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Community Culinary School of Northwestern Connecticut recognized for dedication and commitment

August 23, 2013

NEW MILFORD – State ReprCulinary school - 081613_009aesentative Cecilia Buck-Taylor on Friday awarded a Citation from the General Assembly to the Community Culinary School of Northwestern Connecticut, commending its administration and staff for their continued hard work in improving the community and contributing to our local economy.

“This school’s dedication and commitment to the Greater New Milford area and the state of Connecticut, along with its contribution to the work force and local economy deserves recognition and appreciation,” Representative Buck-Taylor, R-New Milford said. “Today we celebrate yet another graduating class where each and every student completed 360 hours of comprehensive training.  The school’s commitment to helping those in need and its positive contributions to our community grow with each group of graduates.  We wish the best to the Community Culinary School of Northwestern Connecticut’s staff, current students and alumni.  The Greater New Milford region is a better place because of them, and they deserve our congratulations.”

The citation, introduced by Representative Buck-Taylor, was presented on behalf of the entire Connecticut General Assembly, State Sen. Clark Chapin, R-30, and State Rep. Richard A. Smith, R-108.

Since 2007, the Community Culinary School of Northwestern Connecticut has offered training opportunities and job placement to economically at-risk individuals, teaching them both culinary expertise and life skills. The school hosts 12-week sessions at St. John’s Episcopal Church for students, age 18 and older.

The school has provided over 40,000 meals to residents since its inception, and according to staff, has an 88 percent post-graduation employment rate for its ServSafe Food Protection certified students.

As Executive Director Dawn Hammacott said, “With the job and life skills they have acquired throughout this session, the sky’s the limit.”