EASTCONN Awarded USDA Farm to School Grant to Establish Regional Production Kitchen

COLUMBIA, CT — EASTCONN, the Regional Educational Service Center serving northeastern Connecticut, has been awarded a fiscal year 2026 Farm to School Grant from the USDA Food and Nutrition Service. The $116,858 grant will fund the creation of a centralized production kitchen at EASTCONN’s Bridges Community School campus in Columbia, enabling EASTCONN’s Food Services program to source, prepare, and distribute fresh, locally grown meals to students across its partner school districts.

The two-year project addresses a critical gap in the region, where 20% of children face food insecurity and most school programs lack the staffing and equipment needed to prepare fresh meals from scratch. Currently, EASTCONN’s farm-to-school efforts are limited to a single site sourcing from one local farm. The new production kitchen will expand that reach significantly, connecting partner schools — serving over 2,300 students — with fresh produce, meats, and grains sourced through CLiCK’s Food Hub in Willimantic, which partners with more than 30 area farms.

“EASTCONN Food Services is proud to have been awarded a grant to establish a new production kitchen dedicated to enhancing child nutrition programs through the use of locally sourced produce and ingredients,” said Courtney Haines, EASTCONN Food Services Director. “This investment in EASTCONN schools and the districts we serve allows us to take a major step forward in how we nourish our children. By using local ingredients and preparing more meals from scratch, we can provide less processed options that support student well-being and academic success.”

In the first year of the grant, EASTCONN will renovate the kitchen at the Columbia site, installing large-scale preparation and storage equipment. Staff will receive training in the safe handling and preparation of local produce and meats, and pilot menus featuring regionally grown items will be introduced in at least three schools. In year two, the program will expand to all partner schools, with family engagement events added to promote nutrition and local food awareness.

The centralized kitchen model is designed for equity as well as efficiency: schools that currently lack their own kitchen capacity or food service staff will still be able to offer nutritious, scratch-made meals. Bulk purchasing, streamlined distribution, and revenue from expanded food service contracts are expected to sustain the program beyond the grant period, creating a scalable model that other regions can replicate.

The grant also supports agricultural education, with cafeteria presentations, taste-testing events, and family programming centered on nutrition, cooking, and farming. These activities are designed to strengthen students’ connections to local food systems and foster lasting healthy eating habits across the community.

About EASTCONN

EASTCONN is one of Connecticut’s six Regional Educational Service Centers, providing educational, administrative, and community services to school districts and organizations throughout northeastern Connecticut. EASTCONN’s programs span early childhood education, magnet schools, adult and community learning, special education, and a broad range of support services for students, families, and educators.

Northeastern CT Chamber of Commerce Announces 2026 Annual Awards Gala Honorees

The Northeastern Connecticut Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the recipients of its 2026 Annual Awards Gala, taking place on Thursday, May 28th at 5:00 PM at The Mansion at Bald Hill in Woodstock, CT.

A long-standing tradition for the Chamber, the Annual Awards Gala brings together business and community leaders from across the region to celebrate individuals and organizations whose dedication, leadership, and service continue to strengthen Northeastern Connecticut.

This year’s honorees represent leaders who show up, give back, and make a lasting impact – both seen and unseen.

The Business Leader of the Year Award will be presented to Michael Alberts, President and CEO of Jewett City Savings Bank (JCSB). Alberts is recognized for his exceptional leadership and commitment to both the bank and the Northeastern Connecticut community. Since stepping into his role, he has guided the organization with a focus on growth, community investment, and strong local relationships. With a career rooted in public service, Mike understands the importance of connection and continues to strengthen the bank’s role as a trusted partner in the region.

The Civic Achievement Award will be presented to Jay Long, Director of Commercial Insurance at Hilb Group (Gerardi Insurance), for his outstanding commitment to community service. In addition to supporting the local business community, Jay serves as Board President of Northeast Placement Services and has played a key role in fundraising efforts for Northeast Opportunities for Wellness – helping raise approximately $40,000 annually to support youth wellness programming. His leadership also extends to Brooklyn Killingly Little League and Griffin Youth Hockey, where he has helped create positive environments for youth to grow, build confidence, and develop lifelong skills. Jay consistently leads with a “service above self” mindset, often working behind the scenes to make a meaningful impact.

