casinelli,  Jayden P  Castro ,  Isabelle R  Cola ,  Julian Roberto  Collazo ,  Erin Kate  Collier ,  Madeline Shu Yun  Coppola ,  Jamie Lynn  Corpuz ,  Vincent Robert  DeLorenzo ,  Rebecca  DePietro ,  Alyssa Jean  Diaz ,  Alexia  Distasio ,  Nina G  Donnelly ,  Anna K  Flockhart ,  Josiah William  Gordon ,  Jayla  Hernandez ,  Allison K  Ingersoll ,  Jayme P  Iodice ,  Hayley J  Ivanko ,  Zachary Peter  Johnson ,  Sheila Margaret  Jones ,  Skyler Jerlene  Kelemen ,  John Patrick  Kiely ,  Makayla Marie  Laing ,  Anaya Solange  Loiseau ,  Juliette N  Macisco ,  Olivia G  McEwen ,  Samiya Catherine  Menz-Torres ,  Benjamin Jackson  Miller ,  Mylah Laura  Milligan,  David  Nerio ,  Leon Duc  Nguyen ,  Morgan Thi  Nguyen ,  Natalie E  Orris,  Willie R  Parker ,  Karla  Perez Fundora ,  Andy  Pham ,  Jeffrey L  Romatzick ,  Frank  Saad ,  Marie Therese  Sajaw ,  Sara R  Salerno ,  Jenna Marie  Sargent ,  Sara Nicole  Schmidt ,  Evita Jane  Shein ,  Sarah Rimma  Shein ,  Zakary B  Simon ,  Malik Roldan  Smith ,  Emily A  Spellman ,  Sage Olivia  Sperling ,  Isabella T  Taccogna ,  Julianna R  Taccogna ,  Tamerah E  Taylor ,  Michel Daniel  Torres Peralta ,  Cristyn Alexandra  Torres ,  Jadin I  Torres ,  Sabrina A  Tripodi ,  Tyler J  Tripodi ,  Peter R  Virgo ,  Ella M  Wassmann ,  Jenna Marie  Zajac ,  Emmanuel Fauricio  Zamudio

Grade 11: Olivia Catherine  Agapito ,  Marybeth  Aguero Gomez ,  Njideka Mary  Anekwe ,  Ayana Jenelle  Atkinson ,  Jordon Michael  Atkinson ,  Oreoluwa Oyenike  Atoyebi ,  Alex  Bilan,  Eugene Yeboah  Bio ,  Euna Yeboah  Bio ,  Christopher Peter  Bode ,  Jacob Edward  Brennan ,  Brooke Elise  Buckmir ,  Edward Heli Heber  Cabello ,  Mathew  Castro ,  Nicholas Aiden  Collazo ,  Amos Nestor  Colocho ,  Maura Catherine  Conlan ,  Ashley Gabriela  Cortez ,  Journee  Dash ,  Gianna Marie  DeLaura ,  Christ Jefferson  Desruisseaux ,  Jaylin Fransheska  Diaz ,  Adrian Alexander  Duque ,  Gwyneth  Estrella ,  Madison Mackenzi  Everlith ,  Tiana Elaine  Golding ,  Gabrielle Anyse  Hall ,  Kamren  Harrell ,  Emma Jean  Head ,  Jeffrey Dwight  Holton ,  Paris Karizma  Howell ,  Tyler James  Hutchinson ,  Angie Samaly  Jimenez Amaya ,  Isaiah Irwin  Johnson ,  Jovan Randolph Scott  Jones ,  Sean  Jorge ,  Ngoc  Le ,  Conor Christopher  Lesczczynski ,  Javier Michael George  McDonald ,  Karen Dayana  Mestizo ,  D’Andre Julian  Middleton ,  Alexander Thornton  Mocarski ,  Bryan Henry  Mora ,  Ryan Ulysses  Munoz ,  Alex A  Nguyen ,  Olivia Rebecca  Orris ,  David Andrade  Pacheco ,  Madalena Joy  Pech ,  Sophia Maia  Perry ,  Simon  Pertuz Guevara ,  Angel Mauricio  Ramirez ,  Christian George  Rossis Mella ,  Gabrielle Alexa  Ruffin ,  Jari Jasmine  Salinas ,  Sana  Sarpas ,  Ceylon  Siriwardene ,  Yasmin Bukola  Sokunle ,  Franzier Benjamin  Soto ,  Rees Le  Stafford ,  Lintsay Natalie  Tejada ,  Paul V  Tran ,  Makayla Marie  Tzul

