May is college graduation season, and my social media feeds have been flooded with pictures of college graduates posing in caps and gowns, captioned with reflections on their college experiences. This, combined with the fact that my brother has begun the process of looking at colleges, has me thinking about all the various things that need to happen for a student to get into and ultimately succeed in college.
As the weather warms up and we head into summer, it’s important to remember that unusually high temperatures can be dangerous for many people. Those most at risk for heat stroke and other heat-related illnesses include infants, seniors, people who are physically impaired, and people who are on certain medications. While it’s only May now, it’s good to start preparing early and bear these tips in mind over the next few months:
Charter Oak Federal Credit Union and its employees receive highest award at event
It’s Teacher Appreciation Week! Most of us can name several teachers from pre-K through high school who have left lasting positive impressions on us. I know I could name half a dozen at least who shaped who I am in various ways. There was my fourth-grade teacher who read us books with strong female protagonists and gave us real feedback on our work (“You’re a better writer than this. Find a more creative way to say what you mean”). There was my sixth-grade science teacher who ran an afterschool club focused on community service and taught us about protecting the environment.
Emergency Food & Shelter Program (EFSP) funds in the amount of $120,036 are available to organizations in New London Census County to supplement already existing emergency food and shelter programs.
The former mayor of Groton, Marian sets an example as a leader in community engagement. She took time to talk to us about her volunteer experiences and how United Way’s initiatives have impacted people in her community.
Hi! Tell us a little about yourself. How long have you been involved with United Way?
My name is Marian Galbraith. Although I have given to the United Way for a long time, I really became involved with United Way when I was mayor of the City of Groton.
When I caught up with Lee-Ann, she had just returned from helping a client manage a bedbug infestation. Still poised and without missing a beat, she sat down with me to discuss her work on the United Way Board of Directors and why it’s so important to address community needs collectively.
Hi! Tell us a little about yourself. How long have you been involved with United Way?
Ken is the Treasurer on our Board of Directors and the Finance Committee Chair. We caught up with him to find out how and why he chooses to Live United.
Hi! Tell us a little about yourself. How long have you been involved with United Way?
Hi, my name’s Ken Ewell, and I started volunteering with United Way on a regular basis after I retired in 2013, so it’s been five years.
How did you first get involved here at United Way of Southeastern Connecticut?
Ray Stanley has been volunteering with United Way for 20 years. He spoke to us about the allocations process and how he dedicates his time to serving the community.
Hi! Tell us a little about yourself. How long have you been involved with United Way?
My name is Ray Stanley, and I’ve been involved with United Way of Southeastern Connecticut for 20 years.
How did you first get involved here at United Way of Southeastern Connecticut?
What happens when people work hard but still struggle to make ends meet? Many families have to make the difficult choices about what to pay for and what to forgo. These choices are daunting, and they have both immediate and long-term consequences for low-income households and their communities.
