Today’s Events – Orange Live

In Case You Missed It: Goldblatt Comments On Capital Attack

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Jan 152021

During the public comment section of the Jan. 13 Board of Selectmen’s meeting, (at the 2:10 mark) Selectman Mitch Goldblatt made the following statement:

It has been one week since the violent seditious attack on our Nation’s Capitol, and it is one week prior to what we hope will be a peaceful transfer of power to President-elect Joe Biden.

Every single state, individually and in a non-partisan manner, certified the votes of their electors, and attempts at recounts and countless legal appeals, including to the United States Supreme Court, failed
to change even a single electoral vote. Yet, some felt that the election was stolen and resorted to violent means to try and overturn those results.

We must condemn in the strongest terms the actions of those involved in this attack on our democracy, as the institution of the Presidency, is larger than any individual.

I am thankful that none of the Members of Congress or the Vice-President were injured in this coup attempt. Unfortunately, and tragically, though, some people were injured and others died as a result of this violence, including capitol police.

The events that unfolded last week were an affront to all law-abiding citizens. We serve as members of the Board of Selectmen as a result of an election — a fair election. An election by our constituents. Some
of us have lost elections. It is not easy to accept defeat, but after the people have spoken and after the shock and dismay, we realize that the vote is final.

Yes, we scrutinize the results and sometimes a recount is necessary. But in the end, we don’t call for insurrection, we don’t storm the State Capitol or Town Hall, but rather politely congratulate the winner, call for unity, and govern-together.

Schools may say that this is a teachable moment. Let this Board and all of our elected and appointed officials in the Town of Orange stand in unity to condemn this insurrection, and let us pledge our own
allegiance to each other, and that no matter what our differences, that we carry out our duties respectfully and for the betterment of our community.

Police: Social Security Scam Alert

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Jan 142021

IMPORTANT! Our phone number was spoofed in a scam that we are currently investigating. The victim received a call from the “Social Security Administration,” followed by another call where the CallerID showed “Orange Police Department” with our phone number.

The second caller identified himself as an Orange officer. The “officer” asked the victim to confirm her Social Security number and address, and even threatened criminal charges if she didn’t comply.

If you have any doubt about the identity of an officer on the phone, you should insist on calling them back at the police station. We would have no problem with that, and you can verify that both the officer and the call are legitimate. Also, please remember that the Social Security Administration will NOT call you on the phone.

Thankfully this potential victim quickly picked up on the scam and notified us, but this is the first instance we’re aware that our phone number was spoofed by a scammer.

Our phone lines are in service, and if you call 203-891-2130, you’ll reach us.

More information on Social Security scams can be found at https://oig.ssa.gov

Cable Advisory Council Offers Scholarship Award

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Jan 142021

Cable Advisory Council (CAC) Area 2 will bestow a scholarship in memory of former longtime Chairperson Howard Jacobson. One high school or college student studying film, mass communications, and television or media studies will receive $500 to help further their studies.

The Cable Advisory Council of Area 2, which serves the towns of Fairfield, Bridgeport, Stratford, Milford, Orange, and Woodbridge promotes quality Community Access Television. The Council is an ongoing asset for Cable Area 2 with the support of Altice/Cablevision. Scholarship Qualifications and Criteria – Applicants must be able to prove:

• They currently reside, and/or are students attending high school, community college, college, or university in one of the six CAC area towns: Fairfield, Bridgeport, Stratford, Milford, Orange, or Woodbridge.

• They have declared a major in mass communications or media studies. Along with pursuing a career in this field, they are taking classes or engaged in independent studies.

• They are in good standing with their academic institution.

• They must submit a short essay under 500 words describing their creative coursework, portfolio, or project and how it is related to this scholarship award. Supplemental links to media projects are welcome.

• The winner will be selected on the basis of their overall academic performance, portfolio, and personal statement.

The application deadline is on June 30, 2021. To apply, e-mail: info@cacarea2.com

Maroney Offers Covid Vaccine Update

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Jan 142021

Today, as the state’s COVID-19 vaccination efforts progress to Phase 1b, Connecticut residents who are 75 years of age or older can now schedule an appointment to get vaccinated. State Senator James Maroney (D-Milford) has released the following statement as the state’s COVID-19 vaccination web portal is now live.

