Vaccine clinics at Wheeler through Friday, back-to-school scams to watch out for, a coffee-hour at Parkside to discuss environmental issues

Wheeler offers COVID-19 vaccine clinics through Friday for individuals 12 and older

As part of National Health Center Week, Wheeler’s Family Health & Wellness Centers in Bristol will offer COVID-19 vaccine clinics for the those 12 and older, through Friday, Aug. 11, from 10 am–3 pm. No appointment or referrals are needed, and the Pfizer vaccine will be available. Individuals who are unvaccinated may receive the bivalent vaccine and booster vaccine as a walk-in as well.

The Bristol clinic is located at 10 North Main St.

Clinics in Hartford, New Britain, Plainville and Waterbury will be offering vaccines at their locations too.

The clinics are made possible by a grant to Wheeler from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).

Thomaston Savings Bank warns against back-to-school scams

In its most recent email newsletter, Thomaston Savings Bank issues an alert regarding back-to-school related scams. In particular, the newsletter names student tax scams, scholarship scams and student loan forgiveness scams.

“Don’t be fooled, there is no such thing as a student tax,” the newsletter states. These scams come by email, text or phone, with the person on the initiating end claiming to be with the IRS, which never makes an initial contact through any of these.

Scholarship scams may arrive via an email or text claiming that a student has won a scholarship and now need to pay an application fee. “Remember, there are no legitimate scholarship providers that will require you to pay a fee.”

Erasing student loan debt for an offer that should set off an alarm. These arrive through an email or text and are directed to students or their parents. “Once the victim has sent over funds, the student loan debt remains. Remember to never work with a private company to reduce or eliminate student loan debt. Legitimate companies do not charge fees for their service.”

Connecticut League of Voters sponsors morning program at Parkside Thursday morning

Climate, Coffee, and Conversation” features State Rep. Mary Fortier on Thursday, Aug. 10, from 8 to 9 a.m. at Parkside Cafe on North Main Street.

Sponsored by the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters, the program offers an opportunity to discuss issues surrounding the topics of climate change and environmental conservation over a cup oof coffee.

The event aims to foster collaboration, encourage innovative thinking, and provide an opportunity for community members and media representatives to connect with one of their elected officials on this critical topic, the release announcing the program states.

In addition, CTLCV is asking all attendees to participate in signing its climate action petition, which will be presented at an environmental lobby day during the next legislative session.

Registration is now open for family camp over night at Muzzy Field

Registration for families to camp out overnight at Muzzy Field early in September is now open and will be until spaces are filled.

The Bristol Parks, Recreation, Youth and Community Services, which sponsors the overnight campout, provides a host of activities including lawn games, family activities, and a PG rated movie when it’s dark. BPRYCS staff will assist with tent setup, provide snacks and breakfast treats, and lead a night-time program.

A limited number of tents are available for households who need one. Each household/ registrant will have an assigned space. In addition, guidelines for participation are posted on the BRPYCS website. Click here.

Affordable internet access through national connectivity program

Earlier this month, over 300 local and national organizations joined Civic Nation and the U.S. Department of Education to launch Online for All, a campaign that provides internet access, affordability, and equity for students, families, across the country.

To see requirements and apply, go to the Online for All site and follow the screen instructions. Click here. Or go directly to the FFC’S Affordable Connectivity Program website, to find out qualifications for reduced or free high-speed internet. Click here.

An estimated 28 million households in the U.S. do not have high-speed internet at home, and two-thirds of these households are offline because they need help affording an available internet connection, according to the release on the U.S. Dept. of Education website.


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