April 5th Update

April 5, 2024
I hope everyone had a nice Easter if you celebrated the holiday. We gathered on March 25 for a session day, where we voted on executive nominations and the PCA contract (more on that below). So proud to see both of our UConn teams still "dancing" in the NCAA tournament. Go Huskies!

Did you feel the earthquake today? Uneasy feeling for sure - it was centered in New Jersey and initial reports are saying a 4.7 quake. Below you'll find some good tips from the American Red Cross in case we have another one. 

Have a great and safe weekend, everyone! 

This newsletter includes:

  • GO HUSKIES!
  • Around the Capitol & LOB
  • Kickball Classic 2024: Democrats vs. Republicans
  • Morning Without Childcare Rally in Torrington POSTPONED to April 10
  • Why CT Voters Support a Child Tax Credit
  • Around the District
  • CTDOT Project Set to Start in Torrington
  • Northwest CT Chamber of Commerce Happenings in April
  • Earthquake Preparedness from the American Red Cross
  • Celebrating Torrington Library's 160th Anniversary
  • Sponsorships Available for Friendly Hands Food Bank Golf Tournament 
  • Sensory Night at the Wolfpack - Buy Your Tickets Soon!
  • CT State Parks' Sky's the Limit Hiking Challenge
Go UCONN!
Best wishes to the UConn basketball teams as the men aim to defend their 2023 national title and the women make their 23rd Final Four appearance.

Fun fact: This is the fifth time that both the men's and women's teams have been in the Final Four the same year. 

Go Huskies! 
Join Us for the Kickball Classic
Guess what time it is? It's time for the 3rd Annual CGA Kickball Classic! Mark your calendars & head to Dunkin' Park on April 15!

Proceeds will benefit the Earl E. Exum Memorial Fund, in memory and honor of Representative Tammy Exum's husband, Earl, who unexpectedly passed from a heart attack in the fall, as well as The Pink Fund, which offers financial assistance in the fight against breast cancer.

Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the gate or here - https://rb.gy/b1727n

Remember - Dunkin' Park is CASHLESS!

Also, the parking lot directly across from the stadium is no longer accessible, but there is plenty of parking around Dunkin' Park. You can find parking options here - https://www.milb.com/hartford/ballpark/parking-transit.

But make sure you have cash on you for parking.
Around the Capitol & LOB
On March 27, the 5th annual Manufacturer ConneCTion Fair was held at the State Capitol, bringing together manufacturers from across our state and connecting them with the brightest minds of the next generation of innovators.

The event also introduced the college career and internship fair, which featured on-the-spot interviews for internships and jobs.

This year's manufacturer fair attracted over 1,100 high school students exploring a career in manufacturing, more than 115 students from 17 different colleges participating in interviews with 50 Connecticut manufacturers and organizations looking to connect with the young talent, and seven robotics teams showing what they are capable of.

While attending the event, Oliver Wolcott Tech students took a tour of our Capitol Complex. State Rep. Jay Case and I met them in the House Chamber to talk about what we do here at the Capitol and how legislation is passed.
 
On March 25, we held a session day (I got to spend some time on the dais), where we voted on executive nominations and on the Personal Care Assistant (PCA) contract. It's a three-year agreement between the Personal Care Assistant Workforce Council and SEIU District 1199 New England that was passed by the Connecticut General Assembly this week. The contract still needs approval by the federal government.

We also had a coffee hour gathering of the Bipartisan Women's Caucus, prior to the start of the session day, as we wrapped up Women's History Month. Thank you to my co-chair, Nicole Klarides-Ditria, for her continued dedication to the BWC and all our female legislators in the Connecticut General Assembly. 
The Women-Owned Business Day takes place next week at the Legislative Office Building! 
Child Care Rally in Torrington POSTPONED to April 10
The rally at Torrington City Hall has been POSTPONED to April 10, due to the weather. The rally, to support childcare services, is tied to the "Morning Without Childcare" events happening around the state. The Torrington rally is in the evening, from 5:15 p.m. to 6 p.m., to allow more families to come to the rally. Please attend, wear something yellow, and bring noisemakers and posters!
Why CT Voters Support a Child Tax Credit 
The following information was put out recently by the United Way and the Connecticut Child Tax Credit Coalition. Seventy-three percent of Connecticut voters support a Child Tax Credit.
Around the District
I'm happy to be supporting events throughout the 65th District, including:

First six photos: There was a good turnout for the Torrington Historical Society's community forum on March 25. THS welcomed back Mark Cavagnero to speak about the plans for the History Education Center at the Torrington Historical Society. 