The Community Champion Award will be presented to Wayne Norman of WILI Radio, whose voice has been a constant in Northeastern Connecticut for decades. As a longtime morning show host, Wayne has dedicated his career to promoting the region, celebrating its people, and keeping communities connected. Beyond the airwaves, he has played a key role in local traditions such as Willimantic’s annual Cupid Award and the Boom Box Parade. Through his consistency and genuine love for the community, Wayne has helped shape the identity of Northeastern Connecticut – creating a lasting legacy of connection and pride.

The Emerging Leader of the Year Award will recognize Maria Thomas of bankHometown for her energy, leadership, and commitment to the community. As Vice President and Regional Branch Manager, Maria leads with a people-centered approach while staying actively involved across the region. She serves as Treasurer for Northeast Opportunities for Wellness, is a member of the Chamber’s Board of Directors, and previously served with the Quinebaug Valley Regional Rotaract Club. Known for always showing up, whether networking, volunteering, or encouraging others to get involved, Maria represents the next generation of leadership in Northeastern Connecticut.

The George Racine Sr. Humanitarian Award will honor Patricia (Patti) Buell of the Brooklyn Cares Community Center for her extraordinary compassion and vision. What began as a response to the needs she witnessed while serving as Superintendent of Brooklyn Public Schools has grown into a fully volunteer-run community resource. Since opening in 2023, the center has supported hundreds of families by providing essential food and clothing to individuals across Brooklyn and surrounding towns. As Founder and President, Patti remains deeply involved in all aspects of the organization, ensuring every individual is met with dignity, respect, and care.

The Gold Key Award will be presented to Lindsey and Jason Verraneault of NorthStar Home Loans. Through years of dedicated involvement with the Chamber- including Jason’s leadership as Board President in 2025 – the Verraneaults have become known for their commitment to supporting both the organization and the broader community. They are a constant presence at ribbon cuttings, events, and local initiatives, consistently showing up to support businesses and champion local causes. Through their generosity and ability to connect others, they have created a lasting ripple effect across Northeastern Connecticut.

Finally, the Non-Profit of the Year Award will be awarded to The Arc Eastern Connecticut. Serving more than 900 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, The Arc provides a wide range of programs and services – including residential support, employment opportunities, and day programs – that empower individuals to live more independent and fulfilling lives. Guided by its mission to ensure individuals are recognized for their abilities and have full and equal opportunities for participation and inclusion, the organization continues to make a profound impact across the region.

“The Annual Awards Gala is one of our most meaningful traditions,” said 2026 Chamber President Amy Brunet. “It’s an opportunity to pause and recognize the people who are truly making a difference across our 23-town region. This year’s honorees represent the heart of Northeastern Connecticut, leaders who care deeply, give generously, and help move our communities forward.”

The Northeastern Connecticut Chamber of Commerce remains committed to its mission of supporting the growth, promotion, and sustainability of businesses across the region. Events like the Annual Awards Gala serve as a powerful reminder of the impact strong, connected communities can have.

Tickets are available at nectchamber.com/calendar-events.
For more information, please contact the Northeastern CT Chamber of Commerce at info@nectchamber.com or 860-774-8001.

Northeastern CT Chamber of Commerce Announces Strategic Evolution to Better Serve Region

The Northeastern CT Chamber of Commerce is entering an exciting new chapter focused on expanding access, strengthening partnerships, and better serving businesses across its 23 town region. Over the coming year, the Chamber will transition from a single location office model to a more flexible, regional approach – establishing multiple access points and partnerships across Northeastern Connecticut to better connect with businesses. The Chamber is also set to unveil refreshed branding and a new and improved website later this year that will better reflect and support the evolution of its mission, services, and role in strengthening Northeastern Connecticut businesses and communities.

