Happy Labor Day, Rockville Cultural District Recognition, and CT Veterans Hall of Fame

September 8, 2025


 

 

Labor Day is upon us, and it is a time to reflect on the contributions of workers across every industry. Their dedication, resilience, and continued fight for fair wages, safe working conditions, and dignity on the job have shaped our nation and continue to move us forward.

As we celebrate the American labor movement, we honor the hardworking people who have built and strengthened this country.

While we enjoy this well-earned day of rest, let’s also recommit ourselves to advancing policies that uplift working families and ensure every worker is treated with the respect they deserve.

Wishing you and your loved ones a safe, meaningful, and restful Labor Day.

 

 

Creation of Vernon Cultural District

Vernon Mayor Dan Champagne, Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz, and others gathered at the New England Civil War Museum to celebrate the approval of Vernon’s application to establish a state-recognized cultural district in Rockville — the 14th in Connecticut and the first in Tolland County.

The new district spans downtown Vernon, from Pitney Park to Saxony Park and Talcott Park to Henry Park, encompassing several historic landmarks, including the New England Civil War Museum and the New England Motorcycle Museum, along with numerous arts-focused businesses.

Connecticut’s cultural districts aim to boost local economies, tourism, and community life by promoting the arts, supporting creative businesses, and preserving local heritage. Vernon’s goals include attracting artists and organizations, enhancing property values, and fostering town-wide collaboration and cultural development.
 

CT Veterans Hall of Fame

The Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame is now accepting nominations for the Class of 2025. The Hall of Fame honors veterans from Connecticut who have made a positive impact in their community after the conclusion of their military service. 

To be eligible, nominees must have been born in Connecticut or lived in the state for at least five years. They must also meet the definition of a “veteran” under Connecticut General Statutes § 27-103 and have received an honorable discharge from the U.S. Armed Forces.

The submitted nomination package must contain the completed nomination form, the veteran’s discharge documents, and a detailed narrative of the veteran’s community and/or public service at the local, state, and/or national level and the veteran’s contributions to the community at large. The focus of this honor is on the veteran’s service to their community after leaving the military.
 
Click here to download the nomination package. You can find detailed instructions and information on eligibility criteria within the nomination package.
 
You must submit a completed nomination package to the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs by September 15. You should deliver them either by email to lindsay.jesshop@ct.gov or mail through the U.S. Postal Service to:

 
Office of the Commissioner of Veterans Affairs
ATTN: CT Veterans Hall of Fame
287 West Street
Rocky Hill, CT 06067
 

Fire Safe CT

Governor Lamont has officially launched Fire Safe CT, a new statewide initiative aimed at reducing fire-related tragedies through public education and community support.

This coordinated effort brings together state and local agencies, fire service professionals, and health care experts with one shared goal: to protect Connecticut residents and their communities from the dangers of fire.

Core Objectives:

  • Public Education: delivering clear, actionable fire prevention tips through multimedia campaigns—highlighting home safety, outdoor fire management, and burn injury prevention
  • Community Empowerment: providing local fire departments and municipal fire marshals with enhanced tools, educational materials, and support to boost community-level fire risk reduction efforts

To learn more and get involved, go to ct.gov/firesafe, and visit DEEP's Forest Fire Prevention Tips to learn how to protect your home, property, and the first responders who serve us.

Together, we can create a safer, more fire-aware Connecticut.
 

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