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Dear Neighbor,
October is Breast Cancer Awareness and Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and I have included information below on both, including ways in which we can help the causes.
Governor Lamont recently issued orders ensuring we have access to COVID-19 vaccines during the soon-arriving respiratory virus season. Scroll down for more details.
You may have heard that the Connecticut Pizza Trails has been launched. Our area is very well represented among the state's top 100 pizzerias. Check it out below.
I hope you enjoy this week's newsletter. Topics include:
- October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
- Domestic Violence Awareness Month
- Ensuring COVID-19 Access
- A Boost in Town Aid Road Funding
- CT Department of Transportation News
- Veterans Resources & Updates
- Hispanic Heritage Month Highlight
- Fall Foliage in Connecticut
- Community Events
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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October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
This is the time each year we bring awareness and honor the millions of lives affected by the disease in one way or another. Throughout the month, we stress the importance of mammograms as the best way to screen for breast cancer, which is the second most common cancer among women.
One in eight women in the United States will get breast cancer. More than 40,000 women die from breast cancer in the U.S. each year.
There is hope. Awareness is the key. Click HERE for more details. |
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Also during this month, victim advocates, survivors of abuse, their loved ones, communities, and more come together to mourn the lives lost to domestic violence and acknowledge the progress made in curbing this epidemic, and connecting with others working for change.
Please click HERE for more information. |
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Governor Lamont has issued executive orders to ensure that Connecticut residents have access to COVID-19 vaccines during the upcoming respiratory virus season.
For decades, vaccines have been proven to prevent serious illness, hospitalization, and death, and patients and their doctors should be able to decide what is the best course of treatment.
- The Department of Public Health recommends COVID-19 vaccines for everyone 6 months and older
- Pharmacists and providers can keep giving vaccines under the latest CDC guidance
- State law requires most insurance plans to continue covering COVID-19 vaccines
These steps make sure Connecticut residents can stay protected. Please click HERE for more details.
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Connecticut’s Town Aid Road (TAR) grant program is growing, with state support rising from $60 million under the previous state budget to $80 million in the current budget.
This funding boost represents a 33% year-over-year increase that will directly support cities and towns in covering the costs of local road paving, maintenance, and safety operations.
It is the program’s largest investment in more than a decade, and helps towns repair roads faster, improve safety, and respond better to severe weather.
I'm excited to see this significant increase in funding, and as a supporter of this year's budget, I'm proud to have supported this increase.
For more information on the Town Aid Road program or to use the interactive map, click HERE. |
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The City of Groton's leaf collection dates are now available. A quick look is below.
- Wednesday, October 22, 2025
- Wednesday, October 29, 2025
- Wednesday, November 5, 2025
- Wednesday, November 12, 2025
- Wednesday, November 19, 2025
- Wednesday, November 26, 2025 – NO LEAF COLLECTION
- Wednesday, December 3, 2025 (Final Leaf Collection for Fall)
Of note:
- Place leaves only in biodegradable paper bags, trash cans, or cardboard boxes not larger than thirty-five (35) gallons.
- Do not use plastic bags - leaves will not be collected.
- Grass clippings will not be collected. Compost or mulch on your lawn. Do not blow into the street.
- Do not sweep leaves into the street. Leaves accumulate in the catch basins and clog them up creating drainage problems.
- Place tree twigs or hedge trimmings in with regular trash.
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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 today. 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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Did you know Connecticut is home to one of the largest Puerto Rican populations per capita in the continental U.S.?
The newly established Connecticut–Puerto Rico Trade Commission is a powerful milestone that will identify trade opportunities, strengthen supply chains, and support Puerto Rican-owned businesses both on the island and here in Connecticut.
I’m proud to stand with our Puerto Rican brothers and sisters in advancing equity and opportunity, because Hispanic Heritage Month isn’t just about celebrating history—it’s about building the future. |
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| Connecticut's Pizza Trail has been launched and is celebrating 100 pizzerias across the state. New London County is well-represented. You can read more by clicking on the image below. |
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