Trumbull Fire Marshals, EMS Director Drop in for Tea at Stern Village

[Editor's Note: This piece by Harriet Polansky was intended to be a blog but she could not post it due to technical difficulty.]

Tuesday‘s Tea with Harriet

Every month Stern Village residents meet with Acting Interim Executive Director Harriet Polansky.   These gatherings offer residents an opportunity to ask questions and address any concerns they may have. It provides a forum for feedback, interaction and the development of a sense of community. Over 50 residents regularly attend. Harriet Polansky reports on topics of interest, and awareness of issues that affect our community.

Monthly recognition certificates are awarded to select residents who have contributed to the well being of Stern Village. These recognitions are awarded for residents who have made a significant contribution through their actions. Residents are recognized for volunteering their time to enrich the community or helping a neighbor in need. These residents are considered Stern Village Community Helpers and Builders. 

Guest Speakers

Each month, guest speakers present information to our residents. Last month First Selectman Tim Herbst held a town meeting at the village. This month, we were pleased to have Deputy Fire Marshals Alex Rauso and Steven Pihonak join us. They discussed fire prevention and safety. Their discussion focused on fire safety protocols for the congregate building and ways to prevent fires from starting.  They answered residents’ questions and concerns. They noted that smoke detectors have a lifespan of 10 years.  We will audit existing smoke alarms and procure new smoke alarms for the units where applicable.

Joseph Laucella, Director of EMS also joined us. Joe shared his insight about proper handling of medical emergencies. The discussion focused on emergency procedures and protocols. He answered many questions and residents shared their experiences.  A strong collaboration and partnership has been forged between the EMS and Stern Village. Mr. Laucella will assist Stern Village in the development of a command center in the community room should an emergency occur where power is lost. We will also conduct courses on using the defibrillator and CPR for residents and THA staff.