Weekly Updates & Local Happenings

August 25, 2023


 
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Dear Neighbor,
Testimony Opposing Insurance Rate Increases
This week myself and State Representative Christine Conley submitted testimony in opposition to the insurance rate increase for 2024. We join in opposition with numerous colleagues, the Attorney General William Tong and numerous residents of Connecticut.
 
Single-Use Plastic Phase Out Press Conference
This week I was able to participate in a press conference with U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal Anne Hulick, state director of Clean Water Action, Charles Rothenberger, Mayor Michael Passero, Pres Reona Dyess,
and Councilor Akil Peck to call for the federal government to phase out the purchase of single-use plastic items, like bottles, straws, wrappers and take-out containers, and microplastics.
Microplastics are pieces less than 5 millimeters in diameter that make their way into waterways. They come from sources including single-use plastics, synthetic fabrics, car tires, road-marking paints, microbeads in cosmetic products and sanitary wipes, that break down into smaller pieces.
 
Military Appreciation Day
I had a great time at the Military Appreciation Day hosted by the City of New London, Connecticut Veterans Advisory Committee of New London at Ocean Beach Park. It was great to see so many people come out and appreciate those who have come before us and to observe those who serve us today. Thank you all for your service.
 
Energy Assistance Applications
Friends and Neighbors do you need help paying utility bills? Operation Fuel provides emergency energy and utility assistance to households in Connecticut that are facing financial crisis. Applications for energy assistance are now open through November 10th, 2023!
You can learn more at operationfuel.org/gethelp
 
Submarines in Southeastern CT
There are so many milestone HAPPENING around the world. But there is nothing like Southeastern Connecticut being the best at building submarines. I want to share a Big thanks to Electric Boat/General Dynamics Shipbuilders for keeping us on the top in the submarine making world.
This goes out especially those who are hands on creating the best submarine force in the world. You definitely provide U.S. Navy with these incredible machines that not only defend the United States, but help around the world.
 
Coast Guard Academy Protection
City of New London, Connecticut is a Coast Guard City. We have the most amazing U.S. Coast Guard Academy. I am extremely happy to see Congressman Joe Courtney has introduced a bipartisan bill which would help protect cadets at the Coast Guard Academy when reporting sexual assault.
The Department of Defense swiftly implemented this policy for the other academies after Congress acted in 2021. We must extend it to USCGA cadets.
 
Community Resource and Referral Centers
Do you know a Veteran who is experiencing homelessness? Community Resource and Referral Centers (CRRCs) across the country can provide one-stop access to community-based, multiagency services to promote permanent housing, health and mental health care, career development and access to VA and non-VA benefits. Learn more: https://www.va.gov/HOMELESS/Crrc.asp
 
NAACP Outreach Cookout
I was so happy to be able to stop by the NAACP New London Branch Outreach Cookout in the City of New London, Connecticut @Bates Woods Park. This cookout aimed at fostering connections among young individuals and inviting new members to join the New London youth NAACP.
I heard amazing news and goals from the youth as they recently returned from the NAACP Convention in Boston, MA. I am so proud to see the youth be advocates for their peers and take on positions such as President and Secretary locally and State Wide. Big thanks to Pres of City Council Reona Dyess and NL Pres of NAACP Jean Jordan for being such great educators and motivators to our youth.
 
New London Community Center Project
I had the great opportunity to tour the City of New London, Connecticut Community Center Project. It is great to actually see the work for the community center come to fruition. We worked hard with the Economic Development Team to help get funding this year to push the project to further development. Big thanks to the hard working team for the City of New London.
 
LG Visit to Lyman Allyn Art Museum
This week we had a great visit from the Office of Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz, State and Local Leaders for her visit to the City of New London, Connecticut Lyman Allyn Art Museum. We had a amazing tour of the facility, along with getting an update on the masterplan, design development along with having discussion on workforce, use of local unions and businesses.
This past year we were able to bring to the project $500,000 for turning a greenspace into an urban art park that will increase what makes the museum so great for our community, and will encourage the youth to explore, learn, and have fun.
We also had the great opportunity to show off some of the many artists murals in the downtown area, have lunch at Jasmine Thai Restaurant and a great visit to one of my favorites Flavours of Life, The Fair Trade Store.
 
