Eyewitness Report on West Bank

by Victoria McEvoy, PAR reader, delegation member to West Bank

Dear PAR reader,

Imagine being the parent of a young child. Imagine having to teach them, “If our car is stopped at a checkpoint and soldiers want to talk to me, and if I leave the car for a very long time, you must go to the road and get into any car with a green-and-white (Palestinian) license plate. They’ll take you to our village police, where you’ll tell them the three ancestral names I’ve taught you, so our family can be contacted to come get you.” Then imagine telling that little one, with false bravado, “I’ll come home as soon as I can.” This is the daily reality under occupation, as I recently heard from a Palestinian mother.

Though I fancy myself a wordsmith, I’ve been trying but failing to adequately describe for you, in a short PAR newsletter article, my recent life-altering trip to the West Bank. Instead, I offer you that true story, and the below links to compelling, articulate summaries by my co-delegates.

I can talk with you (and/or your group) about my experiences in the West Bank, how the situation in Palestine is connected to everything of concern in our world today, and the many doable options for positive change. Feel free to call me at 203-589-5429, or send me an email at vmcevoy@gmail.com.

Here are the links to other delegates’ stories.

Come & See in Palestine by Jessica Sun:

https://bit.ly/462QFz9

Interview with Anthony Donovan, Brian Terrell, and Mark Colville, the co-founder and co-director of New Haven’s Amistad Catholic Worker:

https://bit.ly/3NxKVY1

Meanwhile, here are ways to support Palestinian workers:

  • Palestinian olive oil from Equal Exchange:

https://shop.equalexchange.coop

  • Fair-traded sustainable gifts hand crafted by Palestinian artisans:

https://handmadepalestine.com

  • Bethlehem University’s Palestine Institute of Biodiversity and Sustainability (PIBS), founded and run by former Yale professor Mazin Qumsiyeh and his wife Jessie Chang Qumsiyeh:

https://www.palestinenature.org

Invest in Free Bus Fares for CT Youth

by Chris Schweitzer, New Haven/León Sister City Project 

The New Haven Climate Movement youth are organizing a campaign calling for free bus passes for high school students. Please sign the online petition now at https://bit.ly/4bhPhfQ. Check out the Ten Reasons below.

  • Reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Reduce air pollution which negatively impacts public health.
  • Create safer streets and neighborhoods by reducing car traffic and having more people walking.
  • Improve bus system by increasing ridership and support
  • Reduce family transportation costs, which can be a significant burden for low-income families.
  • Increase student access to internships, jobs, and afterschool activities.
  • Promote long term mode changes as youth get accustomed to riding transit.
  • Increase equity by providing mobility to all youth, not just those with cars.
  • Recognize the need to offset significant increasing climate costs youth face.

More information at: newhavenclimatemovement.org/free-bus-fares-campaign.

Petition link:  https://bit.ly/4bhPhfQ

New Haven Team in UN Associate Organization

by Manuel Camacho, City of New Haven Peace Commissioner

The United States is now being represented internationally by a team of young people who are engaged in their communities in various ways. Manuel Camacho from New Haven, CT, leads this new team as the U.S. Representative in a larger entity known as the International Federation of Young Citizens. The IFYC is an associate member of the United Nations and engages with local, national, and international institutions. The Federation has teams of young people from over 13 countries, each one titled ActualiTeam(name of town/city in country). For more information on the Federation and its mission, you can visit their website at https://fijc.org/ to learn more about it.

The newly accredited U.S. team titled ActualiTeamNewHaven is currently comprised of 5 members: Manuel Camacho (City of New Haven Peace Commissioner/Vice President of SCSU College Democrats), Adrian Huq (Co-founder of New Haven Youth Climate Movement/Board Member of Sustainable CT), Mark De Lima (Member on Easton, Connecticut’s Commission for the Aging/Current Medical Student), Anthony Fiore (Treasurer of Southern Connecticut State University College Democrats), and Jacqueline Lorthe (City of New Haven Peace Commissioner).

