|
|
|
|
|
Dear Neighbor,
August is among us, meaning the summer is coming to a close, and the kids will be back in school soon. Let's enjoy the rest of the best season to be a resident of the 41st District.
I am sending heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Plainville firefighter Ray Moreau, who died in the line of duty on Sunday.
The Women's Business Development Council is offering grants this month. Please see more details regarding those opportunities.
If you own an E-bike, new regulations for those without pedals and batteries over 750 watts specifically are going into effect this fall. See below for more.
City Day in Groton kicks off today from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Washington Park! This is a great, family-friendly event celebrating its 40th year.
Topics in this week's newsletter include:
- Around the 41st District
- Ray Moreau: May His Memory Be a Blessing
- WBDC Small Business Grants Available
- Own an E-bike? New Regulations Coming
- Another DMV Scam, Beware
- Aspiring Educators Scholarship Program
- CT Department of Transportation News
- Veterans Resources & Updates
- Community Events and Notices
Have a great weekend!
Do not hesitate to contact me with any thoughts or concerns you may have at Aundre.Bumgardner@cga.ct.gov or 1-800-842-8267.
Sincerely,
Aundré Bumgardner
State Representative
|
|
I had the honor of attending the 2025 Blessing of the Fleet in Stonington—one of our district’s most cherished and deeply rooted maritime traditions.
This ceremony is a moving tribute to the generations of fishermen we’ve lost at sea and a blessing for those who continue to work our waters today. I was especially proud to see Joe Gilbert recognized as this year’s Grand Marshal—a fitting honor for someone who has dedicated his life to sustaining Stonington’s commercial fleet and preserving the working waterfront at the Town Dock.
The sound of the church bells, the solemn prayers, and the procession of vessels, flags flying high, reminded us that our identity is inseparable from the sea—and from those who risk everything to feed their communities.
Thank you to everyone who helped organize this year’s event and to all who came out to pay tribute. May we continue to protect and uplift our maritime heritage for generations to come. |
|
Firefighter Moreau dedicated himself to protecting our community, showing courage and selflessness every day. His passing is a profound loss for Plainville, for Connecticut, and for all who knew and served alongside him.
Governor Lamont has ordered flags in Connecticut to be lowered to half-staff in his memory.
May we never forget his bravery and the service he rendered. |
|
| The Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC) has announced the next round of Ignite and Child Care Business Grant Programs. |
|
The Child Care Business Opportunity Fund, offered in partnership with the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC), provides grants of up to $25,000 to qualified licensed and aspiring child care businesses.
The program offers grants targeting different stages of business, from start-ups to those ready to expand. Since this program was launched in 2020, nearly $8.4 million has been awarded to child care businesses in every corner of Connecticut. The application period for Child Care Business grants runs from August 1 through August 31, 2025. You can find more information on Child Care Business Opportunity Fund grants here. |
|
The Ignite Grant Program is designed to help women-owned businesses grow. The program offers grants of up to $10,000 to women-owned businesses in the state of Connecticut who have been in business for 2 or more years and have revenues between $25K and $2 million. Since the start of the program, we have distributed 424 grants of over $3.9 million to women-owned businesses in Connecticut.
The application period for this grant runs from August 5 through September 16, 2025. You can find additional information on Ignite here. Interested applicants can register for a live information session here. |
|
New regulations will take effect for some electric bikes, or e-bikes, on October 1.
The new law pertains to E-bikes without pedals and with batteries over 750 watts.
They will be classified as motor-driven cycles and require a driver's license to operate them.
E-bikes exceeding 3,500 watts will require registration and insurance, like motorcycles. |
|
|
E-bikes are gaining popularity, but medical professionals are warning that these bikes can be dangerous. Connecticut Children's Medical Center treated 25 e-bike injuries in May and June 2025, compared to three in May and June 2024.
Here’s what parents and kids need to know about riding e-bikes in Connecticut:
- Speed limits matter: Class 2 e-bikes (the ones with a throttle) are capped at 20 mph. Class 3 models can go up to 28 mph—but only if they’re not throttle-powered
- No passengers unless built for two: Most e-bikes aren’t designed for a second rider
- Stay off the sidewalk: Unless otherwise posted, e-bikes are considered vehicles. They belong on the road, in the right lane
- Be courteous and cautious: If riding on sidewalks or shared paths, yield to pedestrians
- New in 2025: Class 1 e-bikes are now allowed on bikes and multi-use trails statewide, unless a town says otherwise.
|
|
| Mystic Seaport is hosting its 20th annual Sea Glass Festival, a two-day event beginning tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. and concluding on July 27th at 5:00 p.m. You can get more information HERE |
|
|
The Aspiring Educators Scholarship Program, established by the Connecticut General Assembly and administered by the CT State Department of Education (CSDE), is now open for applications!
