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Dear Neighbor,
Summer officially ends in late September, but for many students, teachers, and parents, it kind of ended this week with the first day of school. Whether you've started or not, I want to wish all of our students the best during the 2025-26 school year.
It's also Labor Day weekend, a time to enjoy family and friends as the lazy. hazy days of summer come to a close. Enjoy, and please be safe.
If you're free on Monday, you may want to check out the U.S. Coast Guard Band's free concert at Avery Point. More information is below.
This week's newsletter topics include:
- Good Luck to our Students
- Happy Labor Day Weekend
- Free: U.S. Coast Guard Concert on Monday
- Stand Down 2025
- 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
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I am confident our students will continue to achieve great success thanks to the hard work of teachers, staff, and families who support them every step of the way.
Updated bus routes for Fitch High, Groton Middle, and our elementary schools are now available HERE. Please take a moment to double-check your child’s route and pickup and drop-off times, as some schedules may have changed.
Next week, we’ll be cheering on Stonington students as they begin their school year, and I’m excited to see all that our young people will accomplish in the classroom, on the field, and throughout our community. |
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| Labor Day is a time to celebrate the dedication and resilience of workers everywhere. Thank you for all you do to keep our communities moving forward! |
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| This is just the beginning-a long-term investment in affordability, quality, and equity for Connecticut’s youngest learners. |
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| The U.S. Coast Guard Band is offering a free Labor Day Concert at Avery Point in Groton on Monday, beginning at 5 p.m. Please click on the image below for more details. |
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On September 19, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) will host its annual Stand Down event.
This event is a commitment to serving Connecticut’s veterans, military personnel, and their immediate families by providing “one-stop” access to a range of programs and services offered by state and federal agencies, veterans organizations, and community-based nonprofits at regional sites across the state. |
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A formal ceremony will be held at the Rocky Hill Stand Down location at 9:30 a.m.; however, you're welcome to attend any of the six Stand Down locations at any time throughout the day.
Stand Down locations are:
• Bridgeport: University of Bridgeport, Wheeler Recreational Center, 400 University Avenue, Bridgeport
• Southington: Southington Armory, 600 Woodruff Street, Southington
• Danbury: Danbury War Memorial 1 Memorial Drive, Danbury
• Norwich: Easter Seals Veterans Rally Point, 24 Stott Avenue, Norwich
• Rocky Hill: Connecticut Veterans Affairs campus, 287 West Street, Rocky Hill
• Stamford: UConn at Stamford, 1 University Plaza
Click HERE for more information. |
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Nighttime Repairs on the Gold Star Bridge Along I-95 North and Southbound in New London/Groton
The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is announcing that bridge work will be performed on Bridges 03819 and 02514A along I-95 north and southbound (Gold Star Bridge in New London/Groton. This project is scheduled to occur on Monday, September 8, and be completed on Friday, October 3, 2025. This project ensures the bridges remain in a state of good repair.
LANE CLOSURE/DETOUR INFO
There will be nighttime lane closures on I-95 north and southbound from Monday, September 8, to Friday, October 3, 2025, from 7:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m., Monday-Thursday. No work will be performed on Columbus Day. Traffic control signing patterns and crash units will guide motorists through the work zone.
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.
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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.
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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.
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| 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. |
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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. |
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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:
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- 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.
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