“I am excited to announce that Connecticut has launched its online vaccine registration portal,” Maroney said. “We are one of the leading states in vaccinating its population and this tool will help ensure we can effectively deliver the vaccine to those who are in need.”

In the coming weeks, Phase 1b will include residents 65 years of age or older and residents between the ages of 16 and 64 with underlying health conditions that put them at greater risk of the virus, in addition to residents and staff of congregate settings and frontline essential workers.

Due to limited supplies of the COVID-19 vaccine, it will take a few weeks to provide the vaccine for everyone who is eligible for this next phase. Individuals must make an appointment in order to receive a vaccine, requiring the online platform signup.

Family members and loved ones can submit an application into the state Vaccine Administration Management System (VAMS) for residents 75 years of age or older by visiting portal.ct.gov/coronavirus, or by calling the Connecticut COVID Vaccine Appointment Assist Line at 877-918-2224, Monday through Friday 8 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. Individuals with email addresses and the ability to schedule online appointments are asked to apply through the website. Family members can also submit information online for their loved ones.

Scheduling appointments may take time due to the strong demand for the vaccine, officials said, but the state is increasing its effort to enroll providers and staff. The state expects access to appointments will grow rapidly in coming weeks, especially for priority populations.

All information submitted through VAMS or the assist line will be kept private and will only be used to schedule vaccinations. The link also contains a detailed and extensive list of frequently asked questions about the vaccine, helping to ease any concerns members of the public may have.

More than 100 health care providers across the state are offering the COVID-19 vaccine, including UConn Health and Hartford Healthcare, with more locations coming soon. A map of all locations will be made available in the coming weeks.

Expanded access to the COVID-19 vaccine is increasingly important, especially in high-risk groups, to reduce the severe impacts the virus has had on the state. While just 13,695 of the state’s more than 200,000 COVID-19 infections were among people 80 and over, and less than 27,000 of them were among people 70 and over, more than 5,200 of Connecticut’s 6,536 total COVID-19 deaths as of January 13, nearly 80 percent, were among individuals in those age groups.

Obituary: Hyman Gluck, 93, Beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather

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Jan 142021

Hyman Gluck, devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away December 31, 2020 peacefully in the care of hospice. He was born January 24, 1927 in Providence, RI to the late Fred and Freida Gluck. He graduated from Milton High School in Milton, MA, and received a Bachelor of Science from the University of Maine. On August 17, 1952 he married the love of his life, Marilyn Block.
He is survived by his wife Marilyn Gluck, children Carol Levarek and Donna (Robert) Wardle; grandchildren Kenneth Levarek (Dani), Dr. Rachel Levarek (Dr. Todd Goldstein), Jon Wardle (Thea Di Giammerino), and Aimee Wardle; great-grandchildren Lily and Emma Levarek; sisters Mildred Barron and Betty Gluck, and brother Ben Gluck. He is predeceased by brothers Sidney Gluck Goode, Marcus Gluck, Arthur Gluck, and sister Bertha Snyder.
Hy had a career in engineering and retail business and was the owner of Cardo’s Cordial Shoppe in Orange, CT. He was president of the Connecticut Beverage Association. He was a member of Temple Judea (Palm Beach Gardens, FL), Agudas Achim Synagogue (West Hartford, CT), and Hadassah. Hy had a passion for sports, the theatre, and music.
Donations in memory of Hyman can be made to Temple Judea (Palm Beach Gardens, FL), to Hadassah, and to Hospice of Palm Beach County.
Private services were held in Florida on January 3, 2021

To Plant Memorial Trees in memory, please visit our Sympathy Store.

FDA Expands Sportmix Pet Food Recall After 70 Dog Deaths

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Jan 132021

The Food and Drug Administration is again alerting pet owners about high levels of aflatoxin in some pet foods after 70 dogs reportedly died and 80 others were sickened.

The food containing the toxin has been identified as certain Sportmix products manufactured by Midwestern Pet Foods. The products were voluntarily recalled by the company on Wednesday.

The FDA and the Missouri Department of Agriculture are working with the manufacturer to determine whether more products contain high levels of the toxin. The FDA said the investigation is ongoing and the “scope of the recall may expand as new information becomes available.”

Aflatoxin is produced by the Aspergillus flavus mold, the FDA said. It can grow on grains used as ingredients in pet food, and when high levels of aflatoxin are consumed, it can cause illness or death in pets.