“In 2018, the Chamber expanded to serve 23 towns across Greater Windham County Region. As our reach has grown, so has the need to evolve how we show up for our members. Transitioning from a single location to a more flexible, regional approach is a critical component of the Chamber’s strategic vision to better meet members where they are,” said Executive Director Elle Sherman.

“This transition will allow us to be more present, more responsive, and more connected throughout the region, and reflects our commitment to deep and meaningful collaboration and impact across the entire region that we serve.” Sherman stated.

As part of this model, the Chamber has secured one of its locations through a partnership with Eastern Connecticut State University (ECSU), where it will be located within the University’s Small Business Resource Center. This location will serve as one of several touchpoints designed to expand access to Chamber programming, resources, and connections.

“We are excited to welcome the Chamber to campus,” said Niti Pandey, Dean of the School of Education and Professional Studies at ECSU. “This partnership strengthens the connection between education and industry, creating internship and job opportunities for our students while supporting the regional business community. It’s a win-win for both organizations.”

This collaborative setup will also provide greater efficiency for the Chamber’s operational expenses, allowing more of the organization’s revenue to be dedicated to programs and services that directly benefit the business community.

The Chamber is in the process of seeking a similar type of location in its eastern region and will also continue to explore additional partnerships across Northeastern Connecticut to establish multiple access points for programming and resources.

Members and the broader community can expect the same strong programming, advocacy, and connection opportunities the Chamber is known for, now delivered in a way that is more accessible and reflective of the diverse communities it serves.

2026 Northeastern CT Chamber President Amy Brunet noted, “This is a big year for the Chamber, and I’m honored to serve as President during this transition. Our strategic theme, Building the Bridge, is all about strengthening connections between businesses, talent, and resources. This evolution helps bring that vision to life and expands our footprint to better serve the entire region.”

“This is about growth,” Sherman added. “We are building a more dynamic and inclusive model that positions our Chamber members for long term success.”

For more information about upcoming programs and initiatives, visit nectchamber.com or contact Elle Sherman, Executive Director elle@nectchamber.com or Amy Brunet, President amy@brunetandcompany.com

Free ESOL Summer Bridge Program at CT State Community College Quinebaug Valley – Willimantic

The Northeast Connecticut Education Foundation (NCEF) proudly announces that registration is open for a free 10-week English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Summer Bridge Program. This is the fourth consecutive summer the program will be offered thanks to a generous grant from the Scripps Family Fund for Education and the Arts (SFFEA). The funding covers tuition and educational expenses for 2026 high school graduates and adult learners who plan to enroll at CT State Quinebaug Valley in the fall.

Elkin Espitia-Loaiza, Quinebaug Valley Professor of ESOL, Spanish, and ESOL Program Coordinator commented, “For the last three years, English Language Learner (ELL) students have received invaluable benefits from participating in this program.  It enables students to bridge academic transitions from spring to fall and minimizes the summer regression in English acquisition and proficiency. In addition to fulfilling course requirements, students benefit from community building and mentorship opportunities. At the end of the day, ELL students in the Summer Bridge Program gain more confidence in themselves both in and out of the classroom.” Past Summer Bridge student, Carmen Rodríguez de Cruz shared, “The classes I took last summer gave me extra time to focus on speaking, listening, reading, and writing in English. I was grateful for the small class size, access to tutors, and field trips to other schools. All of this without worrying about the expense that usually comes with taking summer classes.”

The 2026 program will run May 29 through August 9 at the CT State Quinebaug Valley Willimantic campus, offering courses in Business, College Readiness, and ESOL. In addition, students will take part in one cultural field trip to the Peabody Museum at Yale University and three academic field trips to the Quinebaug Valley Danielson campus, Eastern Connecticut State University, and UCONN.

Prospective students, parents, and adult learners are invited to attend the ESOL Information Session at 5pm on Monday, May 11 at the CT State Quinebaug Valley Willimantic campus located at 729 Main Street, Willimantic, CT. To learn more or to register, please contact Elkin Espitia-Loaiza at elkin.espitialoaiza@ctstate.edu.

