Start Of New School Year, Home Heating Help, and Labor Day Safety

September 1, 2023


The start of the new school year is an exciting time for kids, parents, and educators. The first day for Simsbury Public Schools was August 30, and the district is ready for another exceptional year. Please read below to see how our community is welcoming some amazing scholars.

As fall approaches, some families may need some help paying their utility bills. Below you will find out how to apply for two programs that could provide a much-needed boost.

You can click on any of these links to jump to that section of the email:
 
What's Our Rep Been Up To?
We all had a great time as Simsbury’s bipartisan delegation enjoyed incredible food and drinks at the Simsbury Main Street Partnership’s Taste Of Simsbury. 
 
Stay Sober & Safe This Labor Day Holiday
Summer is almost over and with the Labor Day Holiday coming up, the state and the feds are reminding everyone about the dangers of drunk driving.
According to the Connecticut Crash Data Repository, there were seven crash fatalities over the 2021 Labor Day Holiday in Connecticut, including three driving under the influence (DUI) crash fatalities. In Connecticut in 2021, the last year of verifiable data, preliminary data shows 112 people were killed in alcohol-impaired crashes, which accounted for 38% of all fatalities in the state.

If you plan to head out and celebrate Labor Day, make sure you have a plan to keep everyone safe. CLICK HERE for safe alternatives to driving impaired.
 
Apply Now For Energy Assistance Programs

The application period for the 2023-2024 winter season of the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) is open. CEAP provides vulnerable state homeowners and renters with crucial support for the associated costs with heating their homes.

Applications for the 2023-2024 winter season must be received by May 31, 2024. If you are interested, there are several ways to apply:

  1. Visit ct.gov/heatinghelp
  2. Call your local community action agency and request application assistance or schedule an in-person appointment (Click here for the list of phone numbers)
  3. Download and complete the CEAP application. Mail the completed application and required documents to your local community action agency. (Click here for the list of mailing addresses)

Additional information on the application process can be obtained by visiting ct.gov/heatinghelp or calling 2-1-1. 
Basic benefits toward heating bills range from $180 to $530 depending on income, size of household, and need. Benefits are available for households with incomes up to 60% of the state median income, which equates to roughly $79,910 for a family of four. These benefits are usually paid directly to the utility company or fuel supplier. Households that heat with deliverable fuels like oil or propane may be eligible for multiple free tank refills.

I want to spread the word that this resource is available to our most vulnerable community members.
 
You can also get help paying utility bills thanks to Operation Fuel. The organization 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!

You can learn more at operationfuel.org/gethelp.
 

Welcoming New Scholars to Simsbury

I’m excited to welcome the seven new Simsbury ABC Program students and their families to our community and this life-changing program. I want to thank the many volunteers and staff members who make this program possible. I can’t wait to see what is around the corner for all our new scholars, their families, and staff.
For 50 years, the Simsbury A Better Chance Program (ABC) has offered academically talented young men of color from undeserved communities the opportunity to achieve their dreams through education.
Click Here To Learn About the Simsbury ABC Program
 
Support For Women-Owned Businesses
Time is running out to apply for the next round of the Women's Business Development Council’s (WBDC) Equity Match Grant Program. The deadline is September 27.

The program offers grants of up to $10,000 to women-owned businesses in Connecticut that have been in business for two or more years and have revenues between $25K and $2 million.
Since the start of the program, WBDC has distributed 216 grants of over $2 million to women-owned businesses in Connecticut.
Click Here To Learn More About the Program
 
Community Events
Enjoy live music, dancing, and food on Saturday, September 2 from
1 P.M. - 6 P.M. at the Simsbury Meadows Performing Arts Center!
Click Here To Buy Tickets
 
Dance and sing along to familiar songs under the night sky performed by Mike DelGuidice and his band. The concert is taking place Friday, September 8 from 7:00 P.M. - 9:00 P.M. at Simsbury Meadows Performing Arts Center. Bring a picnic and grab a seat on the lawn or a reserved table.
Get Your Tickets
 
 
 
This highly interactive training will take place at Simsbury Public Library. The class is geared toward teens, their families, and pet parents.
Click Here To Register