Mary Fortier

Earlier this week, I had the opportunity to visit RecyclX, an independent redemption center, alongside former Mayor Ellen Zoppo-Sassu.

RecyclX processes around 1 million bottles and cans each day, many of which come from large redemption centers in Connecticut that previously had to send materials out of state.

This facility was built around a straightforward but powerful idea: make it easier for Connecticut residents to redeem the 10-cent deposit they’ve already paid on bottles and cans. It’s a local, convenient, and environmentally responsible solution—one that operates without government funding or infrastructure, relying instead on private-sector innovation.

RecyclX is a great example of how smart, market-based solutions can tackle public challenges. It supports the environment, boosts the local economy, and demonstrates the vital role of small businesses and entrepreneurship in creating real, practical progress for our communities.

Connecticut's annual Sales Tax-Free Week begins on Sunday, August 17, and runs through Saturday, August 23. This is Connecticut's 26th Sales Tax-Free Week and it provides a chance to save money, whether it is taking the kids back-to-school shopping or treating yourself or your loved ones.

Highlights of Sales Tax-Free Week:

• Sales or purchases of certain items of clothing or footwear costing less than $100 per item are exempt from Connecticut's 6.35% sales tax
• Sales Tax-Free Week applies to purchases made in-store, online, mail-order, and over the phone
• This special exemption applies to purchases made from retailers located in Connecticut as well as from online retailers

Shop smart – and locally whenever possible to support small businesses – to save during Connecticut’s Sales Tax-Free Week!

The 8th Annual Mayor's Back to School Pencil Hunt is taking place on Thursday, August 21 at Muzzy Field (15 Muzzy Street, Bristol)

Pre-kindergarten through eighth grade youth will participant in a scavenger hunt for pencils, as well as take home a goodie bag filled with school supplies. Youth who pull specially-marked pencils will take home surprise Silver or Gold prizes, in addition to their school supply goodie bag.

The pencil hunt is a fun way to gather some school supplies for the new school year, as well as connect with some friends or make new ones! In addition to the scavenger hunt, there will be several community resources and other vendors present to provide information and handouts for all. Come on by and check them out!

The cost is FREE! But pre-registration is required, click here to register.

If you have any questions, contact Bristol Parks, Recreation, Youth & Community Services at 860-314-4690.

Please arrive ten minutes prior to the start of the hunt to provide ample time for check-in. 

The Connecticut Office of Higher Education (OHE) announced that the Student Loan Reimbursement Program (SLRP) will reopen for applications on Friday, August 15.

The SLRP provides up to $5,000 annually, with a four-year cap at $20,000, to eligible applicants who meet service and income requirements.

Recent changes have expanded eligibility for Connecticut’s student loan relief program, helping it reach more residents burdened by student debt.

The updated criteria now recognize a wider range of educational and volunteer experiences, allowing more individuals to qualify for assistance. Notably, former Stone Academy students may now be eligible for relief following the school's closure. Those who did not receive a tuition refund are now eligible for reimbursement.

According to OHE, these changes are designed to provide a pathway to recover from both educational and financial setbacks, ensuring the program serves those most in need.

The following includes the program’s key eligibility requirements:

• Must be a Connecticut resident for at least five consecutive years
• Must have an outstanding student loan balance and made a qualifying payment in 2024
• Must have graduated from a Connecticut college/university, or attended a program to earn a professional license/certificate
• Income limits: $125,000 for individuals and $175,000 for married applicants
• Must have 50 hours of verified volunteer service since Jan. 1, 2024, at a qualifying nonprofit, municipal agency, or through military service
• A hardship waiver may be requested in certain cases of degree non-completion

Applicants must create an account, complete the application, and upload all required documents to be considered for approval. Click here to create an account and apply.

The Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) is urging state residents to sign up for the CT Alert emergency notification system as extreme weather incidents continue to increase.

According to DESPP, more than 5,000 residents signed up for CT Alert just over the last month — more than during any one of the last three years bringing the total to nearly 226,000 people who have signed up for the emergency notifications.

DESPP offered a number of tips on how to prepare for potential severe weather:

• Download the CTPrepares app for your mobile phone so you know how to prepare for any emergency.
• Create an emergency kit to keep in your home so you are ready for any emergency.
• Put together a “go bag” with copies of important documents, prescriptions, battery-operated radio, and other items such as a cell phone charger.
• Make sure you have an evacuation plan, particularly if you live in a hurricane evacuation zone.

Signing up for CT alert system can be done online or by texting CTALERT to 888-777.

The City Assessor’s Office is reminding Bristol residents that field inspection services relative to assessment revaluations in preparation for the October 2027 revaluation of all properties by a licensed contractor, Tyler Technologies, will be ongoing and should be complete before the end of this year.

Click here to read the full press release and the list of streets that remain to be inspected.

Gun Industry Accountability:

• Enables civil lawsuits against gun manufacturers, distributors, and retailers who fail to exercise reasonable control over the marketing, sale, and distribution of their firearms
• his makes Connecticut one of the few states allowing civil action against members of the firearm industry under state law

Closing Permit Loopholes:

• Out-of-state convictions: Individuals convicted of crimes in other states that would be disqualifying in Connecticut are now also ineligible for firearm permits in the state
• Applies to convictions within the past 8 years

Age Restrictions Expanded:

• The prohibition on selling certain semi-automatic rifles to individuals under 21 now extends to private sales, not just sales by licensed dealers

Body Armor Restrictions:

• Purchasers must have a pistol permit or eligibility certificate to buy body armor
• Certain exemptions apply for law enforcement and specified personnel

Clarification of Self-Defense:

• The law clarifies that the unlawful discharge of a firearm statute (a Class C misdemeanor) does not apply to someone who lawfully discharged a firearm in self-defense or defense of another

Connecticut is recognized as having some of the strongest gun laws in the U.S., and this bill is seen as a significant step toward enhanced public safety and industry accountability.