Red Cross invites volunteers to deploy to help people in need

Sep. 19--Local American Red Cross volunteers are deploying physically to support Red Cross relief efforts in response to the Oregon wildfires and Hurricane Laura. The Red Cross has a need for new volunteers to help.

According to a statement, American Red Cross volunteer Ezequiel Alejandro is deploying to Louisiana to support the Red Cross response to Hurricane Laura. American Red Cross volunteers Nicole Mercado and Karen Sears are physically deploying to Portland, Oregon to support Red Cross relief efforts in response to devastating wildfires. These local volunteers are three of more than 2,000 Red volunteers for the Red Cross in Connecticut and Rhode Island and hail from Manchester, Bristol and Niantic.

"In just the last month, a series of deadly hurricanes and wildfires have uprooted lives even as people have struggled with the ongoing impacts of the coronavirus pandemic," according to the statement. "The Red Cross is on the ground working tirelessly to provide food, shelter, comfort and support to people in need. The Red Cross is coordinating closely with partners and local officials in the affected areas. Even as the Red Cross is responding to Hurricane Laura and the deadly western wildfires, the Red Cross is mobilizing supplies and volunteers in anticipation of Tropical Storm Sally. Our work is just beginning, as we will be providing support for weeks to come."

In addition to deploying current volunteers, the Red Cross also has a need for new volunteers to help support the Red Cross mission locally and by deploying out of state. "If you have the time, you can make a significant impact as a Red Cross volunteer. Review our most urgently needed volunteer positions at redcross.org/volunteertoday. There is a special need for volunteers to deploy out of state to support sheltering efforts," according to the statement. "We need volunteers to help staff shelter reception, registration, feeding, dormitory, information collection and other vital tasks to help those we serve. We have both associate and supervisory level opportunities available."

Those who are interested in helping a community should a disaster occur can go to redcross.org/volunteertoday or contact Sarah Scheel: [email protected], 860-426-5795. Be sure to review the CDC guidance for people who are at higher risk for severe illness, consult your health care provider and follow local guidance. Our number one priority is the health and safety of our employees, volunteers and the people we serve.

To make a donation, visit redcross.org, call 800-RED-CROSS, or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

Torrington bans open burning

TORRINGTON -- The following is a statement from Torrington Fire Chief Peter Towey.

Due to the extremely dry conditions and consistently high forest fire danger levels, open burning within the City of Torrington is suspended until further notice. This includes any and all open burning within the City, even with a valid burning permit. Towey will advise the community when these restrictions are able to be lifted. For information, contact the Torrington Fire Department at [email protected]

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer events scheduled

This October, residents can join the American Cancer Society at the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer drive-through experiences and pink celebrations in communities across the state. Interested participants are encouraged to register for their local movement and raise funds prior to the events, members said in a statement.

Because of the pandemic, this fall may look different, but the community's passion to end breast cancer must stay the same. The impact of COVID-19 will reduce the ability to fund cancer research by 50% in 2020 -- the Society's lowest investment this century if current trends continue. Communities, survivors, and caregivers are encouraged to rally around the fight and help raise crucial funds. Events include:

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Greater Hartford, 9-11 a.m., Oct. 4, 111 Founders Plaza, East Hartford. www.MakingStridesWalk.org/GreaterHartfordCT

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Litchfield County, 10:30-11:30 a.m., Oct. 4, White Memorial Conservation Center, Litchfield. www.MakingStridesWalk.org/LitchfieldCT

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of New London County, 10:30-11:30 a.m., Oct. 18, Rocky Neck State Park, Niantic, www.MakingStridesWalk.org/NewLondonCT

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Greater New Haven, 10:30;11:30 a.m., Oct. 18, Lighthouse Point Park, New Haven. www.MakingStridesWalk.org/NewHavenCT

Homeschool history series offered

LITCHFIELD -- The Litchfield Historical Society is offering a Homeschool History Series from 10-11 a.m. or 3:30-4:30 p.m., Sept. 23, Oct. 21, Nov. 8 and Dec. 16 on Zoom. The cost is $30 for the entire series; register by calling 860-567-4501.

The Litchfield Historical Society uses local history and itscollection of objects and artifacts to explore U.S. History. "This semester we will be exploring life in colonial and early America for homeschooling and at home students," members said in a statement.

The course will include four virtual monthly classes with morning and afternoon sessions. Optional days for students to come to the museum to observe the objects and archival materials used in the class will be offered. The program is best suited for students in grades three through six.

Classes will be held virtually on Zoom. Each class will be accompanied by an optional day for students to stop by the Litchfield History Museum to see the objects and archival materials used in the class. Topics: Sept. 23, Settlement Patterns: The Making of Litchfield; Oct. 21, Heroes of the Revolution; Nov. 18, Washington's Spies: Benjamin Tallmadge and the Culper Spy Ring; Dec. 16, Harvest and Hearths: Food and Farming in the Past.

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