Publication: In Your Northwest Corner
Originally Published April 25, 2019
Bethlehem Ambulance - Help When It's Needed Most
Bethlehem Ambulance Association answers medical-emergency calls 24/7 for the more than 3,600 Bethlehem residents as well as the thousands of visitors who travel to the area to enjoy the Bethlehem Fair, the Connecticut Garlic & Harvest Festival, March Farm, and other local attractions.
One of the few all-volunteer crews in Connecticut, the Association also provides mutual aid to the nearby communities of Morris, Watertown, and Woodbury.
The Association recently was awarded two grants from the Khurshed Bhumgara Fund, a fund of the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation, in support of new emergency equipment:
- Stryker Power Pro stretcher, a battery-powered hydraulic system that raises and lowers patients with the touch of a button, creating a smoother and safer transport, and
- LUCAS Chest Compression System, a portable device that delivers life-saving, safe and efficient standardized CPR compression to patients in cardiac arrest.
“We strive to provide the highest level of care available to our citizens and visitors,” said Jan Sardo of the Bethlehem Ambulance Association.
"With modern, efficient equipment in use, we can better serve our community.”
Fostering a Love of Reading
in the Northwest Corner
The Read Aloud program of the Northwest Connecticut Chamber Education Foundation was held this past February. Hundreds of community members volunteered to read books to students in 26 elementary school classrooms—to more than 8,000 students—across Northwest Connecticut.
Volunteers read story books thoughtfully chosen by library media specialists and language arts consultants. Volunteer readers left the books as a gift to the classroom.
Read Aloud Day is made possible by multi-year grants from the Draper Foundation Fund, a fund of the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation.
"We are so grateful to the Draper Foundation Fund," said JoAnn M. Ryan, President and CEO of the Northwest Connecticut Chamber Education Foundation.
"The program is so near and dear to our hearts and the community. We are elated to see it continue."
Harwinton Land Conservation Trust–Scenic Outdoor Exploration for All
Volunteers of the Hawinwinton Land Conservation Trust have been hard at work planting trees, and building bridges and boardwalk crossings that enable Land Trust visitors to explore much of its 260 acres of natural space.
A recent grant from The Elson-Slemmer Fund for the Environment, a fund of the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation, enabled the Land Trust to purchase the lumber and hardware, as well as signage materials needed to complete a two-mile scenic trail system through its Indian Meadow property.
"We try to make our trails easy and dry for seniors and families with young children," said Bob Orciari, Harwinton Land Conservation Trust president.
“By providing public access and trails on our properties, people appreciate what the land trust does to improve life in Harwinton."
