CGA Kickball Classic Monday, Put Birdfeeders Away, Grant Funding Headed To Canton

April 10, 2024


 
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Dear Neighbor,

I hope you enjoyed the magic and the wonder of the eclipse on Monday whether you were in your own backyard or at a local watch party. While we may not have been in the path of totality, we certainly saw quite an astronomical show.
 
Tomorrow at the Cap, the Women’s Business Development Council Day is hosting Women-Owned Business Day. I’m looking forward to popping in between meetings to meet some of the amazing women business owners from across the state.
 
We will be in session two days next week and as you may have seen the Senate has already passed a few bills we hope to take up in the House as well. We also will have the 3rd annual CGA Bipartisan Kickball Tournament on Monday afternoon and we would love to see you and your families join us. I’m so grateful to have been a founding member and a continuing co-chair of the kickball caucus because one of the best outcomes of this event, in addition to all the money we have raised for charities, are the relationships we have built across the aisle.
 
Exciting news today in Canton as the Governor announced two large grants going to two of our non-profits. I’ve heard from many of you that you would like us to continue prioritizing funding to our non-profits and I’m grateful we have been able to provide over $300 million in the past few years to them after years of cuts of flat funding.

And finally, to our Muslim friends, I hope you had a prayerful Ramadan and I’m wishing you a joyous Eid-al-Fitr.
 
Have a great week,

Eleni

 
Eid Al-Fitr
Eid Mubarak to all bidding farewell to Ramadan and welcoming the joyous occasion of Eid al-Fitr.
 
Kickball Classic: Democrats Vs. Republicans On Monday
Democrats and Republicans will take to the field for fun and charity on Monday, April 15th, in the third annual Connecticut General Assembly Kickball Classic at Dunkin' Park in Hartford. Tickets are $10. Proceeds will go to the Pink Fund, which offers financial assistance to breast cancer patients, and the newly-established Earl E. Exum Memorial Fund, honoring the late husband of State Representative Tammy Exum, which was set up to focus on his community causes and mission work. Families are encouraged to attend. Start time is 4:30 p.m. For ticket information, please click HERE.

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 HEREMake sure you have cash on you for parking.

 
Women-Owned Business Day In Hartford Tomorrow
The Women's Business Development Council (WBDC) is hosting a Woman-Owned Business Day at the Legislative Office Building on Thursday, April 11 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the second floor of the Legislative Office Building. Please click on the flyer below to register.
 
A Commitment To Childcare Affordability
House Democrats have made it a top priority during this legislative session to address the issue of childcare affordability. HB 5002 focuses on making childcare more accessible and affordable for families through long-term strategic investments. This is a significant measure that could positively impact many families in our community.

I am proud to support this proposal, as childcare plays a crucial role in nurturing the growth and well-being of our children while also strengthening the economy by supporting parents and guardians. By improving accessibility and affordability, we are investing in our community's future and providing relief to individuals striving to balance work and family life.  

This bill is about more than just numbers. It is about making a tangible difference in the lives of families who deserve access to quality, affordable childcare. Together, we can ensure that this legislation reflects the needs and priorities of the families it aims to serve.
 
It's Time To Put The Birdfeeders Away
Yard Envy

You’ve probably noticed in your backyards and neighborhoods (or at least on your social media feeds), that our large, lumbering, furry bears are awake from their torpor. It’s a good time to take in your birdfeeders for the season (if you had them out) and it’s a good reminder that your feathered friends don’t need your seed for the majority of the year. And, it’s a bad idea to have them out while the bears are looking for food you are putting not just yourself, but your neighbors at risk for an unwanted visitor.

 

"But, Eleni, I love having the birds in my yard..."

 

Well, to be fair, so do I. It might surprise you to know, the birds are there whether you feed them or not. I say this because I’ve been using an app from the Cornell Lab called Merlin Bird ID. You pick the part of the country you’re in, and once you’ve set your location, you can start listening. Below you can see the results from a recent early morning on my back porch having a quiet cup of tea and a listen. I believe you can also use the app for photo ID, but it’s wonderful to know that even without our birdfeeders, you can enjoy the birds in your backyard, and without the interference of the bears. The best part of the app is it’s free so you can try it today Merlin Bird ID!

 
Over $300K In Grant Funding Headed to Canton
Congratulations to the Arc of Farmington Valley and Focus Center for Autism of Canton for receiving more than $300,000 combined in grant funding for projects that help support their missions.
 
Are You Recycling Right?

Please visit the Avon Free Public Library, 281 Country Club Road, on Tuesday, April 16th, from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., and find out which items should be placed into your recycling bin (What’s IN) and which items belong elsewhere (What’s OUT)! Guest speaker Emma MacDonald from the CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) will provide an overview of acceptable materials in CT’s mixed recycling program. They will answer questions about recycling and trash. Please come learn with us. For more information please contact the Adult Services Reference  Desk avonref@avonctlibrary.info 860-673-9712 x 7203. To register for the event, please click HERE.

 
CT Small Business Summit On Monday April 22nd
Click on the flyer below to register for the second CT Small Business Summit on Monday, April 22, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Groton.
 
Canton PD: Take Back Day Dropoff Location 
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is Saturday, April 27th. The Canton Police Department has been designated as a drop-off location in the area. Please see the flyer below for more details.
 
Passports To Connecticut Libraries 
Please stop by your local library to learn more about the Passport to Connecticut Libraries campaign, which encourages everyone to read!

You can start the journey by picking up a library passport at one of 150 participating libraries.

Just get it stamped before visiting other libraries and receive a token gift. Visit at least five libraries and return your passport to a participating library and you will be entered into a state drawing, one for adults and one for children. Participate for a chance to win a $200 Visa gift card! 

The campaign runs through Tuesday, April 30.
The closest locations to grab your passport are:
  • Avon Free Public Library, 281 Country Club Road
  • Canton Public Library, 40 Dyer Ave.

For a full list of participating libraries, please CLICK HERE.

 
Underway: Put The Phone Away Or Pay Campaign
Here's another friendly reminder about the Put the Phone Away or Pay campaign for National Distracted Driving Awareness Month that runs through the end of April. Law enforcement will be stepping up its enforcement of distracted-driving laws through April 30th.
It is illegal to use any hand-help mobile electronic device while driving in Connecticut. In addition, 16 and 17-year-old drivers are not allowed to use a hands-free accessory. Fines start at $200, then go to $375, and $625 for a third offense. Please be safe.
Sincerely,

Eleni Kavros DeGraw
State Representative
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