The West Hartford Public Library has scheduled a variety of upcoming in-person and virtual programs.

Submitted

Planning For Children with Special Needs – Now and in the Future
Wednesday, May 25 at 6:30 p.m.

There are ways to ensure your child with special needs will stay financially secure – now and later, when you’re no longer able to provide support. Join West Hartford resident and attorney, Colleen Masse, who will talk about strategies to qualify for public benefits, protect income, and put a financial plan in place to secure your child’s future. You’ll also hear answers to questions like… what is a special needs trust and how does it work? What is an ABLE account and how does it differ from a special needs trust? How can your child qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance, Supplemental Security Income and health insurance through Medicaid and Medicare? What are funding options for the trust and who can you select as trustee? And when your child turns 18, learn what steps need to be taken. Are guardianship, conservatorship, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives necessary?

Attorney Colleen Masse is the chair of Czepiga Daly Pope & Perri’s Special Needs Planning Department. She knows public benefits inside and out and guides her clients through the eligibility process in a way that won’t jeopardize eligibility for government benefits. Colleen shows her clients how to use a special needs trust to maintain and improve their quality of life, and to protect their money so they can afford the care they need for the long run.

Previous to practicing law at Czepiga Daly Pope & Perri, Masse worked with the Connecticut State Department of Education where she represented students in the care of the Connecticut Department of Children and Families. In this role, she advocated for children with special education needs – filing complaints, performing record reviews, and communicating with various agencies and providers.

Registration is required, online at https://westhartford.librarymarket.com/event/planning-children-special-needs-now-and-future-person or by phone, 860-561-6990. 

The New Britain Museum of American Art’s Permanent Collection.
Wednesday, June 8 at 1 p.m.

Join one of the NBMAA’s docents on a virtual tour of the Museum’s permanent collection. On this hour-long “walk” through the Museum, you will experience the highlights of the collection with stops at works from the Colonial Period up through Contemporary Art. On your tour, your Docent guide will share with you information about the art, artists, and times in which they were made. Get ready to be inspired by art from the New Britain Museum of American Art!

Docent Judy Silver has combined a love of teaching all ages with a love of art museums to become a Docent at the New Britain Museum of American Art for the past 18 years. Professionally she has taught students from pre-school through college, created a show for public television teaching reading, and has enjoyed public speaking on many platforms throughout her life. Silver is committed to many volunteer activities that include her interests in books, art, music, calligraphy, religion, and education. Judy has lived in her house in West Hartford for over 51 years.

Registration is required, online at https://westhartford.librarymarket.com/event/new-britain-museum-american-arts-permanent-collection or by phone, 860-561-6990.

Confronting Crisis in Syria
Wednesday, June 15 at 6:30 p.m.

Dr. Georgette Bennett recounts how she founded the Multifaith Alliance for Syrian Refugees, (MFA), and forged a series of partnerships across national, tribal, and religious boundaries to impact an overwhelming crisis against near-impossible odds. Since its founding, MFA has delivered over $250 Million in humanitarian aid to more than 2.7 million Syrians derailed by war.

Bennett is an award-winning sociologist, widely published author, popular lecturer, and former broadcast journalist. An innovative and entrepreneurial leader, she is an active philanthropist focusing on conflict resolution and intergroup relations.

Registration is required, online at https://westhartford.librarymarket.com/event/confronting-crisis-syria-virtual or by phone, 860-561-6990.

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