HVRHS student project raises awareness of ongoing humanitarian crisis in Haiti

HVRHS student project raises awareness of ongoing humanitarian crisis in Haiti

Daniela Brennan, left, and Abby White organized the informational event and fundraiser to support Haiti. The HVRHS seniors held the event at the school.

Riley Klein

FALLS VILLAGE — The work of two local high school students has drawn attention to humanitarian needs in Haiti.

As part of a human rights project, Housatonic Valley Regional High School seniors Daniela Brennan and Abby White hosted an informational session to highlight the efforts of groups and individuals assisting people of the island nation.

Brennan said she had been aware of the crisis in Haiti for some time, which is characterized by political instability and escalating gang violence. When assigned a human rights project, she saw an opportunity to shine light on the issues.

In their research, Brennan and White contacted agencies with experience working on the ground and coordinated an event to amplify those first-hand accounts.

Louise Lindenmeyr of the Hispanola Health Partners, based in Salisbury, and Lila Meade of The Haiti Project, based in Poughkeepsie, New York, presented to a group at HVRHS June 10 about steps taken to address the needs of the Haitian people.

Their work includes supporting initiatives in health care, including mobile clinics and maternity services, education, access to food and water, microfinancing and the arts.

Both speakers emphasized the importance of elevating women as the “backbone of society,” as Meade put it.

“They are the ones who hold everything together,” said Meade as she discussed an adult education program to teach writing and math. “There are now 30 women who are now part of this program.”

After the presentations, guests moved into the library where Haitian artwork and rice and beans were for sale. Proceeds benefited the people of Haiti.

Latest News

Salisbury ski jumpers put on show for students

Gus Tripler prepares to jump from the new 36-meter jump.

Margaret Banker

SALISBURY - With the Winter Olympics just weeks away, Olympic dreams felt a little closer to home for Salisbury Central School students on Feb. 4, when student ski jumpers from the Salisbury Winter Sports Association put on a live demonstration at the Satre Hill Ski Jumping Complex for more than 300 classmates and teachers.

With screams of delight, student-athletes soared through the air, showcasing years of training and focus for an audience of their peers. The atmosphere was electric as the jumpers soaked up the attention like local celebrities.

Keep ReadingShow less
Classifieds - February 5, 2026

Help Wanted

PART-TIME CARE-GIVER NEEDED: possibly LIVE-IN. Bright private STUDIO on 10 acres. Queen Bed, En-Suite Bathroom, Kitchenette & Garage. SHARON 407-620-7777.

The Scoville Memorial Library: is seeking an experienced Development Coordinator to provide high-level support for our fundraising initiatives on a contract basis. This contractor will play a critical role in donor stewardship, database management, and the execution of seasonal appeals and events. The role is ideal for someone who is deeply connected to the local community and skilled at building authentic relationships that lead to meaningful support. For a full description of the role and to submit a letter of interest and resume, contact Library Director Karin Goodell, kgoodell@scovillelibrary.org.

Keep ReadingShow less
Legal Notices - February 5, 2026

Legal Notice

The Planning & Zoning Commission of the Town of Salisbury will hold a Public Hearing on Special Permit Application #2026-0307 by Amber Construction and Design Inc for vertical expansion of a nonconforming structure at 120 Wells Hill Road, Lakeville, Map 36, Lot 09 per Section 503.2 of the Salisbury Zoning Regulations. The Owners of the property are Joseph Edward Costa and Elyse Catherine Nelson. The hearing will be held on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 5:45 PM. There is no physical location for this meeting. This meeting will be held virtually via Zoom where interested persons can listen to & speak on the matter. The application, agenda and meeting instructions will be listed at www.salisburyct.us/agendas/. The application materials will be listed at www.salisburyct.us/planning-zoning-meeting-documents/. Written comments may be submitted to the Land Use Office, Salisbury Town Hall, 27 Main Street, P.O. Box 548, Salisbury, CT or via email to landuse@salisburyct.us. Paper copies of the agenda, meeting instructions, and application materials may be reviewed Monday through Thursday between the hours of 8:00 AM and 3:30 PM at the Land Use Office, Salisbury Town Hall, 27 Main Street, Salisbury CT.

Keep ReadingShow less
Putting a stamp on Norfolk

Antonio Alcalá

Provided

As part of the Norfolk Economic Development Commission’s campaign to celebrate the Norfolk Post Office and the three women who run it — Postmaster Michelle Veronesi and mother-and-daughter postal clerks Kathy Bascetta and Jenna Brown — the EDC has invited USPS art director and stamp designer Antonio Alcalá for a visit.

Postage stamps designed by Antonio Alcalá.Provided

Keep ReadingShow less