Mid-week roundup has flags at half-staff today in honor of Peace Officers Memorial Day, Lake Compounce’s Boulder Dash gets new look and some new track

Posted By: David Fortier May 15, 2024

Gov. Lamont directs flags to half-staff today for Peace Officers Memorial Day

U.S. and state flags in Connecticut will be lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset today, Wednesday, May 15, in recognition of Peace Officers Memorial Day, as directed by Gov. Ned Lamont.

Peace Officers Memorial Day is a national observance paying tribute to local, state and federal law enforcement officials who have died in the line of duty. It is recognized annually during National Police Week.

“We salute and pray for every law enforcement officer who has given their life in the line of duty, and we keep in our hearts their families and loved ones,” Lamont said in the press release announcing the occasion. “I urge everybody in Connecticut to thank our law enforcement officials and keep those who have given their lives in your prayers.”

Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz, in the same release, said, “As we observe Peace Officers Memorial Day, let’s honor the dedication and sacrifice of our law enforcement officials. They embody the essence of public service, bravely safeguarding our communities day in and day out.”

Boulder Dash track gets refitted for new season, and cars have a new fan-favorite color

Lake Compounce announced that Boulder Dash, the award-winning roller coaster reopened this season. Over1,000 feet of new Titan Track has been laid, and the coaster’s train has been transformed by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company, according to a release this past week.

This off-season, the release says, the park team worked with Great Coasters International as the park continued its second phase of the Boulder Dash re-tracking project.

The new steel Titan Track allows the ride to run smoother and makes it easier for the team to maintain.

The coaster’s train was also transformed with a new froggy green color after visitors voted on their favorite color this winter.

Wheeler schedules Wednesdays for Mobile Family Health & Wellness Center visits in Bristol

The new Wheeler Mobile Family Health & Wellness Center, equipped with a private exam room, reception area and lift system, will be available at two locations in Bristol on Wednesdays this spring.

Agape House, on 43 School St., from 9 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. will be the location for the mobile center Wednesday mornings.

Brian’s Angels, 99 Summer St., from 12:45 to 3 p.m. will be the location for the center Wednesday afternoons.

The Mobile Family Health & Wellness Center is licensed for care through the Connecticut Department of Public Health and in scope of Wheeler’s federally qualified health centers in Bristol, Hartford, New Britain, Plainville, and Waterbury. It has been in use for community education events since June 2022.

Summer employment opportunities with Bristol Park, Recreation, Youth and Community Services announced

The following summer employment opportunities have been announced by Bristol Parks, Recreation, Youth and Community Services in its monthly newsletter.

The positions include the following. Seasonal Employment Applications are available online at BristolRec.com or at the Bristol Parks, Recreation, Youth and Community Services (BPRYCS) Main Office at 51 High St.

  • Summer Laborer: Multiple Positions Available | $16.09/hour ($16.84 Returning); Monday – Friday | 6 a.m. – 3 p.m. | 40 Hours per week
  • Lifeguard: Multiple Positions Available | $16.34/hour ($17.34 Returning) | Flexible Schedule | 3 – 40 Hours per week
  • Water Safety Instructor: Multiple Positions Available | $18.09/hour ($19.34 Returning) | Flexible Schedule | 3 – 40 Hours per week
  • Assistant Teen Camp Director: One Position Available | June – August| $19.34/hour; Monday – Thursday | 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. | 35 – 40 Hours per week
  • Recreation Intern: One Position Available | May – August | $16.09/hour; Monday – Friday | 8 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | 37.5 Hours per week
  • Sound Technician / Sound Board Operator: Multiple Positions Available | $23.59/hour | June – August | Tuesdays/ Wednesdays | 3 – 9 p.m.

Immediately, Ropes Course Facilitator(s) at Pine Lake Adventure Park are also being sought. Successful candidates will be responsible for leading diverse and dynamic groups of participants through team building and challenge course activities, under the supervision and guidance of the Lead Facilitator and Recreation Supervisor. Learn More/Apply here.

Bristol Veterans Council fundraising for POW/MIA monument

The Bristol Veterans Council continues to raise funds for a POW/MIA monument to be installed on Memorial Boulevard. The six-foot high, 10-inch thick and three-feet wide gray granite monument will honor each branch of the military. The goal for the installation is Memorial Day 2024.

Donations may be sent to Bristol Veterans Council, Inc., P.O.W./ M.I.A. Fundraiser, c/o Stanley J. Piotrowski–Treasurer, P.O. Box 2634, Bristol, CT 06011-2634.

Lamont announces new one-stop-shop portal for jobseekers

The launch of Connecticut’s new jobs portal, jobs.ct.gov was announced by Gov. Ned Lamont earlier in the month.

Jobs.ct.gov joins health.ct.gov and business.ct.gov as the next service category to be developed in the new digital, one-stop government ecosystem. Some of the resources available through the jobs portal include:

  • Powerful job search tools;
  • Job search tips and personal help;
  • Free and low-cost training, certificate, and classroom programs; and
  • Resources to help employers hire, train, and retain employees.

Connecticut Energy Assistance Program accepting applications

The Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) is accepting applications through May 31. CEAP helps Connecticut residents afford to heat their homes. Applications for CEAP typically take 30-45 minutes. Basic benefits towards heating bills range between $180 and $530. Benefits are usually paid directly to the utility company or fuel supplier. Households that heat with deliverable fuels like oil or propane may be eligible for additional free tank fills.

Connecticut residents that meet the following may be eligible: already receive food stamps (SNAP), SSI, TANF or other benefits from the Department of Social Services and have an annual household income falls at or below 60 percent of the state’s median income.

In Bristol, CEAP applications are available at HRA, 55 South St., (860) 356-2000. Email: energyapp@hranbct.org.

All TBE readers, supporters and donors                

The Bristol Edition will be limiting the number of stories non-members and free readers may access each week. This decision is based on our financial projections and, most certainly, to remind people that TBE is serious about providing accurate, timely and thorough reporting for Bristol. To do this we have devised a financial support structure that makes unlimited access extremely affordable, beginning with a $6 monthly donation.                

  • Non-members will be able to access four (4) articles per week.                
  • Free readers and people who have subscribed by email will be able to access four (4) articles per week.                
  • Donors and financial supporters will have unlimited access as long as they log in.                

Note: Donors may have to contact TBE if they find they are being limited, since we will need to set up a membership account for you. Email editor@bristoledition.org for instructions. Sorry for any inconvenience. People with financial difficulties may write editor@bristoledition.org to be considered for free access.