This scholarship supports students who:
- Graduated from a public high school in an Alliance District
- Are enrolled—or will soon enroll—in a teacher preparation program at a four-year college or university
- Are in good academic standing
- Meet any additional CSDE eligibility requirements
Up to $10,000 per year is available for eligible students, including:
- High school seniors planning to begin a teacher prep program this fall
- Undergraduate or graduate students already enrolled in an approved program
Don’t miss this opportunity to get financial support as you prepare to inspire the next generation of learners!
Apply now and take the next step toward becoming an educator. Click HERE for more details.
|
|
|
Temporary Signalization on Route 215 in Groton
A temporary signal was implemented on Route 215 in Groton on Monday, June 9th. It will be de-energized in November 2025. Project No. 0058-0338 consists of replacing the culvert headwalls and relining the existing culvert pipe under Route 215 at Anderson Marsh and Beebe Cove.
LANE CLOSURE/DETOUR INFO
There will be continuous single-lane closure on Route 215 from June 9 to November 2025. Traffic control signing, temporary pavement markings, and the temporary signal will guide motorists through the work zone in an alternating one-way manner.
Motorists should be aware that modifications or extensions to this schedule may become necessary due to weather delays or other unforeseen conditions. Motorists are advised to maintain a safe speed when driving in this area.
|
|
|
Culvert Replacement on Route 215 in Groton
A culvert replacement at Anderson Marsh and Beebe Cove will be performed on Route 215 in Groton. Minor construction and utility work have already commenced.
This project is scheduled to typically occur on Mondays through Fridays with anticipated completion on November 22, 2025.
The project will address the deterioration of the existing headwalls and the separation of the culvert sections spanning Anderson Marsh and Beebe Cove on Route 215 in Groton, Connecticut. The project is scheduled to be completed on November 22, 2025.
|
|
| This project is to be completed on Friday, August 22, 2026. At applicable locations, pedestrian control features, such as countdown pedestrian indications, accessible pushbuttons, and sidewalk ramps, will be upgraded to improve accessibility and pedestrian safety. |
|
As the State Representative for Groton, Mystic, and Stonington, home to a strong military community and the U.S. Naval Submarine Base, I am committed to ensuring Veterans, active-duty service members, and military families have access to the latest updates, resources, and opportunities.
Below are important events, legislative updates, and benefit programs that may be of interest to our district’s Veterans. |
|
Upcoming Events for VeteransWreaths Across America – Start Sponsoring Now!Every year, we strive to place a wreath on all requested graves at the Connecticut Veterans Cemetery and Col. Gates Cemetery. You can sponsor early to help us reach our goal. Sponsor HereLegislative & Policy Updates
2025 Connecticut General Assembly Session Opened January 8Veterans can track bills related to military benefits, tax relief, and more using the General Assembly’s Bill Tracking Tool: Track Bills HereHow to Get a Copy of Your DD 214
- Your DD 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) is critical for accessing VA benefits. Here’s how to obtain a copy:
- Check with your Town Clerk – Many Veterans file their DD 214 with their local town clerk.
- Contact CT Veterans Affairs – They have an archive of 130,000 DD 214s. Email oaa.dva@ct.gov for assistance.
- Submit a Request to the National Archives – The fastest way is online: Request Here
- If Needed for Burial or Military Honors – Funeral directors have priority retrieval access.
Applying for a Discharge UpgradeVeterans with less than honorable discharges due to PTSD, TBI, Military Sexual Trauma (MST), or sexual orientation (Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell) may be eligible for an upgrade. Learn more and apply online: Discharge Upgrade InstructionsMunicipal Veterans Representative ProgramEach town must appoint a Veterans Representative to help Veterans access services. Find your local VetRep here: Locate Your Rep2025 Veterans Benefits Guide Available for DownloadThe latest edition of the VA’s "Veterans Benefits for Veterans, Dependents, Survivors, and Caregivers" is now available: Download Here
Stay Connected & Get Involved
I encourage all Veterans, military families, and community members to stay informed and engaged. You can sign up for the Connecticut DVA Newsletter to receive future updates: Subscribe Here.For those looking to connect with fellow Veterans, share stories, and access important resources, consider attending a Veterans Coffeehouse near you. These gatherings provide a welcoming space for Veterans to socialize and receive information about benefits and services:
|
|
- Groton – 2nd & 4th Friday of the month, 9 AM – 11 AM
- Groton Public Library – 52 Newtown Road
- Mystic – 1st & 3rd Thursday of the month, 9 AM – 11 AM
- Mystic Congregational Church – 43 East Main Street
- Pawcatuck – 2nd & 4th Thursday of the month, 9 AM – 11 AM
- Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center – 27 Chase Street
For more locations and information, contact:
Gina King, Director, Senior Volunteer Services
gking@tvcca.org | 860-425-6617
If you have any issues, concerns, or ideas related to Veteran services, military families, or legislative priorities, please feel free to reach out to my office. Your service and sacrifices deserve to be honored with the best support possible.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
