Halloween Safety, Home Heating Help, 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.

On Saturday, police departments across the country will collect prescription drugs anonymously as part of National Drug Take Back Day. Keep scrolling to see which local police departments are taking part.

Every school in our district is eligible to win the state's snowplow naming contest. Please read below to find out how the competition works and to see the fantastic names of previous winners.

You will find the following sections in this week's email:

  • What's Our Rep Been Up To?
  • National Drug Take Back Day
  • Home Heating Assistance
  • Snowplow Naming Contest
  • Groton Water Flushing
  • Attention Teachers: Register for Kid Governor Program!
  • Apply Now for the Legislative Internship Program
  • Groton Leaf Collection
  • Community Events
 
What's Our Rep Been Up To?
It was a moving night hearing some remarkable words from our inspiring students at the 42nd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Trust Fund dinner!
 
Congratulations and much gratitude to the organizers, who do the hard work to make this dinner a success for students and their families. A big shout out to my friend and colleague State Representative Christine Conley who serves on the Board of Trustees and takes on this role with passion and dedication each year.
Support and Learn More Here
 
I was thrilled to be a part of the ribbon cutting for Nick Sahin Fiberglass Boat Repair at 215 Flanders Road in Mystic. A big congratulations to my friends Nick, Sal, and the entire Sahin family. It's always great to see our local businesses expand their operations!
 
National Drug Take Back Day

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

Both the City of Groton and Stonington Police Departments will hold collection drives on Saturday, October 28 from 10 A.M. - 2 P.M. at their respective police headquarters.
Click Here for Other Locations
 
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.
 
Snowplow Naming Contest

Students in the 41st district and the rest of the state are invited to submit their most creative names for four snowplows, which will clear ice and snow on our state roads and highways during storms. K-12 schools have until December 15 to send in their best names!

The winning schools will have their submitted name featured on the side of the Department of Transportation snowplow. Students need to be up for the challenge! Previous winners include Buzz Iceclear, Husky McSalty, Plowzilla, and Scoop Dogg. The naming contest allows kids to think critically and be aware of snowplow safety guidelines.
Full Contest Rules & More
 
Groton Water Flushing

Aquarion Water Company will be flushing hydrants in Groton. 

• Week of October 23rd: Evening flushing; Downtown Mystic Mixed-Use district by
                                      drawbridge, Groton side of river

• Week of October 30th: Daytime flushing, "Mystic Hill" residential area west of                                             the river, Groton

• Week of November 6th: Daytime flushing; Residential neighborhoods                                                          connecting to Noank Road and Route 1 West of Allyn                                              Street, Groton

• Week of November 13th: Daytime flushing; Residential neighborhoods in the                                                area of Judson Avenue, Groton.
Flushing activities may cause discoloration. Customers are advised to store tap water in the refrigerator for drinking and cooking and to check the condition of the water before washing clothes. Most discoloration can be quickly cleared by running all the taps (including bathtubs) in the residence/business. If you have questions, call Aquarion at (203) 445-7310 or (800) 732-9678.
 
Attention Teachers: Register for Kid Governor Program!
Fifth grade teachers are encouraged to register their class for Connecticut’s Kid Governor civics education program. If you register before Friday, November 3, your students can vote in the 2023 statewide election!

Connecticut’s Kid Governor is a FREE, award-winning program that empowers students to take part in active leadership. Elected students serve a one-year term to get a better understanding of the way government works in Connecticut. They run a campaign and break down their platform before the election. After their election, the Kid Governor and the cabinet meet monthly to advise, discuss, and collaborate on accomplishing their goals.
 
Classes that register for the program will receive:

  • An annual startup guide
  • Toolkits for lesson plans
  • Updated virtual resources and more
    Apply for Kid Governor Program
     
    Apply Now for the Legislative Internship Program
    The Connecticut General Assembly Legislative Internship Program is looking for new candidates! CLICK HERE if you are interested in joining the program for Spring 2024. 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.
        Learn More About the Program
         
        Groton Leaf Collection
        We're in the fall season, and that means leaves are changing color and falling your yard. The City of Groton is reminding everyone that leaf collection begins on Wednesday, October 25 and will continue every Wednesday through December 6.

        CLICK HERE to watch a video as Groton Public Works Director Bill Robarge provides more information on fall leaf collection.
         
        Community Events
         
         
         
         
        Enjoy the one-of-a-kind, live spellbinding interactive musical comedy show on Saturday, October 28 at 7 P.M. at the Stonington Community Center. The event is for those 21 and over.
        Buy Tickets Now
         
        Dress up and get in the Halloween spirit on Sunday, October 29 for a Halloween parade and magic show! The parade will start at 12 P.M. at the Stonington Borough Fire Department!
        You can also check out the Mystic Halloween Parade and Trunk or Treat event on Sunday, October 29. The parade begins at 1 P.M. at Friar Tucks on Water Street. 
         
         
        Calling all ghosts, goblins, princesses, superheroes, and everything in between! The shops at Olde Mistick Village will welcome costumed characters with yummy candy from 4:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M. on Halloween.