Grade 10:  Katheryn  Valiente Barrios ,  Cecil  Velez ,  Manuel Alejandro  Vera Demera ,  Nelson Anthony  Villafane ,  Gerryiki Jaymes  Williams ,  Kimberly Maryluz  Asuncion ,  Chloe G  Atkins ,  Michelle Cristina  Barba ,  Shane Louis  Bellantoni ,  Peggy Amoafoa  Boateng ,  Allyana Amanda  Brown ,  Mary Therese  Carmody ,  Casey Marie  Carretta,  Marcus Gerald  Cavallo ,  Jaimee Elizabeth  Cisero ,  Katherine Elizabeth  Coble ,  Samuel  Cruz ,  Sarah Aubrey  D’Aloia ,  Daniel Ryan  D’Haiti ,  Cooper Nathaniel  David ,  Francesca Juliet  DeRosa ,  Lauren Elizabeth  Eyerman ,  Kathnie  Fabre ,  Ty James  Faerdy ,  Kaleigh Elizabeth  Foito ,  Madalyn Renee  Gauvin ,  Sade Rihanna  Gooden-Bracey ,  Demetrius Lamont  Hammonds ,  Stephanie R  Herrera ,  Adeline Kate  Horne ,  Olivia Flavia Caroline  Hudson ,  Antonio R  Ingram ,  John Caleb  Jones ,  Princess Angie  Kayembe ,  Angel Antonio  Lainez ,  Chloe Colette  Leimgruber ,  Gabrielle Haley  Leon ,  Niyah Catherine  Lewis ,  Elizabeth Grace  Lubas ,  Angie  Manigat ,  Myles A  Maria ,  Rosendra Wikelly  Merveil ,  David Jairo  Montoya ,  McKenzie Brooke  Moore ,  Paul Stephen  Mushala ,  Mia E  Nierenberg ,  Emmanuel  Nunez ,  Lauren Riley  Ogrodowicz ,  Ty Thomas Edmond  Owen,  Derek John  Paolucci ,  Alyssa Francesca  Pato ,  Isabella Danielle  Pato ,  Jalynn Marie  Perez ,  James Cyrus  Peters ,  Shareece Alexandra  Phillips ,  Christian Donald  Pierre ,  Jhoan Emilio  Quezada ,  Madelyn Alyssa  Randolph ,  Jaheishie Lateka  Reynolds ,  Zachery A  Rider ,  Gabriel Joseph  Rodriguez ,  Grace Alicia  Romatzick ,  Kylie M  Rosen ,  Danielle Isabel  Santiago ,  Aaliyah Kim  Smith ,  Gavin Everton Phillip  Spencer ,  Akira Kamil  St Clair ,  Kent Robert  Taylor ,  Yarisa Marie  Tejada ,  Lailahny  Torres ,  Ariana Samantha  Villafane ,  Chelsea Devina  Williams ,  Samara Zakia  Williams ,  El M  Youngquist ,  Lexi Marie  Zajac

Grade 9: Sandy Faith  Allen ,  Joshua  Barg ,  Gia Emani  Bendolph ,  Zoe Elizabeth  Bernard ,  Nevaeh Alexandrea  Booker ,  Elliana Nicia  Bosques ,  Samantha  Buttress ,  Gemma Rose  Byrne,  Blake Aaron  Casinelli ,  Gabrielle  Cola ,  Taylor Andrea  Dunbar ,  Jayla Lasha’e  Ely ,  Daniel Teixeira  Fernandes ,  Mina Lauren  Fernandes ,  Ariel Barbara  Frager ,  Jakob Daniel  Gagne ,  Aaron Casimer  Garnett ,  Aaron Nicholas  Goldman ,  Nathalia  Habtemariam ,  Nathaniel  Habtemariam ,  Jacob Lawrence  Haddad ,  Alyssa Michelle Clarise  Hall ,  Karl  Henry ,  Matthew Charles  Holmgren ,  Joseph Michael  Holton ,  Adrian Angel  Izazaga ,  Justin Manuel  Jimenez ,  Isabel Lorraine  Junkin ,  Mikayla Fae  Kendrick ,  Raiyan A  Khusru ,  Matthew Tyler  Kleszczewski ,  Katie  Marquez Paz ,  Madyson Anne  McCain ,  Adeanna Jameala  Mckay ,  Katherine Anne  Miller ,  Noah Thomas  Moon ,  Madisyn Olivia  Moore ,  Mateusz  Niedbala ,  Sebastian Uriel  Ortega-Alemar ,  Deandrea Yolandane  Paisley ,  Chloe Denise  Palomo ,  Lauren Nicole  Paolucci ,  Kalie Marie  Pena ,  Pedro  Pena ,  Steve Michael  Peterson ,  Grace Kathleen  Petrie ,  Alexander  Prince ,  Nicholas Adrian  Ramos ,  Dana Giselle  Rios Placencia ,  Alyssa Amelia Breann  Roberson ,  Deon Ferdinand  Robinson ,  Arianna Marie  Rodriguez ,  Camella Karma Idalia  Rodriguez ,  Daniel Francisco  Rodriguez ,  Ferdinando  Ruano Catalan ,  Chen  Shi ,  James Evans  Stafford ,  Mary-Grace  Sutton ,  Ava Katherine  Tracy ,  Heimy  Vasquez ,  Raegan Claire  Wiltsie ,  Hailey Marie  Wishart,  Hannah Rae  Wishart

