Josh Elliott

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a moment for our community to come together in reflection, gratitude, and hope. As we honor Dr. King’s life and legacy, we celebrate his vision of love, service, and unity, and recommit ourselves to caring for one another and building a more just and compassionate world.

This week, Governor Ned Lamont announced the launch of the Connecticut Content Creator Collaborative, or C4. This is a new digital platform designed to connect businesses, organizations, and agencies with content creators and influencers who authentically represent Connecticut.

C4 serves as a centralized, searchable database where content creators can list their profiles for free, and where businesses can easily discover, filter, and connect with creators based on industry focus, geography, audience demographics, and content specialty, from lifestyle and culinary to travel, culture, family, and entrepreneurship.

Users can explore creators by:

• Content category (culinary, lifestyle, travel, family, culture, business)
• Geographic focus
• Audience demographics
• Platform reach and specialties

C4 is free for creators to join, boosting visibility, credibility, and access to new opportunities while giving businesses a trusted, efficient way to find partners who bring stories to life.

Click here to explore what C4 has to offer.

A program called Connecticut History Day is looking for enthusiastic volunteers to serve as judges at one of its five Regional Contests. Judges play a crucial role in encouraging students as they share their historical research and creative work. Click here to learn more and sign up to judge at a regional contest.

Judges have the opportunity to meet students, evaluate and rank projects, and provide meaningful, constructive feedback to every participant. No prior judging experience is necessary, judges receive pre-contest training and clear materials to review in advance.

Contest day judging runs from 8:00 a.m. until the early afternoon with coffee, snacks, and lunch provided. Website and paper judges meet with students on contest day, but they review projects in the week prior to the event. Documentary, performance, and exhibit judges both view the project and meet with the students at the contest.

AARP Connecticut invites eligible nonprofits and government entities to apply for the 2026 AARP Community Challenge. The program funds quick-action projects that improve community livability, especially for people age 50 and older through enhancements to public spaces, transportation, housing, digital connectivity, and more.

The organization will award more than $8 million will be awarded nationwide. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3), (4), and (6) nonprofits and government entities. Other types of organizations are considered on a case-by-case basis.

Grant options include:

• Flagship Grants: Support projects in public places, transportation, housing, digital connections, and disaster resilience. Awards range from a few hundred dollars to up to $15,000.

• Capacity-Building Microgrants: Support for projects focused on walkability and bikeability, accessible home modifications, and disaster preparedness. Awards of $2,500.

• Demonstration Grants: Fund replicable projects, with a 2026 focus on pedestrian safety, broadband access and adoption, and housing choice design competitions. Awards typically range from $10,000 to $25,000.

Applications are due by 5:00 p.m. on March 4. Click here to learn more and apply. 

While many people have questions following changes to federal vaccine guidance, the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) has not changed its vaccine recommendations. Its guidance continues to be based on the best available science and long-standing public health evidence to help protect individuals, families, and communities.

Vaccines remain a safe and effective way to prevent serious illness across the lifespan. If you’re looking for clear, reliable information, these resources may be helpful:

CT DPH Immunization & Vaccine Info: https://portal.ct.gov/.../individuals-and.../immunizations CT.gov
Access your vaccination record (CT WiZ): https://ctwizpublicportal.dph.ct.gov/ ctwizpublicportal.dph.ct.gov
General vaccine info (disease-based): https://portal.ct.gov/.../public.../vaccine-information CT.gov
Find or schedule a vaccine near you: https://www.vaccines.gov/en/ vaccines.gov

You are encouraged to talk with your health care provider and rely on trusted, evidence-based sources as you make decisions for yourself and your family.

The Hamden Police Department is expanding and seeking a Central Communications Technician. If you are detail-oriented, communicate effectively, and thrive in a fast-paced environment, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.

No prior experience is required, the right candidate will receive comprehensive training. This is a 24/7 operation with multiple shifts available, offering strong opportunities for career growth and advancement.

Click here for more information and to apply.

Hamden Public Works will begin a town-wide curbside pick-up of Christmas trees this week. Trees should be free of all wrappings, lights, and decorations. Crews will not pick up artificial trees.

All real trees are added to the brush pile at the Hamden Transfer Station and are recycled into woodchips, composting materials, and all other natural landscaping materials.

Residents may also take their discarded trees, both real and artificial, to the Hamden Transfer Station (231 Wintergreen Avenue). Their regularly scheduled hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m., as well as the first Saturday of each month from 8:00 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. 

For any questions, please contact Hamden Public Works at (203) 287-2600.

You’re invited to join the Sleeping Giant Park Association (SGPA) for a guided hike about winter animal tracking on Sunday, January 18 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Lots of critters are active, even during the dead of winter. Participants will learn some of the tips and tricks to locate winter tracks and identify the animals that created them.

This hike will meet and depart from the Chestnut Lane parking area and trailhead.

Registration is required. Click here to reserve your spot, and please register each hiker separately. There will be a waitlist so please cancel if you cannot attend. Organizers will email you if the event is cancelled due to weather.

Participants should be prepared for an easy to moderate hike, dress appropriately for the weather, and wear comfortable, supportive shoes with good traction. A day pack with snacks, water, extra layers, and any other essentials is recommended. Dogs are not allowed on SGPA hikes.