Easter photos: The weather wasn't the best, but those who attended the (indoor) Easter festivities through Friendly Hands Food Bank had a great time. 
Torrington DOT Project Starting Soon
The CTDOT has announced a guide rail upgrade project on Rte. 8 Southbound in Torrington from Exits 44 to 43 starting Monday, April 15.

The project consists of upgrading existing guide rail systems to current standard systems on Rte. 8 Southbound from Exit 44 to Exit 43 in the right lane. The upgrades are scheduled to begin on or about April 15 and continue to May 1.

LANE CLOSURE INFO
Motorists can expect lane closures on Rte. 8 southbound between Exits 44 and 43. Traffic control personnel and signing patterns will guide motorists through the work zone. The regular work schedule for this project is 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday – Friday.

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.
Congratulations, Torrington Public Schools!
Torrington Public Schools has received the national designation of Best Communities for Music Education in America for 2024! Torrington Public Schools has received this national designation 24 times, which makes Torrington the most recognized district in Connecticut for music education.

Congratulations!
Northwest CT Chamber of Commerce Happenings
The Northwest CT Chamber of Commerce has a variety of events happening each month, including meet and greets, business showcases, young professional networking events, and more. To browse through their April newsletter, click HERE. 
Earthquake Preparedness
You weren't imagining things today, if you felt your chair move, or your house or office move. We here in Connecticut felt an earthquake that initial reports point to a 4.7 quake centered in New Jersey. 

The American Red Cross offers some good tips, should we ever experience this again (and we likely will).

During an earthquake, you should Drop, Cover, and Hold On to protect yourself from falling debris. Practice with your entire household so everyone knows what to do. Here is how to practice:

DROP where you are onto your hands and knees.
This position protects you from being knocked down and allows you to crawl to a protected space.

COVER your head and neck with your arms.
If a sturdy table or desk is nearby, crawl underneath it for protection.
If you cannot find a protected space, crawl to an interior wall (away from windows).
Stay on your knees and bend over to protect yourself from injury.

HOLD ON until the shaking stops.
If you are under a table or desk, hold onto it as things will be moving. Use an arm to protect your head and neck.
If you are not under a protected space: Protect your head and neck with both arms.

To learn more, click HERE. 
Sponsorship for Friendly Hands Food Bank Golf Tournament
Torrington Library Celebrates 160 Years 
Join Torrington Library for special 160th Anniversary Library Tours. Did you know the library doesn't just have books, but a wide variety of historically significant artifacts that reflect both Torrington and American culture? Tour the facility, learn about our unique history, and see "hidden" spaces that house original letters written by George Washington and Benjamin Talmage; artwork by local artists; glass collections; and so much more! You won't be disappointed, and you'll walk away AMAZED by all that your library has to offer!

After each tour, enjoy coffee and cookies and a Q&A with Library director, Jessica Gueniat.

Contact the library to register. 
Sensory Night at the Hartford Wolfpack
The Torrington Area Families for Autism presents: Sensory Night at the Hartford Wolfpack! The game is Sunday, April 14, but you need to order your tickets by April 5.
Sky's the Limit Hiking Challenge
Join the CT State Parks' 2024 Sky’s The Limit Hiking Challenge! This is a great chance to explore Connecticut’s beautiful state forests. Participate in the STL challenge, which started last Friday, and enjoy hiking through 15 scenic locations.

Capture your journey with photos to earn a special medallion and certificate. Dedicated hikers who complete all trails have a chance to win a unique, hand-carved hiking staff. Entries close on December 6, 2024. Learn how you can submit by clicking here.
Torrington Recreation 2024 Summer Basketball League 
Registration is now open for Torrington Recreation's 2024 Summer Basketball League. To register, click HERE or visit the Recreation office to register in person. 
Art on the Spectrum Auction & Brunch
Family Bicycle Rally