Kevin Brown

We're in the full swing of summer and after enduring an extreme heat wave, temperatures remain consistently high. Click here for a list of cooling centers in your area in case you need a place to cool down and stay safe.

Additionally, you can call 2-1-1 to access essential health and human services 24 hours-a-day, seven days-a-week. The Department of Emergency Services & Public Protection also has tips on heat preparedness, staying cool, and staying hydrated which you will find below.

The Push, Pull and Pedal Patriotic Parade was a huge hit at July in the Sky in downtown Rockville on Wednesday! Families, kids, and decorated bikes, wagons, and strollers brought energy and patriotic spirit to the streets.

A big thanks to everyone who came out and made the night unforgettable!

Photos courtesy Town of Vernon

Earlier this week I had a meeting with Sen. Chris Murphy's office regarding a "Share Your Story" campaign they are doing to inform the public on a forthcoming report on the harmful impact of private equity and profit-seeking in health care.

This campaign is inviting people to share how Prospect Medical Holdings’ mismanagement of Rockville General Hospital, as well as Manchester Memorial Hospital and Waterbury Hospital have impacted their access to health care.

Constituents are invited to submit their testimonials on Prospect Medical Holdings, click here to access the "Share Your Story" link. Participants have the option to be kept anonymous.

Governor Lamont is helping protect Connecticut's environment by signing major climate legislation into law last week. Two key environmental bills address climate change and environmental protection.
 

House Bill 5004 (Public Act 25-125): 

• Establishes a net-zero greenhouse gas emissions target for Connecticut by 2050, with a new interim target for 2040
• Incentivizes solar canopies and energy-efficient heating and cooling systems
• Supports the growth of the green economy through workforce development and sustainable business incentives
• Requires studies on heat pumps, solar canopies, nature-based solutions, and renter access to state energy efficiency plans

Senate Bill 9 (Public Act 25-33): 

• Strengthens state and local planning for flood and other climate-related emergencies
• Focuses on making infrastructure like bridges and roads better able to withstand severe weather
• Requires insurance companies to inform homeowners about flood coverage and provides resources for communities to invest in climate resilience planning and project development
• Includes tougher restrictions on certain rodent poisons and neonicotinoid pesticides

These bills are seen as significant steps toward addressing climate change and protecting Connecticut's environment, particularly in light of actions by the federal government that environmentalists believe hinder climate progress.

I’m proud to stand with colleagues and advocates who fought for a cleaner, fairer future. This is a win for our environment, our economy, and our kids.

The town of Vernon and local nonprofits are encouraged to apply for aid through the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) CT Livable Communities grant program. Applications are due by August 15 and must make our communities more livable for all ages and abilities.

Grants can range from small, short-term activities to larger, permanent solutions, but the maximum amount of any single grant will be $5,000.

For more information visit: AARP Connecticut Now Accepting 2025 Livable Communities Grant Program Applications
  
Lastly, nominate an outstanding volunteer age 50-plus for the Andrus Award for Community Service. The award winner’s charity of choice will receive a $3,000 donation from AARP CT.  The nomination deadline has been extended to September 1.  AARP Seeks 2025 Andrus Award for Community Service Nominees

Click Here for more information and to apply.

From tubing on the Farmington River to taking a sunset river cruise on the Connecticut River to exploring one of the many great museums in our state to finding the best seafood shack or ice cream shop -- there is so much to do all over Connecticut this summer.

Click the image above for inspiration from the 40 Things to do in Connecticut list and find something fun to do this July!