2023 Girls Basketball Champions Celebration
I was so happy to attend the celebration to see the 2023 Girls Basketball Champions Celebration. City of New London, Connecticut New London Public Schools New London High School Multi-Magnet Campus Girls Basketball Championship were presented with Championship Team Rings, Varsity jackets, Plaques and Medals. I am so happy to see these young ladies appreciated and further awarded for an outstanding season. Big thanks to Ocean Beach Park & Staff for all you do for our community.
 
Interdistrict School for Arts and Communication Ribbon Cutting
I had the great opportunity to attend a great ribbon cutting ceremony for the new wing at the City of New London, Connecticut ISAAC - Interdistrict School for Arts and Communication. This was amazing day for ISAAC. Huge thanks to the Board of Directors for allowing a vision from the Staff and administration that raises the standard for students in developing an amazing band room, marine space, technology center, and dance room.
Just in time for the first day of classes this week, officials from the Interdistrict School for Arts and Communication, or ISAAC, on Tuesday unveiled their $2.5 million expansion project that added new science, music and computer spaces at the downtown campus.
In Connecticut, public charter schools are authorized by the state Board of Education and governed by boards comprised of teachers, parent and community members. ISAAC students are accepted through an open, non-merit-based lottery that draws from 13 southeastern Connecticut municipalities.
https://www.theday.com/.../new-londons-isaac-school.../
 
Whalers Helping Whalers Backpack Giveaway
I had the opportunity to stop by the great time at Whalers Helping Whalers back pack giveaway. Thank you to everyone who participated and volunteered to give back to the City of New London, Connecticut.
 
Backpack Giveaway #2
Great end of summer back pack giveaway was yesterday. City of New London, Connecticut New London Public Schools An amazing time with lots of fun, food and School supplies given to incoming students. Great job Superintendent Cynthia Ritchie, Administrators, awesome teachers, Cafeteria Staff and numerous other workers and volunteers.
 
Connecticut Voice for Children Report
I am in agreement with Connecticut Voices for Children about employing those who have been incarcerated and turning their lives around.
Though Connecticut’s employment rate has improved we still struggle to fill a great deal of jobs. Seeing the Connecticut Voices for Children, a statewide research and advocacy organization, made the recommendation, among others, in a report released Tuesday, I believe this report displays great information to give understanding to employ those trying to reenter the workforce and how they can be a great benefit, not only them but to our State. I hope to see, and be part of work to try and make this happen.
https://ctmirror.org/.../ct-reentry-prison-jobs-economy.../
 
College Board National Recognition Shoutout
I'd like to give a big "Shout It Out" and Congratulations to incoming senior Treyvon Lewellen. Treyvon is recognized for receiving an academic honor from The College Board National Recognition Program!
Treyvon has earned the National African American Recognition Award for his exceptional academic performance and diligence in class. We are immensely proud of his achievement.
 
Mohegan Wigwam Festival
Glad to see the Mohegan Tribe Celebrate the Mohegan Wigwam Festival. This year’s events marked the reopening of the festival to the public and tribes outside the region. The last time the public was able to attend the sacred event was in 2019. Congratulations on such a successful day.
Link to article in the day:
 
Father Workshop
It was great to be part of and attend the Fatherhood Workshop this weekend. Big thanks to Danny Garcia and Care♡Net. For the Fatherhood Workshop hosted this week at Mi Familia Restaurant in the City of New London, Connecticut. We had great dialog and discussion in regards to tools and instruction that helps fathers be more inclusive to and learning techniques of fatherhood. Look out for the next Workshop it is well worth attending.
 
Visit with Mitchell College Students
This past weekend while at the City of New London, Connecticut Veterans Coffee house event we had a great visit from Mitchell College students. We were able to share our Military Experience that helped lead us to where we are today. We had a great question and answer session with students. Great dialog greatly appreciated.
 
Thames River Heritage Park Water Taxi
In the City of New London, Connecticut 🏾Thames River Heritage Park Water Taxi
I couldn't catch the ride but I caught a couple great pictures.
If your available they are cruising throughout the weekend. Check them out at the link below:
The Gilded Age along the Thames - https://bit.ly/3Nqg5gb
Sunset Cruise on the Thames - https://bit.ly/42O2Awp
Whaling Tales on the Thames - https://bit.ly/TRHP5
Book in advance to save $5 per ticket!
 
Top Splash Pads
City of New London, Connecticut Ocean Beach Park named in the Top 5 Splash Pads in CT!!!
Still time to come down and enjoy an amazing beach.
Watch it on Yt - https://youtu.be/fwSdXdEaHrk
 
Frank Colmenares Live
Great time at The Telegraph with Frank Colmenares Live. Great lyrics and discussion about trauma and the stigma of Mental Health. Always good to see the conversation and dialog with Frank and Jewell Jones to let folk understand and know the normalcy with talking and asking for help.
 