Since its accreditation on Jan. 8, 2026, the team has voted on and proposed language amendments to official proposed international statements/stances regarding the U.S.’s operation in Venezuela and the current state of Gaza. The team has participated in the United Nations’ recent Call for Input on Climate Financing and Human Rights. There is an upcoming Civic Town Hall to be hosted by the UN at its headquarters in New York, towards the end of January, where the team will be attending a discussion with Her Emissary Annalena Baerbock (President of the UN General Assembly). The topic of the town hall: a discussion on how civic societies will contribute to protecting the principles of the United Nations and engaging in the broader reform of the Organization to modernize and make it fit for the 21st century.

This is just the beginning, as the team has much to navigate through as they engage in international dialogue during such uncertain times for the United States, both domestically and internationally. However, these young people are willing to represent the best and most positive parts that their country still has.

Broad Public Opposition to Fossil Fuel Expansion!

by Sena Wazer, Sierra Club CT

After clear community opposition, DEEP must deny the Brookfield Compressor Station Expansion

On Jan 8, 2026, over 100 people gathered at a Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) public hearing about a methane gas compressor station expansion in Brookfield, Connecticut. This expansion would double the size of the existing compressor station, which emits dangerous air pollutants into the community.

Over 50 people gave public testimony and every single one of those people was opposed to the expansion.

Local residents and advocates expressed concern over the impact of this expansion on air quality and health, particularly for the middle school students located just 1900 feet away from the compressor station. They shared their worry for the impact that this would have on Connecticut’s contribution to climate change and progress towards the state’s greenhouse gas mitigation goals.

Testifiers raised questions about why DEEP is allowing this expansion to move forward when it has zero benefit to Connecticut; the added gas is for New York City, which multiple people also pointed out is unnecessary. They also called attention to the multiple ways in which DEEP has biased this process towards the methane gas company, including through denying the public a more meaningful adjudicatory hearing, which would have allowed for the community to directly ask the company questions and weigh in more significantly on the decision.

This hearing was the latest in a long stream of clear public opposition to this fossil fuel expansion. Yet DEEP and Governor Lamont have continued to allow this unnecessary and polluting expansion to move forward.

This moment is a litmus test for our state: will we allow harmful infrastructure to move forward at the behest of a methane gas company despite clear opposition from state residents, the people DEEP and Governor Lamont are purported to serve, or will they stand up for our communities, climate, and future?

We will be watching this decision closely and will continue to fight for our communities. Learn more about Sierra Club Connecticut’s work to oppose new and expanded fossil fuel projects and join us. Please visit https://bit.ly/4sSqgy5.

What the Library Means to Me: A Campaign to Celebrate the Library’s Impact Throughout New Haven; and News About Mardi Gras

by Heather Robison, New Haven Free Public Library Foundation

The New Haven Free Public Library Foundation is thrilled to announce the launch of What the Library Means to Me, sponsored by BLOOM and curated by Kulturally LIT. What the Library Means to Me will be a citywide-authored program book for community members to share their personal stories and reflections on the significance of the New Haven Free Public Library in their lives. This initiative is designed not only to celebrate the library’s pivotal role in our community but also to create a citywide-authored booklet that will preserve participants’ heartfelt narratives for generations to come.

The campaign aims to engage library patrons of all ages—children, teens, and adults. Through various methods of story collection, including online submissions, social media engagement, and in-person storytelling workshops, we hope to gather a diverse array of experiences that highlight the library as a cultural and educational hub.

Community members can submit their stories via email (charitablegiving@nhfpl.org), share on social media using the hashtag #NHFPLibraryStories, and participate in live storytelling events at the library branches. For more information on how to participate, visit NHFPL.org or contact Heather Robison at charitablegiving@nhfpl.org.

The campaign will culminate in a community event, the NHFPL Foundation’s highly anticipated annual Mardi Gras event: The Big Easy at Ives, taking place 5:30-8:30 p.m. on Feb. 17  (storm date: Feb. 20 at 5:30-8:30 p.m.) at Ives Main Library, 133 Elm St., where the collected stories will be presented and Claire Criscuolo and Shamain (Sha) McAllister will be honored for their contributions. For info and tickets: https://tinyurl.com/nhfplmardigras or email charitablegiving@nhfpl.org.

