In the News

HAMDEN, Conn. (WFSB) - A young woman from Hamden turned her past trauma into triumph through poetry.

18-year-old Bella Mestuzzi, an award-winning poet, has just completed her manuscript titled “I Ate My Skin”.

While the praise for her work felt rewarding, Bella’s poetry serves a deeper purpose—helping her heal and transform.

Growing up, Bella faced significant struggles, particularly with trust, after her father left when she was very young.

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) – CT BUZZ Host Natasha Lubczenko welcomed Timothy Howes, Deputy Executive Director of Area Cooperative Educational Services (ACES) and Gary Hale, Partner at Daisy Solutions, to discuss an innovative initiative focused on reducing energy costs, enhancing sustainability, and improving learning environments in schools. 

ACES at Chase is a nationally-recognized public STEAM Magnet School on a private campus in Waterbury. The school prepares students for success through a project-based approach to learning, with an emphasis on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math). The school is accepting applications for 2025-2026 school year.

CT Buzz’s Host Natasha Lubczenko recently welcomed Lynn Bailey, Choice & Regional Transportation Coordinator, and Dr. William Rice, Assistant Executive Director of Operations, from Area Cooperative Educational Services (ACES)

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) – CT Buzz Host Natasha Lubczenko sat down with Timothy Howes, Deputy Executive Director of Area Cooperative Educational Services (ACES) to talk about the upcoming GR8 Connecticut Food Drive. This annual event, held in partnership with Connecticut Foodshare and sponsored by ACES, takes place on Saturday, November 23rd, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Connecticut Foodshare, located at 2 Research Parkway in Wallingford. Now in the third year of ACES  sponsoring the drive with WTNH, Timothy Howes shared their excitement about making a difference in the community and helping families across Connecticut enjoy a Thanksgiving meal.

On today’s CT BUZZ, Host Natasha Lubczenko sits down with   Lisa Simone, Director of ACES Youth Justice and Education Services, to discuss the impactful programs they provide for at-risk youth. Lisa Simone shares how ACES works to transform lives through educational initiatives, focusing on diversionary efforts and mentorship programs aimed at keeping students engaged and out of the juvenile justice system.

Avril Fraser, an ACES teacher, shared the mission to redefine early education with a dynamic blend of multiculturalism, global citizenship, art, and more!

 Connecticut’s Morning Buzz Host Natasha Lubczenko recently met with ACES Wintergreen Interdistrict Magnet School Theme Coach, Ingrid Ellinger-Doviak, and Principal Dr. Zakiyyah Baker.

Connecticut’s Morning Buzz Host Natasha Lubczenko recently met with Melissa Alers, ACES International Trade Development and World Languages Coordinator.

Young Hartford students are giving back while learning a valuable lesson in community service.