Second  Honors

Grade 12:  Christian Daniel Arias,  Edwin Edilsar Barrios,  William James Bileca,  Adrian Paul Dalmao Blanco,  Alyssa L Caramanica,  Kevin Joel Castro,  Malachi Korey Christy,  Matthew S Coutinho,  Hanna Pearl Feenstra,  Jose Floran,  Melanie Grace Gagne,  Rudy O Gramajo,  Akeyla Davea Grant,  Jahnyah Yvonne Howell,  Ivan Gabriel Humes,  Benjamin Jaemin Hur,  Darrell Jamison,  Lucas Gabriel Jenkins,  Seth Samuel Jimenez,  Bradford Richard Knorr,  Michael Philip Koda,  Joshua Andrew Kydes,  Jaden Elijah Lazaro,  Emily Patricia Libowitz,  Ryan N Mahoney,  Cristina Martinez,  Nialah Gen’vieve McCalla,  Natalie M Melo,  Alicia Rosibel Najarro Rodriguez,  Tucker Lee Nightingale,  Amanda Eileen Ogrodowicz,  Lucy Claire Olbrys,  Kayla Briana Quirk,  Mia-Sky Cary Rojas,  Angel Alan Roman Rosas,  Francisco Rosas,  Owen T Ryder,  Eddy Sanchez,  Niari Anahy Sanchez,  Omar Sheriff Sharadge,  Jasmine Noel Shepard,  Aidan Connor Sullivan,  Benjamin E Summa,  Jhaelin Thomas,  Jelani K Warburton Baker,  Julia Rose Whaley,  Nina Shanelle Williams,  Joseph William Wright,  Justin Anthony Zayas

Grade 11:  Irene Natalia Aguilar Alberto,  Shaun Bhulai,  Ethan Rodrigo Butz,  Alyssa Amirah Cabrera,  Jose Antonio Carcamo-Ponce,  Tory Luke Charles,  Elena Marlene Clark,  Amelia Ray Courbron,  Collin Thomas Doherty,  Jhoana Rosio Gramajo,  Keshaun Henry,  Hilary Elizabeth Holmgren,  Camron Matthew Kelemen,  Jake Matthew Kszywanos,  Nya Rose Long,  Katrina Magdalena Mahoney,  Shiane Lynn McCallister,  Ceili Theresa McCaughey,  Aidon James McCray,  Ella Grace McKay,  Nora Frances McNeil,  Gabrielle Elysse Melendez,  Adriana Mariah Miranda,  Tyriq K Muschett,  Anastasia Briana Muthra,  Alexander Mutis,  Nathaniel Christopher Nagel,  John Andrew Pastorok,  John Mike Paulino,  Benjamin Alan Petrie,  Ciara Carol Roberts,  Wilderie Santana-De La Cruz,  Giovana Cordeiro Silva,  Erika Victoria Sincuir,  Mackenzie Lynn Snyder,  Christian Tyler Subahwon,  Julie Marie Tejera,  Kaylene Daniela Toniolo,  Victoria Theresa Troilo,  Sierra Rose Troutman,  Megan Elizabeth Wendland,  Diana Carolina Zavala Chavez

Grade 10: Manuel Alejandro Aguilar Alberto,  Ashley Aguilar De-Jesus,  Samuel Thomas Baker,  Adriana Victoria Barrios,  Nex Elizabeth Bedoya,  Mackenzie Nicole Benevides,  Daniel Moore Brennan,  Robert Brice,  Caitlyn Buzar Corpuz,  Molly Ann Csonka,  Olivia Leigh D’Amato,  Luke Ryan Daniel,  Johan Ernesto Delorbe,  Aleisha Nicole Diaz,  Nina Marie Dickervitz,  Joshua Lawrence Dowman,  Tyjuan Tyrell Edmonds,  Christopher Jay Evangelista,  Estella Joy Feenstra,  Carter Anderson Fetchin,  Madison Shea Gallant,  Zion Ambiorix Jimenez,  Honesty Aniya-Alese Jones,  Sarah Anne Jones,  Gabriel Fallon Lattanzi,  Josephine Haley Mastro,  Seamus John McCaughey,  Amelie Rose McCool,  Hasan Malik McGee,  Marcus Lawrence Overby,  Dylan Joseph Padua,  Trevor Thomas Perley,  Gabriel Henrique Piva,  Maliah Anna Servino,  Travis J Simon,  Victor Manuel Sincuir,  Joshua Isaias Soto,  Andrew Mark Spellman,  Evan Xavier Stalvey,  Donald Xavier Stancil,  Demetrie Lamont Strong,  Angelina Field Taccogna,  Samantha Rae Torreso,  Emma Madison Torri,  Bridget Christina Walsh,  Kelsey Rowan Welch,  Paris Adina Stacey Ann Wilson

