ReminderNews Articles from Eastern Connecticut

When in Connecticut during the holidays, I went back to my old gig as a local newspaper reporter for Reminder News, a community paper that publishes throughout most of Eastern Connecticut- essentially the 2nd Congressional District.

I covered two stories (on one day) that appeared in the paper last week. With both, I tried to tie the local story into a national narrative; finding a greater significance that would put the article into a greater context (something I always feel is lacking when reading other local papers and coverage, which I feel puts the reader at a disadvantage). I've written nearly 100 articles for the Reminder since 2007 and been to nearly ever corner of the coverage area doing so; although these two articles from December 2009 were the first from the East Haddam and East Hampton datelines.

East Hampton Senior Center offers seasonal flu clinic

BY CHRIS GOLDEN ReminderNews

Amid continuing regional and national concern over this year’s flu season , the East Hampton Senior Center hosted a seasonal influenza vaccination clinic on Dec. 28. In previous years, this sort of clinic was held in early to mid autumn, but because of supply availability , the post-Christmas clinic was the earliest it could be held, according to Joanne Ligas, coordinator of community wellness at Middlesex Hospital Home Care.

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“Normally, we receive 3,500 doses for the entire season in the fall, but this year we received 430 doses on Oct. 5,” Ligas said. Three clinics were then scheduled, but the next shipment of doses did not arrive until Dec. 12, Ligas said.

“Right now, because it is so much later than usual, we are not seeing the demand that we usually do earlier in the fall,” Ligas said. Between 75 and 100 people were expected at the clinic. Still, she stressed that it is not too late to become vaccinated against seasonal influenza.

“We haven’t seen significant seasonal flu activity yet, and I expect that it would peak in late February or early March,” she said. An individual is considered immune two weeks after receiving the inoculation, according to Ligas, although individuals – especially those with chronic or at-risk conditions – should consult with their physician or health care provider.

Joanne Ewing, director of the East Hampton Senior Center, said that she reported more concern, primarily about vaccine availability, over the flu this year than in previous years, and attributed much of that to the attention paid to the H1N1 or “swine flu” pandemic.

Earlier in the fall, there was a national and regional shortage of the H1N1 vaccine, but as of mid-December , there are no longer availability delays or the need for priority vaccination groups, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

She also said that she expects a third wave of the H1N1 pandemic in late February or early March, around the same time that seasonal influenza is expected to peak.

Ligas and other public health officials reiterate that simple steps, like washing hands, covering the nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing and self-isolating when feeling ill, remain the best methods to prevent the spread of both types of flu.

Initiative seeks to engage kids outdoors during school break

BY CHRIS GOLDEN ReminderNews

Gillette Castle State Park in East Haddam opened its doors during winter vacation week to students and families for three days of programming and events as part of the statewide “No Child Left Inside” initiative.

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“The purpose of this week is for people to get outside and do something different ,” said Dianne Joy, assistant director of State Parks and Public Outreach for the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection. This was the second year of the program at the East Haddam State Park.

The theme at Gillette Castle focused on snow and ice – which was appropriate , given the week’s weather conditions – and included science experiments to teach what animals do in the winter. Volunteers joined park staff to set up several activities for children and families , including lessons on animal tracks and snowflakes.

Gillette Castle, decorated for the holiday season, was open for tours at the regular admission price, but organizers created a do-it-yourself scavenger hunt for children throughout the museum.

An initiative of Gov. M. Jodi Rell, “No Child Left Inside” seeks to “encourage Connecticut families and visitors alike to enjoy all the recreational resources and outdoor activities available in Connecticut’s state parks, forests and waterways ,” according to its Web site.

An aim of the initiative is to introduce to children a theme at the state park that can later be applied at home and at school. “Many families are looking for something to do during winter school vacation week that is both fun and educational, and the state parks are one place that can offer them jus that,” said Joy.

“One of our challenges is integrating with a school’s curriculum and including an environmental literacy plan,” said Rachael Sunny, coordinator of the initiative. The DEP Parks Division holds workshops for teachers and administrators and often goes into schools to talk directly to students, Sunny said. Another challenge is that none of the state’s 139 state parks and forests is accessible via public transportation, according to Sunny.

For more information on the initiative , visit the Web site www.nochildleftinside .org.