Staples Girls Tennis Remains Undefeated while “looking for another championship”
Staples Girls Tennis Team2021 State Champions Staples Girls Tennis is looking for another championship this year and things are off to a great start. Senior captains Jordana Latzman and Allie Francis, seniors Amelia Galin, Sofia Palumbo, Lauren Hess and Giselle Oldani are joined by juniors Karenna Birns, Audrey Kercher, Caroline Caggiano, Lucia Wang and Jenna Kornbluth to make up this strong team. Along with freshmen: Maddie Hendley, Rhiya Anand, Lola Lamensdorf.
Staples Girls Tennis won 7-0 against Ridgefield, 7-0 against New Canaan, and won 5-0 against Greenwich (2 matches postponed due to rain/thunder). The girls started the vacation week off with a 7-0 win against Danbury, and 4-3 against both Westhill and Wilton, despite missing some of their top players. The girls remain undefeated at 6-0 overall. New coach, Jena Wider is extremely proud of this group of dynamic and talented girls. Wider takes over for Paco Fabian and says she has big shoes to fill. Wider, an avid tennis player, played division 1 squash at Princeton University and won 2 state tennis titles in NY while in high school. She is joined by Chandy Smith, the assistant coach.
Westporter, Senator Haskell Supports Legislation to Protect Children’s Mental Health and Wellness
Senator Haskell’s Team: Today, the Connecticut State Senate voted to pass Senate Bill 2, an overarching piece of legislation designed to benefit children's mental health amid a growing children's mental health crisis both local and national. State Senator Will Haskell (D-Westport), joined an overwhelming amount of support for the bill, which passed by a 33-1 vote.
One of Senate Democrats' lead priorities this legislative session, this bill takes significant steps forward in supporting, expanding and creating preventative programs to reduce conditions conducive to children developing mental health disorders. With more children experiencing mental health disorders, this legislation seeks to target root causes of mental health issues, supporting children in their early development and formative years to better prepare them for success in their lives.
"This bill sends a signal to kids in Connecticut, and their parents, that we see them. We hear them. We know that they've been struggling, and the pandemic has only made matters worse," said Sen. Haskell. "By deploying mobile crisis centers across the state, by placing social workers in pediatric care settings, by ensuring a continuity of care for those seeking telehealth across state lines, we're taking a huge step forward. We're affirming that mental healthcare is healthcare, and I want to thank Sen. Anwar for championing this remarkable effort."
This legislation's preventative programs dovetail with House Bill 5001, which is designed to address current issues impacting children's mental health and access to mental health services. The two bills coexist in, respectively, addressing current issues and addressing those issues' root causes.
Senate Bill 2, "An Act Expanding Preschool and Mental and Behavioral Services For Children," would make numerous changes to current state policies and programs. Among the most important:
Mobile crisis centers will be available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week everywhere in the state.
The legislation will create an equity-based mental health fund aiding members of the public disconnected from mental health services; this effort matches one in House Bill 5001 supporting the public from a non-equity-based perspective.
In the event federal authorities do not take action, steps will be taken to enshrine telehealth services including allowances for professionals residing out of state.
Children in care of the Department of Children and Families receiving Social Security and Disability Insurance payments will retain access to the money, which previously was recouped by the state for the cost of their care.
The bill creates a mental health plan for student-athletes; studies show these students are increasingly likely to suffer mental health issues.
A study on the effects of social media and mobile phone use on children will provide legislators with information on those platforms' effects on children's mental health.
Family child care centers, as long as there is an assistant present, will be able to care for nine children per center in all seasons, expanding a rule currently in place during summer.
A Department of Public Health grant program will allow pediatrician offices to hire social workers with the grant funding half of the social workers' salary.
Parents of children who fall ill or are injured under the care of a child care center will receive a written report and the Office of Early Childhood will be able to access video footage of the incident, if available, from the center.
New safe storage guidelines will be adopted for prescription drugs and cannabis to prevent undue access to these substances.
Psychologists will receive Medicaid payments for services provided by social workers and family therapists if the professionals are supervised by psychologists.
Speech language pathologists and occupational therapists in other states will be allowed to access licenses in Connecticut if they work with Birth to Three, expanding care availability.
The Department of Public Health will manage a program recruiting and retaining healthcare workers, specifically behavioral health experts and professionals; a working group will further examine enhancing physician recruitment in the state.
The state will join PSYPACT, which allows psychology services to take place across state boundaries.
Youth Service Bureaus will receive an additional $2 million in funding.
Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, as many as one in six children in the United States experienced mental health disorders. That rate has only increased in recent years; in 2021, the Connecticut Mirror reported that as many as 47 children per day experiencing mental health crises waited in the emergency department of Connecticut Children's Hospital, which experts said was a significant escalation from prior years; at Yale New Haven Children's Hospital, the rate of children experiencing mental health crises more than doubled from March to May 2021, and the rate of hours of care provided to children experiencing mental health crises more than doubled as the pandemic progressed.
Mental Health America found that it is possible to prevent or mitigate the effects of mental illness with early intervention, with the time between prenatal development and early childhood being crucial for brain development. Investing in prevention, early intervention and providing access to appropriate services have direct ties to reducing the impact and severity of mental health issues in the population, it said. Doing so also reduces the propensity of mental health issues to arise and associated societal problems, including suicides, school dropouts, homelessness and increased populations in the juvenile justice system.