Pets poisoned by aflatoxin can display symptoms that include sluggishness, jaundice — a yellowish tint in the eyes or gums caused by liver damage — loss of appetite, vomiting, or diarrhea, according to the FDA.

Even if a pet is not displaying any symptoms of aflatoxin poisoning, the FDA recommends that pet owners who have pets that have eaten the affected products contact their veterinarian — as it can cause long-term liver damage.

What Products are Involved?

On December 30, 2020, Midwestern Pet Foods, Inc. announced a recall of nine total lots of Sportmix pet food products. On January 11, 2021, Midwestern expanded the recall (see below). FDA and the Missouri Department of Agriculture are working with the firm to determine whether any additional products may have been made with the same ingredients containing potentially fatal levels of aflatoxin. As new information becomes available, this product list may continue to expand.

The list of recalled dry pet food products announced by Midwestern Pet Foods, Inc. on December 30, 2020 is:

Sportmix Energy Plus, 50 lb. bag
- Exp 03/02/22/05/L2
- Exp 03/02/22/05/L3
- Exp 03/03/22/05/L2
Sportmix Energy Plus, 44 lb. bag
- Exp 03/02/22/05/L3
Sportmix Premium High Energy, 50 lb. bag
- Exp 03/03/22/05/L3
Sportmix Premium High Energy, 44 lb. bag
- Exp 03/03/22/05/L3
Sportmix Original Cat, 31 lb. bag
- Exp 03/03/22/05/L3
Sportmix Original Cat, 15 lb. bag
- Exp 03/03/22/05/L2
- Exp 03/03/22/05/L3

On January 11, 2021, Midwestern Pet Foods, Inc. expanded the recall to include all pet food products containing corn that was made in the firm’s Oklahoma plant and that expire on or before July 9, 2022. More than 1000 lot codes are affected so they are not listed individually.

Lots of the following pet food products have been recalled if the date/lot code includes an expiration date on or before “07/09/22” and includes “05” in the date/lot code, which identifies products made in the Oklahoma plant:

Pro Pac Adult Mini Chunk, 40 lb. bag
Pro Pac Performance Puppy, 40 lb. bag
Splash Fat Cat 32%, 50 lb. bag
Nunn Better Maintenance, 50 lb. bag
Sportmix Original Cat, 15 lb. bag
Sportmix Original Cat, 31 lb. bag
Sportmix Maintenance, 44 lb. bag
Sportmix Maintenance, 50 lb. bag
Sportmix High Protein, 50 lb. bag
Sportmix Energy Plus, 44 lb. bag
Sportmix Energy Plus, 50 lb. bag
Sportmix Stamina, 44 lb. bag
Sportmix Stamina, 50 lb. bag
Sportmix Bite Size, 40 lb. bag
Sportmix Bite Size, 44 lb. bag
Sportmix High Energy, 44 lb. bag
Sportmix High Energy, 50 lb. bag
Sportmix Premium Puppy, 16.5 lb. bag
Sportmix Premium Puppy, 33 lb. bag

Lot code information may be found on the back of bag and will appear in a three-line code, with the top line in format “EXP 03/03/22/05/L#/B###/HH:MM”

Example product label demonstrating location and format of lot code information.

If you have one of the products listed above but do not know the lot code or expiration date, FDA recommends that you stop feeding the product.

The affected products were distributed to online retailers and stores nationwide within the United States.

What Do Pet Owners Need to Do?

If your pet has symptoms of aflatoxin poisoning, contact a veterinarian immediately. Even pets without symptoms may have suffered liver damage, so you may want to contact your veterinarian if your pet has eaten any of the recalled products. Provide a full diet history to your veterinarian. You may find it helpful to take a picture of the pet food label, including the lot number.

Don’t feed the recalled products to your pets or any other animal. Contact the company listed on the package for further instructions or throw the products away in a way that children, pets, and wildlife cannot access them. Sanitize pet food bowls, scoops, and storage containers using bleach, rinsing well afterward with water, and drying thoroughly.

There is no evidence to suggest that pet owners who handle products containing aflatoxin are at risk of aflatoxin poisoning. However, pet owners should always wash their hands after handling any pet food.

You can report suspected illness to the FDA electronically through the Safety Reporting Portal or by calling your state’s FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinators. It’s most helpful if you can work with your veterinarian to submit your pet’s medical records as part of your report. For an explanation of the information and level of detail that would be helpful to include in a complaint to the FDA, please see How to Report a Pet Food Complaint.

