Weekly Updates & Local Happenings

August 4, 2023


 
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Dear Neighbor,
Loss in Our Community
The City of New London, Connecticut has lost a young 15 year old this weekend. I come before you today after hearing from heavy hearts asking we pray up the family & friends experiencing the pain and grief of losing their loved teenager and friend. Many of us cannot imagine the depth of their sorrow though many of us know that you are the God of all comfort, compassion and peace.
I ask for your presence to surround this family in their time of need, give strength and courage for this family as they navigate the difficult days ahead. Comfort them in their sorrow, wrap your loving presence around them and give them the peace that surpasses all understanding.
I pray that you would surround them with a supportive community and loving relationships that will uplift and encourage them during this challenging time. Give them kind hearts to walk alongside this family offering a listening ear a helping hand and a shoulder to cry on.
I ask you to grant the family the grace to process their grief and allow them to mourn in their own unique way, shower them with comfort strength healing and hope. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
 
Funding Approved in Budget
I was asked to share some of the funding that was approved in the budget to help our youth and young adults. I am glad to announce a few more areas funding was approved for numerous organizations & programs in the City of New London, Connecticut. These funds will help make a difference by giving youth & young adults the ability and opportunity to take part in great program initiatives, social & sport activities, scholarships, and workshops.
 
Water Street Garage Improvements Press Conference
Had a great opportunity to come together with the Southeastern CT Federal Delegation for a press conference in regards to the funding for the Water Street Garage improvements.
City of New London, Connecticut is thankful to Congressman Joe Courtney Senator Chris Murphy Senator Richard Blumenthal for their assistance getting the City of New London, Connecticut $17 Million in funding for our soon to be Parking and Transportation Hub.
The U.S. Department of Transportation awarded New London $17 million for planned transit-related infrastructure improvements downtown, the largest portion going toward expansion of the city's Water Street parking garage.
 
Visit to Coast Guard
I had the great opportunity to spend the day this week at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy with Superintendent RADM Michael Johnston, Senator Cathy Osten, Governor Ned Lamont, and Alumni to celebrate the State of Connecticut authorizing funding, and discuss plans for future updates to the Academy's library.
 
Grit and Grace Screening
Garde Arts Center
City of New London, Connecticut had another great event this week. A nice screening and post-show panel discussion of "Grit & Grace: The Fight for the American Dream," a groundbreaking documentary-style film produced by the U.S. House Select Committee on Economic Disparity and Fairness in Growth, led by CT Congressman Jim Himes.Thank you for all on the panel, Garde Arts Center and big thanks to those who came out and enjoyed.
 
PACT Act Benefits
Are you a veteran who is suffering from a service related injury or illness?
Claims Received by August 9 Are Eligible for 12 Months of Backdated Compensation.
There’s no deadline to apply for PACT Act benefits. But if you file your PACT Act claim—or quickly submit your intent to file—on or before August 9, 2023, you may receive benefits backdated to August 10, 2022, if approved.
We have a Veteran Specialist available at the Eastern CT Veterans Community Center who can help you file an intent or application before this deadline. Text/call 860-423-6389 or email info@windhamchamber.com to set up an appointment before the deadline!!
 
Small Business Boost Fund
The Connecticut Small Business Boost Fund gives small business owners access to flexible funding for capital expenditures and working capital and connects them with support services. It’s a personal, equitable approach to lending, because business owners are more than just numbers on a spreadsheet.
Small businesses and nonprofits can borrow between $5,000 and $500,000 depending on eligibility and need, and can choose how they spend the money — on equipment, payroll, utilities & rent, supplies, marketing & advertising, eligible refinancing, building renovations and other expenses. Loans are not forgivable. Businesses will need to pay back the full amount of the loan with interest over a 60- or 72-month term.
🏾Need assistance with your loan application? Get more information on free business support resources.
Business owners who apply for loans through the Connecticut Small Business Boost Fund have the option of receiving free business guidance before, during and after the application process.
Business support organizations can help with everything from application guidance to identifying and gathering the required documents, financial projections, cash flow management, business plans and credit improvement support. If a business is not successful in securing a loan, the business support counselor works with them to get them closer to being loan-ready so that they may have a successful application in the future.
 