Spring Season Seed Library Opens Feb. 2

by Hamden Seed Library

The Hamden Library Seed Library offers a wide variety of veggies, herbs, and ornamental seeds, free for all. While the Seed Library will be open during all regular Miller Library hours, we will have staff on hand twice a week to offer guidance. Staffed hours will be Thursdays 1-4:30 p.m. and Saturdays 2-4:30 p.m., from Feb. 2 through June 6.

While many of the seeds donated to the Seed Library are from the previous growing year, all have a lot of life left! In addition, through the generosity of the Friends of the Library, we are able to purchase a limited amount of “high-value” seeds, such as tomatoes, which don’t often come to us via donations. And we are excited that more and more of our local gardeners are contributing seeds to share.

The Miller Library is at 2901 Dixwell Ave. in Hamden.

How Will the ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ Impact Your CT Town?

by Sasha Allen Jan. 16, 2026, DataHaven

Wealth and income inequality are projected to increase in Connecticut under President Donald Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill,” with high-income residents seeing average tax breaks of nearly $10,000 and low-income residents paying an average of $417 more annually.

According to a new study released by DataHaven, the legislation will exacerbate wealth and income inequality primarily through rollbacks on some Medicaid and SNAP qualifications and tax cuts favoring high-income Americans.

Some towns, including Greenwich, Darien and New Canaan, could see average annual tax breaks of more than $30,000 for high-income residents, according to the study.

The returns from the bill are heavily skewed toward high-income households. Greenwich will see an estimated $262 million in tax relief, Stamford will see $239 million and Fairfield will see $158 million. Greenwich has some of the highest levels of income inequality in the state, according to U.S. Census data.

Bridgeport, the most populous town in the state, will receive an estimated net change of $60 million, with $61 million in tax relief going towards high-income households. The bottom 25% in Bridgeport will lose — primarily through cuts to SNAP, Medicaid and other social service programs — more than $14 million, and low-income households are projected to pay an average of over $1,000 more annually.

Norma Martinez HoSang is the director of Connecticut for All, a statewide coalition of labor, community, and faith organizations. She said the state already has an “upside down tax system” that H.R. 1 will make worse.

“In Connecticut and across the country, over the last many decades, what we’ve seen is the very wealthy continue to get like tax breaks, definitely at the state level,” HoSang said.

[To read the article in its entirety, see https://bit.ly/3ZtCFe7]

Time to Register Rock to Rock Earth Day Ride and Support 20 Local Environmental Projects

by Chris Schweitzer, New Haven/León Sister City Project 

Rock to Rock is moving ahead for this spring, working with over 20 partner organizations to take real action in response to the climate emergency, and raise critical support for local environmental organizations. 2026 rides include 5, 12, 20, 40, 60-mile, and two Family Rides in East Rock Park, plus hikes in East Rock Park and West Rock Park. Join the fun Saturday, April 25. All rides start and end at East Rock Park, with a Green Fair, live music and food trucks. Register at rocktorock.org.

Free Vegetable Gardening Classes

by Lucy Marinelli, Neighborhood Housing Services of New Haven

Neighborhood Housing Services of New Haven returns with their organic vegetable gardening classes to help get you ready for gardening season.

Our classes are hybrid and offered as individual classes or in bulk. Thanks to the generous support of the Greater New Haven Green Fund this year, we are able to offer the classes cost-free to community gardeners and area residents. Your donation is always greatly appreciated!

This year, we’re offering the following classes on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.:

  • February 7: Soils and Composting
  • February 14: Cool Weather Crops
  • February 21: Warm Weather Crops
  • February 28: Garden Pests and Diseases
  • March 7: Seed Starting, When and Where to Plant
  • March 14: Preserving your Garden Harvest

More detailed class descriptions can be viewed at https://bit.ly/3Zsgm8H.

All classes are held 10 a.m. – noon on Saturday mornings at 333 Sherman Ave. (Building 3), New Haven, CT  06511. For more information and to register for the classes, please call (203) 562-0598 or email Kathy Fay at kfay@nhsofnewhaven.org.

Since 1979, Neighborhood Housing Services of New Haven has been strengthening neighborhoods by developing affordable housing and increasing homeownership opportunities; providing homebuyer education and financial coaching; making homes safe, beautiful and energy efficient; and working to improve the communities in which we are working by helping residents take charge of their neighborhoods.

