Celebrating in the Community

June 17, 2022
Last weekend - well all in one day - I had the absolute privilege of participating in three community events!

My morning started with the Flags for Heroes ceremony hosted by the Derby-Shelton Rotary Club, where I was honored to present a citation and sponsor a flag for my three brothers who are all combat veterans.

Next, I visited the Griffin Hospital Pride Event! So many great community resources - and I picked up some new lapel pins!
After that, I took a family trip to the Orange CT Strawberry Festival where we ate *ALL* the food, picked up some pretty items from awesome small businesses and saw lots of friends!

So good to be seeing people again!

 
Congrats 2022 Graduates
A special congratulations to all of this year's graduates! Whether you are headed off to another year of schooling, or headed into the workforce, I wish you the best of luck on your journey.
 
Homebuyer Assistance
For a limited time, CHFA will offer the Time To Own - Forgivable Down Payment Assistance loan to help alleviate potential homebuyers' inability to cover the down payment and closing costs required to purchase their first home.

The Time To Own loan is available to eligible homebuyers in conjunction with a CHFA first mortgage loan. Eligible homebuyers may also take advantage of the CHFA Down Payment Assistance (DAP) loan, in addition to the Time To Own - Forgivable Down Payment Assistance loan Program.

Benefits
  • 0% Interest rate with no monthly payment required.
  • 10% of the principal balance will be forgiven annually, on the anniversary date of the loan closing, until the loan is fully forgiven on the tenth anniversary
  • Financing to cover up to 20% down payment and up to 5% closing costs
  • Loan amounts up to $50,000 for homes located in High or Very High Opportunity Areas
  • Loan amounts up to $25,000 for homes located in areas other than High or Very High Opportunity Areas
Eligibility Requirements
  • The Time To Own loan is only available to eligible applicants that qualify for and receive a CHFA first mortgage
  • The Time To Own loan may also be used in conjunction with other down payment assistance programs
  • Applicants must be a current resident of Connecticut and able to demonstrate residency for the most recent three (3) years
  • Applicants who are not first - time homebuyers may also apply if they plan to purchase in a targeted area of the state.  Borrowers may not own any other property at the time of the CHFA mortgage closing
Additional Considerations
  • The minimum Time To Own loan amount is $3,000
  • Applicants must meet all CHFA first mortgage and Time To Own loan program eligibility and underwriting criteria.  The CHFA- Participating Lender will work with applicants to determine complete program eligibility requirements
  • Learn more about taking the first steps to becoming a homeowner here

Additional Program Resources 

 
Roadwork in Orange & Woodbridge

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) announced that it will begin a milling and resurfacing project on Route 114 in Orange and Woodbridge beginning next week.

The project began yesterday, June 16, and run through Thursday, July 14.

No work will be performed on 4th of July Weekend.

Lane Closure Info:

  • Expect lane closures on Route 114 from Muirfield Road to Sun Brook Road
  • The work schedule is Sunday - Friday from 7:00PM - 5:30AM
  • Traffic control personnel and signing patterns will be utilized to guide motorists through the work zone
 
Child Tax Payment Applications
Applications for the Child Tax Payments are still open!

Since applications were first opened to the public on June 1,

more than 90,000 households have filed to receive the $250 per child tax payment (up to three children). This was included in the $650 million tax relief package that House Democrats approved as part of the 2022 state budget to give much-needed financial relief and flexibility to working families across Connecticut.

If you have a child born before Jan. 1, 2022 and haven't yet applied, I want to remind you that there is still time to apply to receive your check!

This tax payment is available to single parents who earned less than $100,000 and two-parent households that made less than $200,000 during the 2021 tax year.

For more information on the payment and to submit an application with the Department of Revenue Services before the

July 31 deadline, click the button below:
Apply for Child Tax Payment
 
Orange Bicentennial Celebrations
Don't forget, the Orange Bicentennial Summer of Celebration is well underway! Check out the links below for Upcoming Events:

On Saturday, June 25 at 2PM, the Town will hold its Bicentennial Parade! The rain date set for the Parade is Sunday, June 26 at 2PM.

 
Bulk Pick-Up in Derby
The City of Derby sent out a reminder that Derby residents are allowed two bulk pick-ups each calendar year at no cost.

Appointments may be made by emailing derbybulkpickups@citycart.net or by calling (203) 736-1464 if you do not have a computer.

Please visit the city's website for more details.

 
What Does Our Community Need?
TEAM, Inc. is working on there annual Community Needs Assessment and wants to hear from you!

Residents of Derby, Orange and Woodbridge are asked to take this short survey, which will clarify what resources we need in the community to better provide for residents like you. The group is hoping to receive responses by mid-June, so if you are willing, please click or scan the QR code below to take the survey.

 
Aid for Ukraine
As we continue to watch the horrifying and saddening conflict between Russia and Ukraine, I wanted to remind you all that we do not have to sit back helplessly, there are ways we can offer aid and support to the innocent citizens of Ukraine.

Fellow community member, Olena Lennon, provided us with this list of legitimate donation sites for aid to the Ukrainian community.

Click here to help volunteer to help Ukraine.

Click here to learn more about projects helping Ukraine.

Click here to support funding to cover administrative costs to help Ukraine.

Click here to learn how to help Ukrainians.

Our community, state and country all stand with the innocent citizens of Ukraine and we will continue to do all we can to offer support while actively trying to deescalate conflict.