NORWICH — Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-02) announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded a federal grant totaling $3 million to United Services, Inc., a non-profit Community Behavioral Health Center serving 21 towns in northeast Connecticut.
The new federal funding will support Project CREST—a crisis response, engagement, and stabilization effort operated by United Services. The funding was authorized by H.R. 133, a COVID-19 relief bill Rep. Courtney voted to pass in December 2020.
“United Services is extremely excited to bring a much-needed expansion to crisis services for northeastern Connecticut,” said United Services President/CEO Diane L. Manning. “We believe this program can save lives and we are grateful for the support of SAMHSA and Congressman Joe Courtney.”
United Services has seen drastic increases across its programs as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The agency’s Crisis Response Services program, which responds to individuals experiencing a mental health crisis, has seen the largest increases. In the last two years, the number of clients seen by the crisis program has increased by 122 percent and the number of services delivered has increased by 534 percent.
United Services Inc. will receive a federal grant award of $3 million through HHS’s Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to support Project CREST: Community Response, Engagement and Stabilization Team. The purpose of the program is to enable community mental health centers to restore the delivery of clinical services that were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The program will provide mobile crisis intervention services for up to 45 days following a mental health crisis, and will be staffed with clinicians, peer recovery specialists, case managers, and psychiatric APRNs.

“Eastern Connecticut has shown a lot of toughness throughout the pandemic, it’s a big reason why our recovery is going strong, but if you talk to local health care providers like United Services, you’ll know that the demand for mental health services and crisis recovery has never been higher,” said Congressman Courtney.
“A decrease in local resources coupled with a sharp and unexpected increase in isolation for many people has really exacerbated mental health struggles across the U.S., and here in eastern Connecticut. Organizations like United Services have reported seeing over twice as many clients going through their mental health crisis programs these past two years, and the number of services they’ve delivered has shot up by over 500 percent. Their work is absolutely essential to our communities, but they need more resources to keep up with this demand. That’s a major reason why I voted to pass H.R. 133—the bill included support specifically for community health centers like United Services, whose work is essential here in our Quiet Corner communities. This funding is going to support their mission, and help them continue their lifesaving work while our recovery continues.”
This federal funding was authorized and made possible by a COVID-19 relief bill that Rep. Courtney voted to pass in December 2020—H.R. 133, the Consolidated Appropriations Act and Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act for 2021.

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At NOW Race
Gene Michael Deary, left and Jay Long. Courtesy photo.


The 9th Annual NOW 5k Road Race & Walk (“Lap the Lake”) raised a record amount of funds with $25,500 gross and an estimated profit of about $19,000, according to Northeast Opportunities for Wellness, Inc. (NOW) Executive Director Tayler Shea.
In addition to the scenic 5k route around Lake Alexander, the event also featured a Kids Fun Run Race that saw just over 50 children ages 2 to 10. The women's winner was Linda Spooner of Sturbridge and the men's winner was Andrew Luneau of Killingly.
All proceeds will be used to support the NOW youth scholarship program and free wellness programs in the 10-town area of northeastern Connecticut.
With the support of Race Day Sponsor, Centreville Bank, the event saw notable changes in 2021. For the first time in the race’s history, Boston Beer Company and Renee’s Bistro & Catering Services were there to provide complimentary adult beverages, bratwurst sandwiches, and an apple chicken soup. Bachand, Longo, and Higgins Attorneys of Law, was the refreshment sponsor.  
For several years, the Road Race has been generously sponsored by Putnam Bank, which shows additional support with dozens of employees participating. Centreville Bank decided to continue this legacy into 2021 and the coming years. NOW also welcomed a new major sponsor, Spirol International Corporation, which signed on along with Gerardi Insurance to sponsor the Kids Fun Run event. NOW welcomed back Lake Road Generating and Jewett City Savings Bank as starting line and finish line sponsors.
The major event sponsors were joined by 22 additional sponsors supporting the official event T-shirt. Cash awards were presented to the top three male and female runners, sponsored by WIN Waste Innovations (formerly Wheelabrator) and W.F. Shea and Company. All youth runners who ran in either the full 5k or the Kids Fun Run received participation medals.
Shea said: “We are extremely grateful for all of the support that we received for this year’s road race. It has proven to be the most successful year in the history of the event, and it was an exciting year of incredible growth for NOW 5k road race. Jay Long has been an exceptionally great chair for the road race committee and we are excited to share that we're already  working on our 2022 road race!”
In addition to the many sponsors, the Road Race was also supported by several local volunteers, including singer Elle Goslin. Gene Michael Deary who lead the awards ceremony following the race. Local photographer Mikayla Gagnon with Ginger Photography took photos.  The Killingly High School girls’ soccer team arrived ready to conquer the day with more than 40 volunteers. As well, the two water stations that lined the course were supported by volunteers from the Girl Scouts alongside KHS soccer girls. The Dayville Fire Company offered volunteer support by conducting traffic on Upper Maple Street, ensuring all event participants remained safe. Complimentary refreshments, including water, bananas and clementine oranges were donated by United Natural Foods, Putnam Supermarket, Killingly Stop and Shop, Killingly Target, Putnam Walmart, and Jay Long.
All proceeds will support the many youth programs NOW offers to children living in the 10-town area of northeastern Connecticut, including youth scholarship support, fitness & nutrition outreach, and free wellness clinics. NOW is a non-profit human services organization focused on youth wellness. NOW provides children with the opportunity to participate in area wellness activities and athletics programs, offering scholarships to the youth of the community with up to 95 percent of the cost being subsidized by NOW. The mission of the organization is to provide ALL children, regardless of financial resources, equal opportunities to achieve & maintain youth wellness, beginning at an early age.

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Town of Putnam Job Posting
TEEN LIBRARIAN
September 2021
The Town of Putnam is accepting applications for the positions of Teen Librarian at the Town’s Public Library.
Job Description: Part-time vacancy available for an energetic, team-oriented Teen Librarian with a strong public service commitment. Provide library service including collection development, reader’s advisory, and programing to tweens/teens (ages 9-18) including those with diverse background and abilities.
Responsibilities will include planning, publicizing, and conducting programs, selection of materials, outreach, and circulation duties in the Children’s Room. Successful candidate will be innovative, energetic, and have excellent computer skills. Good customer service is a must, as well as the ability to be a good team player.
Position requires 16 hours per week at a rate of $14/hour with a schedule of, Monday and
Thursday 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Tuesday 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM and Saturdays 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
Minimum Qualifications:
• Associate’s degree is desirable or two years’ experience with Library background.
• Experience in working for and with children and/or young adults (ages 9-18)
• Knowledge of standard library procedures, current information technology, Internet, and database search capabilities.
• Knowledge of developmental, recreational, and educational needs of children and young adults.
• Ability to communicate effectively with others, orally and in writing, including through email.
• Must be able to pass a criminal and drug screening.
Physical and Mental Requirements:
The physical demands here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the essential functions of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk; use hands and fingers, handle or operate objects, controls, or standard office equipment, reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell.
The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
EEOC STATEMENT: It is the policy of the Town of Putnam to provide equal employment opportunity to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. In addition, the Town of Putnam will provide reasonable accommodations that do not present an undue hardship, for qualified individuals with disabilities.
Closing date for applicants is Friday, October 15, 2021. Please send resumes and cover letters to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Questions concerning this position, should be directed to the Library Director, Priscilla Colwell at (860) 963-6800 ext. 210

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