BREAKING: Zeoli Releases Information On The Racebrook Country Club Offer

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Jan 132021

To the Residents of the Town of Orange,

The Town of Orange has been presented with a unique situation. The potential for purchasing the Racebrook Country Club property. The purchase price is $8.5 million for 287 acres of land which equates to $29,600 per acre. The purchase would include the 27-hole golf course, the 23,000 sq ft clubhouse, the 9,000 sq ft maintenance facility, the driving range, two private homes, the multi-mile irrigation system, and several other improvements. This is unique in that the Town would own the entire facility as a business investment and would lease it to Racebrook Country Club, who would pay the Town of Orange rent. The Town has the opportunity to preserve a living legacy that has been part of the Orange landscape since 1912 by protecting approximately 290 acres of land while being maintained by a leasing entity. The Town of Orange will not be operating a golf course.

This potential purchase offers the preservation of continued recreational use and habitat for varied wildlife. This allows the Town of Orange to ultimately control the destiny of the future of Orange.

The Board of Selectmen unanimously approved a review of Racebrook Country Club to consider the viability of a lease. A complete review of the business operations has been completed. The Board of Selectmen also unanimously approved a full appraisal of the property to support this type of investment.

This purchase will not be the same debacle that the Town of Woodbridge had. These buildings have been maintained and continue to operate. The business plan of Racebrook Country Club is strong. The Town of Orange is not buying and planning to operate a golf and banquet facility. The Town is also not planning to put in a third-party management company to operate on our behalf.

The bond indebtedness over twenty years will be approximately $10,300,000 to return on a lease of approximately $10,600,000. The Town of Orange would begin receiving rent in September of 2022 starting at $250,000 per year for the first six years, and then an escalation clause to increase the rent every five years for the life of the forty-year lease. You may ask what happens at the end of forty years? Those in office will then be able to renegotiate for the Town and Racebrook.

The entire Board of Selectmen recognizes that this is a very rare opportunity to safeguard almost 300 acres and yet have someone pay to maintain and operate the property. This is seen as a business and preservation action by the Board of Selectmen.

There will be a referendum held Tuesday, February 16, 2021, at High Plains Community Center. Absentee ballots must be requested by contacting the Town Clerk at 203-891-4730. Absentee ballots must be received by the Town Clerk by February 16, 2021. Any questions can be emailed to the First Selectman’s office at jzeoli@orange-ct.gov.

The Board of Selectmen wants each vote to be counted, and this is a chance for you the voters to decide the direction.

Sincerely,

James M. Zeoli

First Selectman

It’s Time To Register For Orange Little League

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Jan 132021

Registration for the Orange Little League 2021 Spring Season is now open.

All residents of Orange, Bethany, and Woodbridge are eligible and welcome to participate in Tee Ball, Baseball, Softball, and Challenger.

Registration fees are as follows: Tee Ball $160, Hardball $200, Softball $180, Challenger $50.

NOTE: There is an Early Bird Discount of $20 for two of the sports if paid before February 1 — Tee Ball $140, and Hardball $180.

Go to www.OrangeCTLittleLeague.com and complete the online registration and pay by credit card.

New Registrants must provide a copy/image of the player’s birth certificate.

Large families only pay registration for the older two players

The 2021 season starts in April – based on weather conditions and state health regulations.

There is NO WALK-IN REGISTRATION or registration accepted after the evaluations for baseball or softball. (Early March to be determined for players ages 9 and above)

Every effort shall be made to maintain the number of leagues and the age makeup of the leagues based on the local rules. Player assignments are made with considerations of age, player skill, and parent requests, however the Player Agent, in consultation with the Vice President may – based upon annual registration numbers – propose adjustments to the number of leagues and player assignments.

Be Aware That A New Round Of PPP Loans Is Now Available

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Jan 122021

The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) re-opens this week for small businesses and nonprofits impacted by the pandemic. This new round of federal funding includes $284 billion in forgivable loans for new borrowers and certain existing PPP borrowers.