We send out a quarterly newsletter so you can stay up to date on our real estate development project, community events, classes and more!  To see the latest newsletter and sign up:

December 2025 Newsletter: http://bit.ly/49lEVdq

Newsletter sign-up: http://eepurl.com/ggu0fz

Judith Ann Schiff Women’s History Film Series

This winter film series will raise the issues faced by women as clerical workers, factory workers, and teachers from across the nation. All of the films will allow time for questions and discussion. Advance registration is required.

Made in L.A. — Saturday, January 31

When We Fight — Sunday, February 1

9to5: The Story of a Movement — Saturday, February 7

9to5: The Story of a Movement — Sunday, February 8

Norma Rae — Saturday, February 21

For all details about the films, their times and locations, and to register, please go to https://bit.ly/4sVdq29.

New Warming Center, 645 Grand Ave.

The City has now secured additional funding from the state to create a new warming center space at the existing 645 Grand Ave. shelter.

To find shelters and warming centers in Connecticut, call 211. In New Haven, there is also a list at bit.ly/4pcAbLV. More information is at newhavenct.gov/homeless.

We ask our readers to print out the list and have copies on hand to give to people in need of a warm, safe place.

Listen to Dr. King’s Beyond Vietnam Speech

by Henry Lowendorf, GNH Peace Council

The annual public reading of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s revolutionary Beyond Vietnam speech will take place Thursday, Jan. 15, at noon in New Haven City Hall, 165 Church St. It is being organized by the Greater New Haven Peace Council, City of New Haven Peace Commission, and Veterans for Peace.

This speech shook the establishment into denouncing King because, among other things, he connected the movements for peace, civil rights and economic justice.

If you are interested in receiving a pdf of the speech and/or reading a page of the speech on Jan. 15, please email grnhpeacecouncil@gmail.com.

Jan. 15, 10:30 a.m., Join the 56th Annual MLK Jr. Love March

Join 94.3 WYBC and Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church for the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Love March at  10:30 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026 in New Haven.

The MLK Love March in New Haven has been going strong for over 50 years and it celebrates the life and work of the late civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

The Love March will begin at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church located at 100 Lawrence Street and continue from Lawrence St. to Whitney Ave. to Edwards St. to State St. to Lawrence St.

We will march on this day rain or shine to commemorate the dreams and aspirations of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The Love March, which was started by Shiloh’s late Founder and Pastor, Rev. George W. Hampton Sr., has been a positive force in the community of New Haven for more than 50 years.

The Love March was created to preserve the notion of nonviolence. Come out and lend your voice of support to the community in making New Haven a better place to live. Scheduled to attend will be some of our political leaders from New Haven and the State of Connecticut.

For further information, please call 203-776-8262, by email at mlklove100@gmail.com, or visit www.smbcnh.org.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service and Celebration

by Yale Peabody Museum

Monday, January 19

Noon – 4:00 p.m. Festival / Family Day

4 – 7 p.m. Community Poetry and Poetry Slam

MLK Celebration | Yale Peabody Museum

170 Whitney Avenue, New Haven

Join over a dozen community organizations as they gather at the Yale Peabody Museum to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s work, offering knowledge about food, educational, racial, and environmental justice. Set against the wonder of the museum, students from the New Haven Public Schools will share music and dance. Immerse yourself in what the New Haven community offers at the Yale Peabody Museum!

The Peabody will host the Z Experience Poetry Slam in our Central Gallery from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Hosted by Croilot Adames Semexant, this long-running spoken word event attracts a large and supportive crowd every year, and will wrap up the day’s events of our Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service and Celebration. Admission to the slam is free and suggested for adults.

This event is preceded by a Community Poetry Open Mic session, hosted by Frederick-Douglass Knowles II, in David Friend Hall at 4:00 p.m.

Community Poetry Open Mic
Hosted by Frederick-Douglass Knowles II
4 p.m.

Invitational Poetry Slam
Hosted by Croilot Adames Semexant
5 – 7 p.m.

Slam Teams:
Charm City Slam (Maryland)
Fruity Fudge (Rhode Island)
New Word Order (Massachusetts)
Slamherst (Massachusetts)
Verbal Slap (Connecticut)

Peabody.yale.edu/events/mlk-celebration

Peabody.yale.edu/events/z-experience-poetry-slam

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