Child Care Crisis, Home Heating Assistance, and National Drug Take Back Day

October 27, 2023


There will be plenty of Halloween activities in the coming days so please be sure to walk safely when trick-or-treating, drive slowly in neighborhoods, and carry glow sticks or flash lights to help drivers see you. CLICK HERE for more Halloween safety tips.

You may have noticed the colors popping in many parts of the state. It definitely feels like fall, so now is the time to apply for home heating assistance before the mercury drops even further. Please read below to learn more about this valuable resource.

I spoke with Fox 61 as part of an in-depth report on the issues families face every day when it comes to child care. From staff shortages, to long waiting lists, and skyrocketing prices, parents need help. As a member of the Committee on Children, I am on the front lines of the child care crisis. You will find the Fox 61 report below in the "In The News" section.

Students from Derby High School visited the Capitol in Hartford to learn more about how state government works. Keep scrolling to learn how to apply for the internship program where students can get an unforgettable hands-on experience.

And, communities are working together to get unneeded prescription drugs out of people's homes. You will find a list of locations for Saturday's nationwide Drug Take Back Day.
Below you will find the following sections and topics in this week's email:
  • Home Heating Assistance
  • Derby Students Visit State Capitol
  • Mammograms & Fighting Breast Cancer
  • National Drug Take Back Day
  • Welcoming Hamden's New Police Chief
  • Delays on Main Street in Derby
  • In The News
  • Derby Events Calendar
  • Upcoming Events in Hamden
  • Orange Events and Community Calendar
  • Woodbridge Events and Community Calendar
 
Home Heating Assistance
Even though the weather is getting chillier, you still have time to apply for benefits through Connecticut’s Energy Assistance Program! The deadline to submit applications for the 2023-2024 winter heating season is May 31, 2024.
Enrollment for the program occurs on an annual basis so even if you received assistance last year, you will need to re-apply. CLICK HERE for more information on eligibility and how to apply.
 
Derby Students Visit State Capitol
Students from all over the state, including Derby High School's student council, traveled to the State Capitol to get a first-hand look at where lawmakers discuss, debate, and vote on new laws. As the Co-Chair of the Connecticut General Assembly Internship Committee, it is a pleasure to welcome young scholars and see so many young people interested in state government!
The internship program is looking for new candidates! CLICK HERE if you are interested in joining the program for Spring 2024. It's a great way to learn about your state government!

The application deadline is November 1, 2023.
The program offers Connecticut college students the opportunity to learn how state government works through first-hand experience in the legislative offices. Interns earn college credit for their work in the Connecticut General Assembly and gain exclusive access to the legislators and insight into the policy making process.
Click Here For More Information
 
Mammograms & Fighting Breast Cancer
This month and all year long, I'm committed to fighting for those affected by breast cancer here in Connecticut. We will never stop working to find cures, address the needs of patients and their families, and make treatments affordable.
 
We have many more tools at our disposal to fight this awful disease. Doctors use mammograms, which are x-ray exams used to detect breast cancer in those who may not be showing or be aware of breast cancer symptoms.
You can find a screening center by clicking RIGHT HERE. Anyone who needs assistance obtaining a mammogram can find resources available online at ct.gov/dph/screening or they can call 860-509-7804 for more information. It’s important for women to begin discussing getting baseline mammograms around the age of 40 especially if there is a family history of breast cancer.
 
National Drug Take Back Day

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medications.

Communities across the state will be holding collection drives on Saturday, October 28. Please read below to find the closest location to your home. 

DERBY:
ORANGE:
  • High Plains Community Center (525 Orange Center Road)
  • 10 A.M. - 2 P.M.
WOODBRIDGE:
  • 10:30 A.M. - 2:30 P.M.
  • Woodbridge Police Department (4 Meetinghouse Lane)
  • No ointments, lotions, liquids, needles
Click Here For Other Locations
 
Welcoming Hamden's New Police Chief

Congratulations to Hamden’s new police chief, Edward Page Reynolds! He has returned to his hometown after 30 years in criminal justice and law enforcement. Chief Reynolds served 14 years with the New Haven Police Department and has served as a police chief in Maine and Arkansas. Welcome home, Chief Reynolds!

He replaces former chief Timothy Wydra who retired after serving with integrity, honor, and distinction in town for more than 30 years.
 
Delays on Main Street in Derby
Drivers in Derby can expect delays on Main Street (Route 34) between Route 8 and Bridge Street. The traffic pattern will be switching to the opposite side of the road. Elizabeth Street is becoming a one-way south, between Main Street and 3rd Street. Minerva Street is becoming a one-way north, between Main Street and 3rd Street. Signs will be posted, and extra police officers will be there to help. Please be patient.
 
In The News
Fox 61: "Addressing Connecticut's child care crisis: How did we get here and where is the state headed?"

Woodbridge Town News: "Town Dedicates Animal Shelter as Long-Time ACO Eyes Retirement"
 
Derby Events Calendar
Check out the events below to see what's going on in Derby, and click the button at the bottom of this section to access the community calendar.
The Derby Historical Society reminds you to get tickets for the spooky Elm Street tour. Learn about some of the myths and legends of Olde Town Derby/Ansonia. Knowledgeable hosts, and maybe even a few infamous characters, will guide you along a historical adventure. Tickets cost $20 and include a free drink at the Quail & Ale Neighborhood Pub!
The Derby Police Department continues to reserve spots for those interested in displaying their vehicles or equipment. Reach out to Officer Tim Conlon at (203) 735-7811 or via email if you still want to take part. Police are still accepting unopened, candy donations at the Derby Police Department at 125 Water Street.
Derby Community Calendar
 
Upcoming Events in Hamden
Take a look and click on the fliers below to learn about upcoming events in Hamden:
More Hamden Events
 
Orange Events and Community Calendar
Check out the upcoming events in Orange, and please click the button below to access the community calendar.
Children 11 and up are welcome at the Haunted House, although children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Orange Community Calendar
 
Woodbridge Events and Community Calendar
Check out the event below and click the button under that to access the community calendar.
Woodbridge Community Calendar