The mission of the Northeast Connecticut Education Foundation is to provide scholarships and other financial support to residents of Northeast Connecticut who want to pursue higher education. To learn more about the NCEF, visit www.necteducationfoundation.org. For more information on how to support local students at CT State Quinebaug Valley, please contact Director of Institutional Advancement Monique C.K. Wolanin at (860) 932-4174 or monique.wolanin@ctstate.edu.

Sarah Wolfburg, Coordinator
Northeast Connecticut Education Foundation  (860) 932-4133  necteducationfoundation.org

Contact Information:
Janice Portentoso, Station Manager
T: 203-371-1255
E: janicep@wshu.org

WSHU Public Radio Names Brian Scott-Smith as Local Host of Morning Edition

FAIRFIELD, CT – WSHU Public Radio is pleased to announce that award-winning journalist Brian Scott-Smith has been named the new local host of Morning Edition, the station’s flagship daily morning news program.

A veteran, award-winning broadcast journalist, Scott-Smith brings decades of international and local experience to the role. Born in Great Britain, he began his career working in television and radio for the BBC, as well as in commercial radio. Scott-Smith is the creator and host of the podcast Connecticut East This Week, which highlights the people, businesses, and stories of eastern Connecticut.

Listeners can hear Morning Edition starting at 5am on 91.1FM and 89.9FM, at www.wshu.org, on the WSHU app and via smart speaker.

Scott-Smith has been a familiar and trusted voice to WSHU audiences since moving to Connecticut in 2008. He began freelancing with the station as a reporter and fill-in host, covering a wide range of topics including business, health, the environment, and local politics.

Brad Dancer, General Manager of WSHU Public Radio, welcomed Scott-Smith to the role, stating: “Brian’s deep connection to our region, his journalistic integrity, and his ability to connect with listeners make him an excellent choice to host Morning Edition. We are thrilled to have him lead our morning broadcast and continue WSHU’s tradition of trusted, high-quality journalism.”

“It’s been great working with WSHU for so long as a freelancer,” said Scott-Smith. “So, taking over as the WSHU host of Morning Edition, one of the station’s flagship shows, is not only a dream come true but also a great responsibility and privilege.”

Scott-Smith lives in Quaker Hill, Connecticut, with his husband, Scott, along with their dog, Griff, and cat, Linus.

About WSHU Public Radio

WSHU Public Radio is a group of not-for-profit, member-supported radio stations, owned and operated by Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, CT, that brings the best in public broadcasting to over 250,000* radio and digital listeners in Connecticut and Long Island. An NPR member since 1984, the station airs highly regarded national programs such as Morning Edition, All Things Considered, Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me!, and Marketplace; locally-produced classical music; and its own regional news coverage for which it has won six national Edward R. Murrow Awards, a PMJA Award from the Public Media Journalists Association, a Peabody Award nomination and scores of other prestigious prizes. The station’s classical music program Sunday Baroque is syndicated and heard on over 300 stations nationwide. All programming can be streamed at www.wshu.org and heard on 13 radio frequencies.

*Each week WSHU Public Radio and our digital platforms reach: 177,800 radio listeners; 251,389 website users; 187,207 combined podcast users; 586,192 Podcast downloads; 7,001 WSHU App users; 753,673 streaming users and 21,226 e-newsletter users. Nielsen, National Regional Database, M-F 6a-12midnight, Sp ‘22 A18+; July – December 22, 6 Month Totals: Station Analytics by NPR; Public Media Apps; Ice-cast Stream Report, StreamGuys

Spring Celebration Continues the “Pawsitively Killingly” Initiative Honoring the Town’s Unique Dog-Friendly Business Community and Country-Chic Charm

KILLINGLY, CT (March 31, 2026) – The Killingly Business Association (KBA) is pleased to announce its next “Pawsitively Killingly” event: Barks & Blooms, a spring festival celebrating furry family members, spring flowers, and local artisans. The event will be held on Sunday, May 17, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM on the grounds of Killingly Intermediate School. Admission is free, and all leashed, well-behaved dogs and pets are welcome.