In other words, the crisis we see today is partially the result of inefficient investment in necessary resources yesterday – and by acting now, we can preserve a better tomorrow for the children of Connecticut.
The bill previously passed the Children's Committee by a vote of 11-2 and the Appropriations Committee by a 48-0 unanimous tally. The bill now moves to the House.
Historic Saugatuck Mill Becomes “The Mill” Luxury Homes as Construction Continues on Richmondville Ave
Coldwell Banker Realty:Bross Chingas Bross, one of the top real estate teams in the nation and in Connecticut, has been selected to exclusively manage sales at The Mill, a community of 31 luxury condominiums in the heart of Westport that blends the historical architecture of a former candle-wick mill with modern industrial features. Prices range from $995,000 to $3,850,000. Units feature one to three bedrooms, and select residences include dramatic outdoor spaces. More information is available at www.themillwestport.com. Bross Chingas Bross, the team led by Barbara Bross, Alexander Chingas and Doug Bross, are affiliated with the Coldwell Banker Realty Global Luxury Headquarters in Westport.
“Westport is among the most highly-desired locations in America,” said Doug Bross. “This coastal community, just one hour from Manhattan, is known for beautiful beaches, a vibrant downtown and significant history. The area offers predominantly single-family residences with very few high-end, luxury condominium lifestyle options. The Mill represents a unique, first-of-its-kind opportunity for those seeking access to all Westport has to offer and a maintenance-free lifestyle with flawless design and five-star amenities.”
Originally a timber mill in the early 1800s, the brick, stone and heavy timber building has been utilized throughout the centuries as a factory, office space and even a studio once used by members of Westport’s flourishing arts community. In preparing the structure for its new life as residential space, the building is being restored to its pre-20th century aesthetic. Residents will enjoy five-star accommodations including concierge service. There are extensive common areas, which include a great room, cafe, patio, rooftop deck, swimming pool, hot tub, and a health and wellness center. The Mill is located in a scenic setting with landscaped grounds and is a short walk from dining, shops, outdoor concerts, a farmer's market and the library, while beaches, golf and commuter routes including the train to Grand Central Terminal in New York City are all nearby.
“Location is everything. From the amazing downtown events like the Fine Arts Festival and concerts at The Levitt Pavilion to being steps away from some of the top eateries in town, residents at The Mill will enjoy the best of both worlds; a walkable neighborhood setting with access to all that Westport has to offer,” said Sam Gault, president, Gault Family Companies.
The Mill's luxury, custom residences are available in two distinct styles—New Modern and Vintage Modern. The New Modern homes have a clean industrial vibe, showcasing bright interiors with 12-foot floor-to-ceiling windows as well as steel and glass room dividers. The Vintage Modern residences offer urban loft style, with warm and textured interiors that reveal each unit's unique history. These features include exposed hemlock columns and beams, exposed steel brackets, whitewashed brick walls, wood-plank ceilings, stone lintels and brick corbels. All units feature large windows, an open floor plan, light wood floors, a large waterfall-edged kitchen island, Sub Zero and Wolf appliances, a full-size washer and dryer, and up-to-date bathrooms with radiant heated primary bathroom floors. Many have linear gas fireplaces and several feature spacious patios or roof decks. Units are expected to be completed in early 2023.
“With exquisite architectural design and contemporary aesthetics, The Mill Westport will be a cut above in luxury design. Vast amenity spaces and turn-key living offer a unique residential experience in the heart of Westport,” said Joe Feinleib, principal, Coastal Luxury Homes.
The Mill is a joint venture between Coastal Luxury Homes and the Gault Family Companies, which have developed high-end residential communities and built strong relationships in both Fairfield County and Sarasota, Florida. They are also collaborating with Coldwell Banker Realty on Peninsula One and Peninsula Two, two luxury mid-rise buildings offering 23 residences in Sarasota, designed by Hoyt Architects. The Mill's architectural and design team includes Marybeth Woods, Bruce Beinfield, Philip Hazan, Bill Kenny, Philip Cerrone and Richard W. Redniss.
“The sophisticated vision of Coastal Luxury Homes and the Gault Family Companies will exceed the expectations of discerning buyers who have been searching for this kind of luxurious lifestyle. The Mill was designed based on feedback received from our clientele who desire these amenities in Westport,” said Chingas. “We value the longstanding business relationships we have built with Joe Feinleib, Sam Gault and their teams. Bross Chingas Bross is enthusiastic about presenting The Mill to a local, regional, national and worldwide audience by leveraging our strategic partnerships and the resources of Coldwell Banker Global Luxury.”
For more information about The Mill, contact Bross Chingas Bross at (203) 454-8000 or info@brosschingas.com. The Coldwell Banker Realty Global Luxury Headquarters is located at 355 Riverside Ave, Westport, CT 06880.
Morning Weather Report
Today
Sunny, with a high near 66. Northwest wind 6 to 15 mph.
Tonight
Partly cloudy, with a low around 42. Northwest wind 5 to 7 mph.
Tomorrow
Mostly sunny, with a high near 61. Calm wind becoming southwest 5 to 7 mph in the afternoon.
Tomorrow Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 47. Southwest wind 5 to 7 mph becoming calm after midnight.