Happy Thanksgiving!

November 26, 2025

I want to wish you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving. This season reminds us of the importance of gratitude, community, and service to one another. May your holiday be filled with peace, joy, and time spent with the ones you cherish.

Expanding High-Speed Internet Access Statewide

The U.S. National Telecommunications and Information Administration has approved Connecticut’s proposal for the federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, awarding $144 million to the state that will be used to expand high-speed internet access statewide. Connecticut is one of 18 states and territories that received federal funds.

Expanding residents’ access to fast, affordable, and reliable high-speed internet will ease essential daily activities, including obtaining medical care, managing bills, seeking employment, and accessing educational opportunities.

Click here to read more on Connecticut’s final proposal for the BEAD program.

Financial Scams Targeting Seniors

Be on the lookout for scams targeting seniors! The Connecticut Intelligence Center, a law enforcement partnership within the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP), is warning about a dramatic increase in financial scams targeting the elderly in Connecticut and the nation.

The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) received 859,532 complaints in 2024, with losses reported at $16.6 billion, a 388% increase from 2023. In 2024 “false pretense” scams cost an estimated $31.9 million to Connecticut victims, most of whom were 65 or older, according to the 2024 Crime in Connecticut Report.

What to Watch Out For

  • High pressure, urgent timeline (“you must send money now”)
  • Request to pay with gift cards, wire transfer, prepaid cards, personal checks or cryptocurrency
  • Caller says you must not contact family or police
  • Caller ID spoofing (it may show a local number or government agency but is fake)
  • Unwilling to meet in person or hesitation to identify themselves with official credentials

What to Do if You Believe You Are a Victim

  • Contact the local police to report the incident
  • Do not transfer money and do not give any payment information
  • Do not give any personal information or confirm/repeat social security numbers, birthdates, bank information or account numbers
  • Verify by calling the family member with a known number not one provided by the caller
  • If you have already made a payment contact your bank or the payment service immediately

Where to Go for Help

Food Assistance

Local food pantries across the state are providing essential assistance to those in need and are also seeking donations to help meet the growing demand.

Click here to find food programs and services available through 211 Connecticut. You can also call 2-1-1, or 1-800-203-1234.

Click here to find a Connecticut Foodshare food pantry or mobile food pantry.

For those neighbors who are not struggling please consider making a monetary donation or even donating your time to Connecticut Foodshare. Click here to volunteer and/or to donate.

Shoreline Turkey Trot

The Shoreline Turkey Trot 5K will be taking place on Thursday, November 27 from 8:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. at the Savin Rock Conference Center (6 Rock Street, West Haven on the beach side).

Click here to register.

Downtown New Haven Tree Farm

Visit the Downtown New Haven Tree Farm for a fun and festive experience finding your new tree!

Friday, November 28 from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. in the Ninth Square Neighborhood at the corner of Center and Orange Street.

Small Business Saturday

On November 29, Small Business Saturday highlights the importance of locally owned businesses. It inspires shoppers to support their communities by choosing to shop small during the busy holiday season.

By participating, you can find unique, personalized gifts while contributing to the local economy by keeping money within your community. Small Business Saturday fosters a sense of connection, strengthening neighborhoods and ensuring that local businesses, which are often the heart of their communities, continue to thrive.

Click here for more information on shopping local in Downtown New Haven, and click here to find out where you can shop small in surrounding communities as well.
 

On Thursday December 4 from 5:00 P.M. to 7:30 P.M. come out to the New Haven Green for the Tree Lighting Ceremony.

The festivities kick off with amazing music, captivating performances, and the dazzling tree lighting. There will also be amusement rides to add extra fun for everyone!