Businesses working with community financial institutions (CFI) can apply for First Draw PPP Loans starting Monday, January 11, and Second Draw PPP Loans on Wednesday, January 13. According to the Connecticut Small Business Administration (SBA), the following CFI are participating in the program as of today:

New Haven Bank

Location: 299 Whaley Ave, New Haven

Contact: Bill Hice

Phone: (203) 787-9513

Email: Whice@newhavenbank.com

Nutmeg State Financial Credit Union

Numerous locations throughout Connecticut

Phone: (860) 513-5000

Email: BusinessLending@NutmegStateFCU.org

Additional community financial institutions may be added to the program. The SBA will also begin accepting applications from other lenders soon.

For additional information on terms, eligibility and applications, check the U.S. SBA PPP website or contact local partners, including:

· Connecticut Small Business Development Center (SBDC)

· Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC)

· Black Business Alliance (BBA)

· Spanish American Merchants Association (SAMA)

· HEDCO, Inc.

· Univ. of Hartford Entrepreneurial Center & Women’s Business Center

· Minority Construction Council (MCC)

Other services such as Lantern, a new resource from our partner SoFi that helps match small businesses with SBA-approved lenders, are also available. Lantern closely monitors a lender’s application processing capacity ensuring borrowers receive a timely response and equal access to capital.

The PPP has been a lifeline for thousands of Connecticut businesses. We want to do all we can to make sure our small businesses are first in line.

Sincerely,

David Lehman, Commissioner

david.lehman@ct.gov, (860) 500-2310

AVANGRID Offers Safety Tips for Extreme Cold Weather

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Jan 112021

Weather Advisory Issued to Customers of United Illuminating, Southern Connecticut Gas

AVANGRID a diversified U.S. energy company, and its subsidiaries in Connecticut and Massachusetts are urging customers to take measures to stay safe and warm during the bitterly cold weather that’s forecast for New England.

The risk of fire, carbon monoxide poisoning and other hazards can increase as residents try to stay warm during the extreme cold. As this extremely cold weather settles in, the companies encourage customers to look around their homes and make sure they’re able to keep themselves and their families warm and to identify any potential safety risks that must be addressed.

Staying Warm

If you are unable to keep your home safely and comfortably heated, call Infoline at 211 for resources that can help you and your family.

Exposure to extreme cold can cause serious medical conditions including hypothermia and frostbite. To avoid them, stay indoors if possible and wear warm clothing, including head covering and gloves or mittens.

For information about frostbite, hypothermia, and other concerns, visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/index.html.

Fire and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Incidences of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning rise during cold weather, as a result of malfunctioning appliances, poor ventilation, and improper use of heat sources. Place smoke and carbon monoxide alarms on every level of your home, outside of sleeping areas, and inside each bedroom. Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors monthly to make sure the batteries are working, and replace the batteries at least twice a year.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless, and tasteless toxic gas. It is a product of fuel combustion, and a buildup can result from a furnace or space heater problem. Symptoms of CO poisoning can mimic flu, so make sure the CO detector is functioning.

For more information about fire and carbon monoxide dangers, visit the National Fire Protection Association, https://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/News-and-media/Press-Room/News-releases/2016/Winter-weather-months-prompt-heating-and-carbon-monoxide-safety-warnings.

Stove and Range

The stove, range, and other kitchen appliances are designed for cooking, not heating. Use them as specified in the manufacturer’s instructions. In addition to creating a fire hazard, a natural gas stove or oven can present a carbon-monoxide risk when used for heating.

Space Heaters

Use only space heaters that have been tested and certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory. Read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and never use a device designed for outdoor use indoors. Place the space heater on a level surface away from foot traffic, at least 3 feet from combustible materials. Inspect the cord for fraying, and after plugging it in, periodically feel the cord near the outlet to make sure the plastic is not getting hot. Do not run the space heater cord under a rug or carpeting, and never use an extension cord for a space heater. Keep children and pets away, and turn off the space heater when you leave the area.

More space heater safety information can be found on the U.S. Department of Energy website, at https://energy.gov/energysaver/portable-heaters.

Heating, Hot Water, and Plumbing

Keep the furnace area clear of flammable materials and keep vents clear to provide a good air supply to your heating system to ensure proper combustion.

Water pipes that are exposed to cold temperatures may freeze and burst. Don’t ignore drips or odd noises from your heating system — call your heating company to investigate. Wrap exposed pipes in your basement with pipe insulation to help them retain heat and avoid freezing.

The American Red Cross offers additional tips for avoiding frozen pipes at https://www.redcross.org/prepare/disaster/winter-storm/preventing-thawing-frozen-pipes.

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