A Full Afternoon of Fun for Pets and Their People

Barks & Blooms is designed to be a celebration for the whole family — two-legged and four-legged alike. The festivities kick off at 11:30 AM with a pre-event “Pack Walk,” giving early arrivals a chance to stretch their legs alongside their dogs with a 30-minute walk before the main event begins. All pets must remain leashed at all times throughout the event.

The event officially opens at noon, with a ribbon-cutting and “pawesome” gift bags for the first 50 attendees. Activities will include voting and awards for a pet photo contest conducted by the event’s title sponsor, Charleen’s Portrait Studio; a pet tricks competition; police K-9 bite training demonstration; animal readings and reiki from Above the Clouds; dog training demonstration; paw print memento making; pet-made art masterpiece station; and more.

The festival will also feature live music from Daley DJ, a dog adoption parade featuring adoptable pups from Doggoholic Rescue, and a vendor fair featuring a variety of pet and floral products as well as crafters, artisans and business-sponsored activities. Food trucks Poultry in Motion and Wicked Sinister will also be on-site offering delicious food and rink for festival-goers.

Participating vendors include: Charleen’s Portrait Studio; Bark-Society; Mountain Laurel Floral Designs; Happy Hounds LLC; Author Julia Kneeland; Bark N Crumble; Strout’s Custom Acrylics; Beth’s Creations; Salt & Light Baked Goods; CoCo & Enzo “Eclectic Art”; Little House Sourdough Co LLC; United Methodist Church of Danielson; Paula’s Pet Sitting; Felted Fillies and Friends; Kay’s Creations; Colonial Dog Training; Sophia’s Farmhouse; and others.

For full event details, vendor updates, and more, visit killinglyba.org/barksandblooms or visit the Barks & Blooms page on Facebook.

Building on the Success of Bark Harvest

Barks & Blooms marks the latest chapter in the KBA’s “Pawsitively Killingly” initiative, which launched in the fall of 2025 with the inaugural Bark Harvest festival. That event was an overwhelming success, drawing families, pet owners, and dog lovers from across the region — and raising more than $1,500 for Doggoholic Rescue, a local organization dedicated to finding loving homes for dogs in need. The KBA is proud to carry that momentum into spring with an event that celebrates both the season and the community’s remarkable bond with its four-legged residents.

About the Pawsitively Killingly Initiative

Killingly has developed something truly special: a remarkable concentration of dog-related and dog-themed businesses, particularly along Main Street. From coffee shops that celebrate their canine spirit in their very names, to pet care businesses that cater to the dog-loving community, Phaiah’s Dog Park and more, Killingly stands out as a destination for pet owners.

Dog-themed businesses on Killingly Main Street alone include Bark-Society (a dog groomer and retail shop), Two Dogs Coffee Shop, Chubby Dog Coffee Co. & Gaming Bar, and CrossFit Underdog Union — creating a one-of-a-kind cluster of canine-inspired businesses that reflects the friendly and active heart of this community.

“Killingly has something no other community around us can claim,” said KBA President Jennifer Reynolds. “Our ‘Pawsitively Killingly’ events are a way for us to celebrate that identity, bring people together, and shine a spotlight on the incredible local businesses that make our town so special.”

A Community That Loves Its Dogs

The Pawsitively Killingly initiative represents the KBA’s long-term commitment to celebrating what makes Killingly unique. By shining a light on the town’s dog-friendly businesses and hosting events that bring the whole community together, the KBA hopes to strengthen local pride, support animal welfare, and build on the warm spirit that defines Killingly.

Proceeds from the event will support Doggoholic Rescue’s work as well as future Pawsitively Killingly initiatives. The event is organized through the Killingly Business Association and sponsored by Charleen’s Portrait Studio, with support from BankHometown and Quiet Corner Veterans Support Coalition, as well as Jaylee Stokes Yoga, Monogrammit Plus, Happy Hounds LLC, and Dunn Marketing.

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EVENT DETAILS

Event:  Barks & Blooms
Date:  Sunday, May 17, 2026
Time:  12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Location:  Killingly Intermediate School Grounds, Killingly, CT
Admission:  Free
Website:  killinglyba.org/barksandblooms