Grants for Kinship Guardians
For anyone that is a kinship guardian, I want you to be aware of probate court grants available for you.

For more than a decade, local Probate Courts have annually awarded $2 million in grants from the state Kinship Fund and Respite Fund to guardians of children who meet low-income guidelines.

The Kinship Fund awards grants of up to $550 a child -- or $2,200 a family – a year to help pay for necessities such as eyeglasses and clothing, or for enrichment activities such as summer camp, art supplies or creative books.

The Respite Fund helps guardians with the cost of child care, rent, transportation and food. These grants are capped at $2,200 a year.
Appointing and supporting kinship guardians are two of the many ways Connecticut’s Probate Courts serve both residents and the State. Through this program, our Probate Courts save the State more than $70 million a year by keeping thousands of children out of the foster care system.

Guardians can apply for both funds, though a separate application for each is required. Amounts awarded to residents are determined by their local Probate Court.

Residents can find grant applications online or by contacting their local Probate Court.

 
CT's Chief Public Defender Article
Big Shout Out to Connecticut’s Chief Public Defender TaShun Bowden-Lewis the first Black person and, more specifically, the first Black woman to lead the Division of Public Defender Services, an agency more than a century old with hundreds of people dedicated to providing legal assistance to poor and low-income residents.
 
Birth Centers Coming to Connecticut
SIGNED INTO LAW!
Nationwide statistics find that birth centers:
- Save about $2,100 per infant mother pair
- Decreasing the number of cesarean births
- Increase vaginal births after cesarean deliveries
- Reduce preterm births
Improving equitable access to health care resources, including providers, is a positive step forward to improving maternal health in Connecticut.
You can learn more about the law here: https://rb.gy/30f1u
 
Student Loan Interest Elimination Act
Big thanks to Congressman Joe Courtney and Senator Peter Welch, who are initiating a bill called the Student Loan Interest Elimination Act. This bill refinances interest rates on all existing federal student loans to 0%.
This is the commonsense way to relieve the burden of student debt for borrowers and lower the cost of college – all at no cost to taxpayers. I also agree government should not make money of student loans.
 
National Night Out
Great turnout National NightnOut City of New London, Connecticut. Thanks New London Police Department, All volunteers and Ocean Beach Park for the fun filled night for the community.
 
School Rocks Backpack Giveaway
I had the great opportunity to participate with Wireless Zone’s School Rocks Backpack Giveaway! Big thanks to the Wireless Zone Team and all the volunteers - through the afternoon the youth and parents enjoyed NLPD, NLFD, face painting, balloon art, corn hole, bounce house and more.
 
Peruvian Flag Raising
City of New London, Connecticut
This weekend I had the great opportunity to attend the Peruvian Flag Raising and community awards. Thank you to the organizers, Dancers and volunteers for a great event.
In raising this flag we express our gratitude to the Peruvian community for its contributions to our society and we reaffirm our commitment to fostering inclusivity diversity and cultural exchange. It is through these connections that we build bridges strengthen bonds and create a more harmonious and prosperous society.
May this ceremony fill you all with pride unity and a renewed sense of appreciation for the Peruvian community's invaluable contributions. Let us celebrate this moment with joy reflect on the shared values that bind us and embrace the diversity that brings color to our lives.
 
7th Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps Friends Show
I had the great opportunity to stop by the 7th Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps Friends show. I had the opportunity to say a few words to thank the talented youth for sharing their amazing talents. If you ever have the chance to attend a show makensure you stop by.
 
Noche Latina
Glad to attend Noche Latina on The Boardwalk at Ocean Beach Park another great event thanks to Taino Productions LLC and Ocean Beach Park. Truly appreciate the crowd that came from as far as Albany NY and New Hampshire. Numerous visitors talked about our Beach being amazing.
 
Axetreme Axe Throwing
Many of us had fun downtown at the Axetreme Axe Throwing trailer, and playing Corn Hole. Thanks to all the volunteers and vendors who hung in there. @Christmas in July City of New London, Connecticut
 
New London Water Wars
ONCE AGAIN IT'S ON! 🏾August 13th @ Bates Woods Park from 2 - 5PM WATER WARS IS BACK
Bring your water blaster and prepare to get soaked. Fun, food & friends - Let's gooo
This one is a true community effort and the product of what happens when a village comes together.
Big shoutout to those who have supported us this far, as well as those of you that are still looking to contribute.
We are still taking donations to bring youth in the neighborhood fun 🏾 donating funds, water blasters, water ballons, hoola hoops etc etc.....contact Frank Colmenares or email me: anthony.nolan@cga.ct.gov.
Greatly appreciated.
 
