Eleni Kavros DeGraw

Dear Neighbor,

We have only one more week until the start of the 2026 legislative session, and schedules are already packed with screening bills, attending breakfasts, meeting with advocates and stakeholders, and generally gearing up for a very short session—only 63 business days!
 
I was, unfortunately, down with COVID last week and had to miss the chance to honor two beloved members of Avon's community, former Democratic Town Registrar Anne Clark and our wonderful Avon Volunteer Fire Department Deputy Chief David Theriault. I'm honored to share a little about each of them this week.
 
I also missed the chance to finally celebrate the induction of William "Bill" J. Newman of Avon into the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame. I know how proud and excited our local VFW Post 3272 must be to finally see Bill receive this recognition.

The cold continues, and with uncertainty about a possible nor'easter this weekend, our towns are continuing their cold-weather warm-up options. Please continue to check in on your neighbors, especially the elderly ones, and if it snows again, please shovel out the fire hydrants (again).
 
Have a great week and stay warm,

Eleni

The state's severe cold weather protocol has been extended to Thursday, February 5th. Dating back to when it was first activated, this is the longest, continuous severe weather cold weather protocol we've experienced in over a decade. It's going to get cold here, especially at night.

The purpose of the protocol is to ensure that the most vulnerable populations receive protection from the severe cold, which could be life-threatening if exposed to the elements for extended periods of time.

While enacted, a system is set up for state agencies and municipalities to coordinate with United Way 2-1-1 and Connecticut’s network of shelters to make sure that anyone in need can receive shelter from the outdoors, including transportation to shelters.

Anyone in need of shelter or a warming center is urged to visit 211ct.org or call 2-1-1 to find available locations. Transportation can be provided if necessary.

Avon warming centers include:

Avon Senior Center
635 West Avon Road
(860) 675-4355
Hours: Friday, 1/23, Monday, 1/26 thru Wednesday, 1/28 - 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Avon Free Public Library
281 Country Club Road
(860) 673-9712
Hours: Monday, 1/26 thru Wednesday, 1/28 - 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Note: The Library will be closed on Friday, 1/23.

In Canton, the Canton Library and Community Center, 40 Dyer Ave., is open during regular library hours on Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Have a Plan to Stay Warm

• Stay warm indoors to prevent frostbite and hypothermia.
• Consider using an indoor thermometer or thermostat to monitor the temperature inside.
• Plan to check on loved ones and neighbors to make sure they are staying warm. This is especially important for older adults and babies.
• Drink plenty of warm fluids but avoid caffeine and alcohol.
• Avoid travel if you can.
• If you must go outside, plan to dress properly. Keep your nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers, and toes covered in warm, dry clothing. These areas are the first to be at risk for frostbite.
  • Wear layers of loose clothing, a coat, hat, mittens, and water-resistant boots. Use a scarf to cover your face and mouth.
• Know where you will go if your home becomes too cold. You could go to a friend’s house, a public library, or a warming center.

Gather Emergency Supplies

•  Gather food, water, and medicine before a winter storm. Stores might be closed, and it may be unsafe to travel.
• Organize supplies into a Go-Kit and a Stay-at-Home Kit.
  • Go-Kit: at least three days of supplies you can carry with you if you need to go somewhere else to stay warm. Include critical backup batteries and chargers for your devices (cell phone, CPAP, wheelchair, etc.)
  • Stay-at-Home Kit: at least two weeks of supplies.
• Ensure you have enough warm clothing, such as hats, mittens, and blankets, for everyone in your household.
• You may lose access to drinking water. Set aside at least one gallon of drinking water per person per day.
• Consider having emergency supplies in your vehicle, such as a blanket, warm clothing, a first aid kit, and boots.
• Have a 1-month supply of needed medications and medical supplies. Consider keeping a list of your medications and dosages on a small card to carry with you.
• Keep personal, financial, and medical records safe and easy to access (hard copies or securely backed up).
• Have a snow shovel and ice-melting products to keep your walkways safe.
• Stock up on winter storm preparedness kits, supplies, and other first aid supplies.

Plan to Stay Connected

•  Sign up for free emergency alerts from your local government.
• Plan to monitor local weather and news.
• Have a backup battery or a way to charge your cell phone.
• Have a battery-powered radio to use during a power outage.
• Understand the alerts you may receive:
  • A WATCH means Be Prepared!
  • A WARNING means Take Action!

Create a support team to help everyone stay safe in a disaster. Plan how you can help each other.

Customers who qualify for this Special Enrollment Period include: 

• Households with an annual income between 100% and 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), who are not already enrolled in the Covered CT Program. These customers will receive a state subsidy to replace 100% of the expired federal enhanced premium tax credit amounts.
• Households with an annual income over 400% and up to 500% FPL. These customers will receive a state subsidy to replace 50% of the expired federal enhanced premium tax credit amounts.  

Eligible customers who have already enrolled or plan to enroll in a 2026 health plan will see a credit applied to their carrier bill.
 
It’s important to note that while customers will not see the state subsidy amount in AHCT’s online system until all updates have been made in the coming weeks, all eligible customers will soon receive a notice in the mail from AHCT with the amount of their state subsidy.

Insurance companies will send consumers updated premium bills with the credit for the state subsidy amount. This manual process will begin soon, in advance of the system updates to be implemented in the coming weeks.

Free help to sign up is available online, in person, and over the phone.
 
Customers can visit AccessHealthCT.com and click the “Get Help” button on the homepage to find the option that works best for them—including scheduling an appointment, finding a nearby Navigator site or working with a Certified Broker in their area.
 
AHCT has expanded its Navigator program to include six locations around the state and introduced a new Mobile Enrollment Team that supports community events and assists with in-person enrollment, available in English and Spanish.
 
To get help over the phone, customers can call 1-855-805-4325 Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Help is available in over 100 languages.
 
Customers who are deaf or hearing impaired may use TTY at 1-855-789-2428 or call with a relay operator.
 
For free help online, customers can visit AccessHealthCT.com. They can also chat live with a customer service representative by clicking the “Live Chat” icon on the website. Live chat is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.