Kevin Brown

In honor of Veterans Day, I just want to take a moment to say thank you to those who have served in the United States military. Your courage, dedication, and sacrifices mean more than words can express.

We enjoy the freedoms and safety that define our country because of your service. I’m deeply grateful for everything you’ve done, and continue to do, to protect and uphold those values.

Thank you for your service, today and always.

During the fifth annual Heating Assistance Awareness Month this November, Vernon is partnering with Eversource to raise awareness of the programs available to help pay or lower heating bills, and keep homes warm this winter.

If you or someone you know is struggling to keep up with their energy bills, now is the time to get assistance this winter heating season. There is a plan for everyone, including:

Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP):

• Click here to apply to get up to $645 towards your heating bill from CEAP. 

Energy Efficiency:

• Click here to take advantage of Eversource’s energy efficiency programs, incentives and tips to help you save money and reduce your overall energy use during the colder months. Renters need permission from their landlords to participate.

Winter Protection:

• If you provide proof of qualifying household income or public assistance benefits you receive for at least one household member, your service cannot be shut off between November 1 and May 1.

Click here to learn more about these programs provided through Eversource.
Click here to find your Community Action Agency (CAA) or call 2-1-1 to learn more.

Local food pantries across the state are providing essential assistance to those in need and are also seeking donations to help meet the growing demand.

Click here to find food programs and services available through 211 Connecticut. You can also call 2-1-1, or 1-800-203-1234.

Click here to find a Connecticut Foodshare food pantry or mobile food pantry.

For those neighbors who are not struggling please consider making a monetary donation or even donating your time to Connecticut Foodshare. Click here to volunteer and/or to donate.

Food may be dropped off at 3 Prospect Street or at the Community Kitchen at 15 Prospect Street.

Governor Ned Lamont officially proclaimed November as Alzheimer’s Awareness Month in Connecticut. Alongside this proclamation, House Bill 6771, signed into law on June 3, 2025, introduces several major initiatives to strengthen dementia and Alzheimer’s care statewide:

• Creates an Alzheimer’s and Dementia Task Force, to guide policy, improve coordination, and recommend strategies for prevention, diagnosis, and care.
• Requires insurance coverage for biomarker testing, ensuring residents have access to diagnostic tools that can detect Alzheimer’s and related dementias earlier.
• Adds new measures for improved care access and coordination that support patients, families, caregivers, and healthcare providers.

The state has also released Connecticut’s Guide for Navigating Dementia Care, a new resource designed to help:

• Residents and families locate local dementia care resources.
• Healthcare providers and agencies connect patients with appropriate services.
• Caregivers find community support and education.

Click here to download a copy of the Guide in English or Spanish.

Click here for more information about brain health from The Department of Public Health.

The 2025 Office of Legislative Research Public Act Summary Book is now available. The Public Act Summary Book contains concise summaries of all legislation passed so far in 2025. It is fully searchable by key word, hyperlinked throughout for quick navigation, and organized by committee. 

Click here to access the digital copy of the book.

Last week, Governor Ned Lamont and The Governor’s Prevention Partnership announced the launch of a new initiative to distribute 50,000 drug-deactivation pouches across Connecticut. The effort aims to help families safely dispose of unused medications at home, reducing the risk of drug misuse and protecting the environment.

The state is mailing 50,000 Deterra drug-deactivation pouches to residents in about 40 communities. The pouches, particularly targeted at households with children, provide a simple and environmentally friendly way to prevent prescription drug misuse.

The Deterra pouches deactivate prescription and over-the-counter medications, as well as liquids, patches, and creams. To use them, individuals place the unwanted substances in the pouch, add warm water, seal it, and dispose of it safely in the household trash.

The initiative, which will distribute approximately another 50,000 pouches each year through 2029, is part of a $2 million prevention program funded by the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services through the Opioid Settlement Advisory Committee.

Click here for more information on the Governor's Prevention Partnership and click here to request a Deterra pouch.

Step Back in Time at the Nellie McKnight Museum (70 Main Street, Ellington) on Saturday, November 8 from 9:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. for a Revolutionary War Reenactment Camp.

Experience living history as both the 54th Regiment of Foot (British) and the Ye Old Lebanon Town Militia (American) bring the 18th century to life with demonstrations, talks, and hands-on activities throughout the day.
 
Visitors can explore both camps, talk with re-enactors, and learn about daily life during the Revolutionary War.
 
Museum admission and activities are free, donations to support the Ellington Historical Society are always appreciated.

Click here for more information.