Back 2 School Bash
Come join us as we get you ready to go back 2 school in style!!!!
Last year we were able to give out 233 filled backpacks and had such an amazing time having fun with you all!!

Children must be present to receive backpacks and everything is available as supplies last!
We set a 300 filled backpack goal this year and even got some amazing barbers/stylists to help us by donating their skills and time to get some free cuts/styles out to our local youth that day as well!!

We will have the free face painting, vendors, good music, dancing and even our basket raffles to help us kick off our toy drive that'll take place this winter!!
I want to take a moment and thank everyone who has helped me make this happen again this year!! These events aren't easy and everyone you see day of is donating their time to help it all come together. For the months before the event people are reaching out to donate supplies and backpacks and many of my friends and family come together to make sure every backpack is packed full of supplies and ready to give out!

I can't wait to have a great time with you all!!

Do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or are looking to donate or help!!
 
Elks Bingo Night
New London's newest bingo game!
Doors open at 5 pm, Bingo begins at 6:30 pm.  We have 150 seats available.  Required admission ticket sold at the entrance only must be displayed at all times during the games.  Food and soft drinks will be sold through intermission.  

We are handicap friendly - Handicap drop-off entrance ramp is at the back of the building on the right side, facing the building from the street.  Parking is in the lodge parking lot and/or street as permitted by law.   We have a downstairs satellite lounge to play in.

This game is licensed by the New London Police Department in accordance with city and state law.  
 
Electric Boat Walk-In Wednesdays
Join Electric Boat this week, and every week, for Walk-In Wednesday! Taking place from 12pm-4pm in both their Groton and Quonset Point Employment Offices.
Come by and see how you can apply your skills to the art of nuclear submarine design, engineering and construction! We will be offering on-the-spot, entry-level TRADES interviews. So whether you're looking to change careers, learn something new, or have years of experience - we welcome you to stop by.
Our team will also be available to share info on benefits, help with your profile and application, and chat about all that a career at EB has to offer.
Walk-In Wednesdays are focused around our job openings in the trades. We are hiring entry-level, semi-skilled, and skilled welders, shipfitters, pipefitters, electricians, machinists, riggers, and more. No experience necessary, we provide training.
Where you can find us:
>Groton, CT Employment Office
75 Eastern Point Rd. Groton, CT 06340
>Quonset Point Employment Office
1 Casey Ave. North Kingstown, RI 02852
If you’d like to get a head start on your profile/application, head to EBcareers.com
 
AGM Basketball Tournament
Another great AGM basketball tournament at Bartlett Park this week!
Big Shout Out And Thanks to all the great teams, great staff and volunteers.
AGM Rocks!
 
Beechwood Backpack Giveaway
Staff, residents, and friends have donated backpacks and school supplies to the children of New London County. Drive up and receive a backpack full of supplies!
 
Let Loose Thursdays in New London
City of New London, Connecticut
....August 3rd – Locally sourced: Food, Art, Music and Fireworks
Local Food: New London Restaurants will be having specials
Local Art- New London Artisan Market – Local artisan will be showcase their unique craftsmanship and creativity with handmade jewelry, home décor and clothing, the event is the perfect place to find unique local sourced gifts.
Sponsored by the New London Arts Council.
Local Music: Andre, Eddie and Friends
Fireworks at 8:30 pm
 
NLHHC Jobs
Know anyone Looking for work?
Join the NLHHC family and make a difference in helping our neighbors stay home.
 
Three Rivers Vet Assistant Course
Our vet assistant course begins on 8/30.
Apply for funding and register now! For more information,
 
If you have any questions or concerns feel free to contact me at my Capitol office at 860-240-8512 or email me at Anthony.Nolan@cga.ct.gov. Don't forget to "Like" my official Facebook page and follow me on Twitter for news and legislative updates.
 
Sincerely,

Anthony Nolan
State Representative
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