New London Pirate Fest and Open Studios Art Stroll
Good time at the New London Pirate Fest and Open Studio Art Stroll - City of New London, Connecticut
Thank you to NLAC, Downtown NL Association, Barbra Neff Productions, everyone who participated and volunteers that helped out
 
String Theory School of Music Visit
Today I had the great opportunity to stop by City of New London, Connecticut String Theory School of Music at 96 Hawthorne Dr New London ― for the Music Coffee House. I had such a great time seeing and hearing so many talented individuals. Thank you String Theory School od Music for the great opportunities you offer. Unfortunately I could not record more but I wanted to share some of the great performances they had.
 
Media Day
Got the great opportunity to Vibe at Media Day - Volume One to hear some great lyrics and hang out with some of the best artist in the area. Many I have known since they were young- I am extremely proud to see the talent, craft and amazing vibe they continue to spread in the community.
Big Shout out to DJ Drewski, Sounds by Jada Capri, hits by Kid Kam, Bro Nino Black, Mikey B, Jus Cuz and the many other artist that made this a great night. Shalonda's 4th And Goal 🏾 Ya'll keep doing great things.
 
Schemitzun Event
Great event this weekend 🏾 Schemitzun | Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation - AUGUST 26 & 27, 2023 - MASHANTUCKET, CT
ARTS & CRAFTS, Food, Venders, History, Music, Dance and more.
https://www.schemitzun.com
Join the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation at Schemitzun, Feast of Green Corn and Dance, Saturday and Sunday August 26 and 27. The family-friendly cultural event kicks off the 2023 harvest season and celebrates the rich heritage, ancestors, elders and veterans. Enjoy traditional and contemporary dance exhibitions, drums, live music and plenty of authentic Native American crafts and cuisine.
For tickets and more information, visit schemitzun.com
 
Back to School Free Haircut Event
We are excited to announce The 3rd Annual Back to School Free Haircut Event will take place on Monday, Sept. 4th at City of New London, Connecticut Bates Woods Park 🏾80 Chester St. 1pm - 6pm
Music provided by DJ Leo.
Big thanks to Carlos Montt from Carlos Barbershop Salon for making his dream a reality. And to all the Barbershops that have helped the past 2 years, Jeffrey's Barber Shop LLC, I Got You Next Barbershop @Garage Barber Shop, Castillo's Barbershop and the many more barbershop for their commitment and contributions in giving back to our youth by offering FREE back to school haircuts!
“The Official” Barbers United of Eastern CT Presente 🏽
Please consider sharing this wonderful event done with Love and United by local Barbers to give back to their Community.
 
AXS Center at Sound Community Services Events
Good times, great vibes.....Check out AXS Center at Sound Community Services events happening next week!
If you know of a young adult between the ages of 18-25 years old or a high school student, who will benefit from these great events, please share this post with them!
Any questions, please contact our AXS Program Coordinator, Timothy Strong at timothy.strong@soundct.org.
 
CT Stand Down 2023
The Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) is preparing for their annual STAND DOWN event which will be held at five regional locations on Friday, September 22 from 8am - 2pm
FIVE REGIONAL LOCATIONS
Bridgeport University of Bridgeport, Wheeler Recreational Center, 400 University Ave.
Bristol ST. Gregory CCD Center, 1043 Stafford Ave.
Danbury Danbury War Memorial 1 Memorial Drive
Norwich Easter Seals Veterans Rally Point, 24 Stott Ave.
Rocky Hill CTDVA main campus 287 West Street.
The DVA continues their commitment to serving Connecticut’s Veterans, Active Duty, National Guard and Reserve military personnel, and their immediate families by providing this “one stop” access to a range of programs and services offered by state and federal agencies, Veterans organizations, and community-based non-profits at these regional sites across the State.
 
Central Sterile Processing Technician Classes at Three Rivers
This is a fun and interesting carreer. I did some work with L&M Hospital years ago.
Three Rivers has classes in Centrile Sterile Processing Technician (CSPT) course is starting August 28th! Save your spot now! Learn more by visiting:
 
Arts Magnet Middle School Family Tour
We are opening our doors at last to families to tour the new, permanent home for Arts Magnet Middle School! August 29, 2023 5PM
 
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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