Bits and pieces

Posted By: David Fortier May 8, 2022

Local day of prayer at Good Shepherd Church

The Bristol Interfaith Coalition held a local event coinciding with the National Day of Prayer at Good Shepherd Church on Stafford Avenue. Fourteen speakers representing different faith groups met at 4 pm outside the church.

Last month, the coalition sponsored a Bristol Virtual Community Passover Seder, where participants were invited to learn about the story and traditions of Passover.

Members of 14 different faith traditions gathered at Good Shepherd Church on Stafford Avenue for this year’s National Day of Prayer event. (Photo by L. Minor)

Hartford County COVID-19 levels high

The CDC on Thursday reported that all of Connecticut’s eight counties have been listed on the high or medium categories on its COVID-19 Community Levels Map, it was reported by Gov. Lamont’s office. One week earlier only New London County was listed in the medium/yellow category. The others were in the low/green category.

From the CDC Date Tracker website.

Hartford County, along with Middlesex and New Haven counties, is in the high/orange category. Fairfield, Litchfield, New London, Tolland and Windham counties are listed in the medium/yellow category.

The CDC releases its COVID-19 Community Levels Map each Thursday. The CDC determines its levels using new admissions and inpatient beds occupied per 100,000 population in the past seven days.

No votes

Rep. Cara Pavalock-D’Amato, R-77, who is under investigation by the SEEC (State Elections Enforcement Commission), as well as the Connecticut Bar Association for issues surrounding her residency, voted against Connecticut’s bill providing reproductive rights to women. She wasn’t the only one of the Bristol legislators to do so. Rep. Chris Ziogas, D-79, joined her in the no column, as did Sen. Henri Martin, R-31. Rep. Whit Betts, R-79, did not vote.

House Bill 5415 combines two measures, one that expands access and another that provides protections, into one law. For the bill and associate information, including votes click here.

Betts casts last vote

Rep. Whit Betts, R-78, was among a slate of state legislators who will not be running again, casting their last vote this past session. Betts announced he will not be running for his seat, which he has held since winning the district in 2010, long before the new districts were announced. His home is no longer in his old district. Two Republicans have come forward to run in the 78th, Aileen Abrams and Joe Hoxha. No Democratic candidate has announced.

Looking ahead to annual Shamrock Run road race

This year’s Shamrock Run, primarily benefitting St. Vincent DePaul Mission of Bristol, will be held Saturday, May 28, (Memorial Day weekend) at Muzzy Field. Online registration for one of the three events is at www.ctshamrockrun.com. Participants can sign up for a 5-mile race, 2-mile race and a t-mile fitness walk. Registration is exclusively online.

The new course takes all participants through downtown Bristol and ends on historic Muzzy Field.

On the day of the event, participants can pick up their packets at the Muzzy Field concourse starting at 6 a.m. All finishers receive the traditional pint glass. There are t-shirts for the first 3,000 participants to pre-register.

On Monday, May 23, from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. the Shamrock Run Committee will be sponsoring a blood mobile at the Double Tree by Hilton. To schedule appointments, call (800)733-2767.

On Thursday, May 26, from 5-7 p.m. the committee will be sponsoring a pasta dinner at the St. Gregory CCD Center, 1043 Stafford Ave. Tickets are available online and at the door.