Grade 9:  Marcus Jacob Barron,  Lynne Bass,  Holly Nicole Betts,  Caroline Irene Branco,  Eleanora Luciana Cantiello,  Lucia Mary Carmona,  Chainner Alexander Cayama,  Al Dorothy Cerniglia,  Emily Grace Chess,  Victoria Rosalie Cisero,  Sasha Nkechi Ekwuabu,  Carlos Eduardo Estrada,  Devin Troy Farrington-Posner,  Juliana Lee Feliciano,  Steven Gaston Figueroa,  Tyler Joseph Finn,  Keury Garcia Castillo,  Jahiem Shamir Gardner,  Dylan Richard Hunt,  Flora Asucena Jochola,  Najir Amir Langston,  Mia Symone Loiseau,  Angelica Lee Lopez,  Alicia Marrero,  Gian Carlos Martinez,  Kaleb Eugene Maurice Mebane,  Amelis Isabella Medina,  Samuel James Miller,  Edwin Anthony Mondragon,  Nabiha Bano Nomani,  Alex Junior Ormeno,  Brody Perry,  Emma Rose Petrie,  Andrew Michael Pond,  Vincent Stephen Roman,  Dor’Jhana Roofe,  Mary Silkman,  Ava Jean Smith,  Jack Anthony Swanson,  Brianna Marie Vargas,  Anthony James Wardlow,  Elijah Jerald-Thomas Young

If You Ask Me

“Decades in Concert: Spirit of the Sixties”

Downtown Cabaret Theatre

By Tom Holehan
Connecticut Critics Circle

Decades in Concert”, Nostalgia at DCT

Like visiting with an old friend after far too long a break, a return to Bridgeport’s Downtown Cabaret Theatre conjured up fond memories as my husband and I took our table upstairs, set out the finest in charcuterie boards, poured a glass of wine and drank in the nostalgia offered by the venerable music venue.  Currently onstage is “Decades in Concert: Spirit of the Sixties” and I can guarantee you will sing-along.

Modeled very much after the tried and true jukebox musical as well as all those “Decades Musicals” made famous at the Cabaret years ago, “Decades in Concert” continues their long tradition of presenting entertaining journeys back in time and rediscovering the great music of a particular period.

The current production doesn’t attempt to improve on something that obviously ain’t broke.  Therefore, we have a quartet of four top singers, who obviously enjoy each other’s company (they were all featured in the Cabaret’s previous Seventies revue), and for the next two hours or so proceed to sing their hearts out.

Everton George, Mikayla Petrilla, Robert Peterpaul and Saige Bryan are the talented quartet put through their paces with dozens of songs and almost as many costume and wig changes while singing such classics as “Turn, Turn, Turn”, “Bad Moon Rising”, “The Times They Are a-Changin’”, “You’ll Never Walk Alone”, “Son of a Preacher Man”, “I’m Black and I’m Proud”, “These Boots Are Made for Walking”, “Satisfaction” and “Piece of My Heart”.

The best numbers, however, are the medleys that end each act.  A Motown songbook concludes the exuberant first act and a glorious medley of Beatles music is the perfect curtain for act two.  I mean, honestly, is there anyone who DOESN’T love the Beatles??

In all, the singers work better together than as soloists, but there were no complaints among the joyful, on-their-feet crowd I sat with last weekend.  Multi-media projections from the period recycle clips you’ve no doubt seen many, many times before, but it certainly sets the mood and, with the volume cranked up easily to 11, you won’t miss much.

Axel Hammerman’s endlessly busy lighting and Lesley Neilson-Bowman’s period perfect costuming also keep you firmly in the 1960s.

No, nothing revolutionary or original here since the Cabaret obviously knows their audience.  This is familiar comfort food as theatre and the wine and cheese, plus some great music, all went down very easily.

“Decades in Concert: Spirit of the Sixties” continues at the Downtown Cabaret Theatre through May 15th. For further information, call the box office at: 203-576-1636 or visit: www.mycabaret.org

Tom Holehan is one of the founders of the Connecticut Critics Circle, a frequent contributor to WPKN Radio’s “State of the Arts” program and the Stratford Crier and Artistic Director of Stratford’s Square ne Theatre Company. He welcomes comments at: tholehan@yahoo.com. His reviews and other theatre information can be found on the Connecticut Critics Circle website: www.ctcritics.org.