| JOIN ME TO LEARN HOW YOU CAN SAVE ON YOUR ENERGY BILL |
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I am proud to co-host an “Energy 101: Learn & Save Event” to break down how to save on your energy bill, to help customers understand charges, and learn how to switch to a lower cost energy supplier. The event will be held on Wednesday, April 19 from 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm.
In addition, those who attend the event will receive a coupon for a free home energy audit, which includes weather-stripping, duct sealing, installation of water saving low-flow devices, efficiency tests for appliances, and more. I have partnered with F.F. Hitchcock to provide this service. The average home will receive about $1,000 in services and realize up to $200 in savings annually from this home energy audit. The first 25 to redeem the coupon will receive priority scheduling, with the audit being performed before July 1 to ensure the most savings during the hottest months of the year. Appointments can be scheduled by calling the number on the coupon provided to attendees of the energy event.
The “Energy 101: Learn & Save” panel will outline every possible pathway to save money and answer energy related questions. Rep. Johnathan Steinberg, who is the Chair of the Energy and Technology Committee, will serve as a co-host of the panel. Also joining will be Hank Webster with the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, who will give an overview of current energy costs and what contributes to current rates. Finally, John Erlingheuser with the American Association of Retired Persons will detail how these bills affect seniors and what resources are available to them. An associate from F.F. Hitchcock will also be present to explain the free energy audit program.
Times have been tough, budgets have been tight, and this event is a great opportunity to learn what steps can be taken and what resources are available to save money. We're approaching summer when electric bills can skyrocket with the use of air conditioners, so it's important to me that families know what's available to save some money and make life a little easier.
Please stop by for an in-person Community Coffee Event on Monday, April 17 from 6 p.m. - 7 p.m. at Copper City Bar & Grill in Ansonia. Please join the conversation and share your thoughts, ask questions, and provide feedback on state policies currently under consideration by the legislature.
I will host another Community Coffee Event on Friday, April 21 from 8 a.m. - 9 a.m. in the back room of the Valley Diner, 636 New Haven Avenue in Derby. Connecting directly with residents and having real conversations about the issues that matter to you, sharing ideas, and collaborating is critically important to the democratic process. I hope to see you there!
| STUDENT MANUFACTURING FAIR AT CAPITOL |
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I am proud to co-host the Student → Manufacturers Connection Fair at the State Capitol on Wednesday, May 10! Students from all over the state, including Ansonia and Derby, will be journeying up to the Capitol to learn more about opportunities in the manufacturing industry, experience hands-on exhibits, and get information about a variety of training programs for students and young adults.
There will be robotics exhibits, interactive booths, and opportunities to meet with experts in the field. This is truly a fun one for our teens, and I’m excited to share that students from Ansonia, Derby, and Emmett O’Brien will all be attending! Together, we are showing a whole new generation the amazing and innovative career opportunities in this swiftly growing sector in Connecticut.
| FREE JOB TRANING OPPORTUNITY |
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Are you over 18, unemployed or under-employed, and looking for a stable, good-paying career? APPLY NOW to get into the upcoming round of FREE manufacturing classes right here in the 104th!
This program readies you to compete for the thousands of good-paying manufacturing jobs available now, and sets you on a career path with many opportunities for advancement. Modern manufacturing is technical, innovative, and constantly evolving. Don’t miss this opportunity and don’t wait. This is a great program!
It's being offered through a partnership with The WorkPlace, Housatonic Community College, and the Connecticut Department of Labor. This concept was part of the first legislation I authored and passed when becoming your Representative. Through the cooperation of key stakeholders, we now have this highly successful program available in our community, setting our residents on a path to more job stability. It’s a great program, so be sure to enroll if you’re seeking career advancement, or share it with someone you know who is looking to make serious career moves!
Tax Day is coming up on April 18 and TEAM, Inc. is teaming up with Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) to help file your taxes for FREE! Income must
| SUMMER OPPORTUNITIES FOR KIDS |
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Great News! The Summer Enrichment Grant Program is back! Thanks to a third round of funding to the Connecticut State Department of Education, this program can once again provide equitable, high-quality, and accessible summer enrichment opportunities for Connecticut children.
Camps can use the funds for expanding the number of students served, adding additional support services and/or activities, and subsidizing enrollment costs by providing scholarships for families from low-income backgrounds.
| WHAT HAS YOUR REP BEEN UP TO? |
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We had a great turnout for March's “Coffee with Kara” event! I absolutely love hearing your ideas and the thoughtful discussion we have together. A special thank you to Naugatuck Valley Health District for joining to speak with residents as well. This is democracy in action!
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| Click on this picture to see video celebrating Derby Pop Warner! |
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It was an absolute JOY to celebrate the young athletes of Derby Pop Warner! Their dedication, team work, and achievements are inspiring. A special nod to the coaches and parents who support these young people and help them to achieve their dreams.
| LET'S SUPPORT ANSONIA YOUTH CHEER! |
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Let’s do some spring cleaning and help out Ansonia Youth Cheer! The fundraisers is happening now through May 27. Organizers are hoping to raise $1,000.
| SPOTLIGHTING LOCAL EXCELLENCE |
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One of Ansonia’s own small business owners was featured at the Capitol as part of Connecticut Small Business Development Center’s Women-owned business event for Women’s History Month!
Michelle Suarez-Jimenez owns Andes Harvest, providing a variety of tropical fruit blends for smoothies and other treats!
| LOCAL ROLE MODEL NEEDS YOUR HELP |
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My dear friend, Diane Stroman, is a role model to everyone in our community. She has been helping others for decades through countless professional roles, nonprofits, churches, and civic organizations. You may know her as the retired Vice President of Team, Inc., through her work as a youth mentor in the Ansonia School System, or through her work serving on the Elderly Services Commission, Juvenile Review Board, and numerous other boards including the Valley United Way, Valley Boys & Girls Club, Julian A. Taylor Scholarship Committee, and much more. She has touched countless lives, and now she needs our help.
Diane recently announced she is in kidney failure and needs a kidney transplant as soon as possible. She has launched a social media campaign to help identify potential donors.
If you, or anyone you know, would like to be considered a donor, please CLICK HERE or call 866-925-3897 at Yale-New Haven Health. Signing up took 30 seconds. Please consider offering the gift of life for such a pillar of our community!
