Dear Neighbor,

A severe cold-weather protocol is in effect through noon Wednesday. All the details of what that means, especially for our most vulnerable populations is included below.

A major snowstorm is headed our way as well. I have included some tips on how to prepare for winter storms. 

I will be proudly joining fellow lawmakers for a Town Hall, this one, in Groton on Wednesday. I hope you can make it!

Please be safe and stay warm! This week's newsletter topics include:

• Around the 41st District
• Severe Cold Headed Our Way
• A Storm Prep Guide
• Join Us in Groton on Wednesday
• Upcoming Webinars
• AHCT Enrollment Deadline Reminder
• CT Department of Transportation News
• Veterans Resources & Updates
• Community Events

Do not hesitate to contact me with any thoughts or concerns you may have at Aundre.Bumgardner@cga.ct.gov or 1-800-842-8267.

Have a great weekend,

Sincerely,

Aundré Bumgardner
State Representative
 

Have a Plan to Stay Warm

• Stay warm indoors to prevent frostbite and hypothermia.
• Consider using an indoor thermometer or thermostat to monitor the temperature inside.
• Plan to check on loved ones and neighbors to make sure they are staying warm. This is especially important for older adults and babies.
• Drink plenty of warm fluids but avoid caffeine and alcohol.
• Avoid travel if you can.
• If you must go outside, plan to dress properly. Keep your nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers, and toes covered in warm, dry clothing. These areas are the first to be at risk for frostbite.
  • Wear layers of loose clothing, a coat, hat, mittens, and water-resistant boots. Use a scarf to cover your face and mouth.
• Know where you will go if your home becomes too cold. You could go to a friend’s house, a public library, or a warming center.

Gather Emergency Supplies

•  Gather food, water, and medicine before a winter storm. Stores might be closed, and it may be unsafe to travel.
• Organize supplies into a Go-Kit and a Stay-at-Home Kit.
  • Go-Kit: at least three days of supplies you can carry with you if you need to go somewhere else to stay warm. Include critical backup batteries and chargers for your devices (cell phone, CPAP, wheelchair, etc.)
  • Stay-at-Home Kit: at least two weeks of supplies.
• Ensure you have enough warm clothing, such as hats, mittens, and blankets, for everyone in your household.
• You may lose access to drinking water. Set aside at least one gallon of drinking water per person per day.
• Consider having emergency supplies in your vehicle, such as a blanket, warm clothing, a first aid kit, and boots.
• Have a 1-month supply of needed medications and medical supplies. Consider keeping a list of your medications and dosages on a small card to carry with you.
• Keep personal, financial, and medical records safe and easy to access (hard copies or securely backed up).
• Have a snow shovel and ice-melting products to keep your walkways safe.
• Stock up on winter storm preparedness kits, supplies, and other first aid supplies.

Plan to Stay Connected

•  Sign up for free emergency alerts from your local government.
• Plan to monitor local weather and news.
• Have a backup battery or a way to charge your cell phone.
• Have a battery-powered radio to use during a power outage.
• Understand the alerts you may receive:
  • A WATCH means Be Prepared!
  • A WARNING means Take Action!

Create a support team to help everyone stay safe in a disaster. Plan how you can help each other.

Public Information Meeting on Traffic Control Signal Replacements in Eastern Connecticut

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) will conduct a virtual public information meeting concerning Traffic Control Signal Replacements in Eastern Connecticut (Groton, Killingworth, Ledyard, New London, Norwich, Plainfield, Preston, Stonington, Windham, Woodstock) on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.

The public information meeting is being held to provide the public and local community the opportunity to offer comments or ask questions regarding the proposed project. The meeting will take place on Zoom, and registration is required. A question and answer (Q&A) session will immediately follow the presentation, which will be recorded. For instructions on accessing the meeting and ways to provide comments and ask questions, please click HERE. 

Construction is anticipated to begin in spring 2028 based on the availability of funding, acquisition of rights of way, and approval of permit(s). The estimated construction cost for this project is approximately $14 million. This project is anticipated to be undertaken with 100% state funds. 

Individuals with limited internet access can listen to the meeting by calling (877) 853-5257 and enter Meeting ID 852 7548 4418. Individuals with hearing and/or speech disabilities may dial 711 for Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS). Individuals with limited internet access may also request that project information be mailed to them within one week by contacting Kaethe Podgorski at DOTSignalReplacements@ct.gov or (860) 594-2189. 

Language assistance may be requested by contacting the CTDOT Language Assistance Call Line (860) 594-2109. Requests should be made at least five business days before the meeting. Language assistance is provided at no cost to the public and efforts will be made to respond to timely requests for assistance.

Bridge Joint repairs Over Mystic River on I-95 in Mystic

CTDOT is announcing bridge joint repairs over the Mystic River on I-95 in Mystic, with single lane closures scheduled through Thursday, March 20, 2026, from 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday.

 The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is announcing that bridge joint repairs will be performed over the Mystic River on Interstate 95 in Mystic. The bridges are located between Exits 89 and 90.

The work is scheduled through Thursday, March 20, 2026, from 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday. This project is being performed to maintain the structural integrity of the bridges and ensure the continued safety of the traveling public.

The repairs will be performed by Hammonasset Construction.

LANE CLOSURE/DETOUR INFO

There will be a single lane closure on I-95 northbound and southbound, between Exits 89 and 90, during the scheduled work hours. Traffic control signing patterns and crash units will guide motorists safely through the work zone. 

CTDOT urges motorists to maintain a safe speed, follow posted signage, and be alert to construction personnel and equipment when traveling through the area.

• Your DD 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) is critical for accessing VA benefits. Here’s how to obtain a copy:
• Check with your Town Clerk – Many veterans file their DD 214 with their local town clerk.
• Contact CT Veterans Affairs – They have an archive of 130,000 DD 214s. Email oaa.dva@ct.gov for assistance.
• Submit a Request to the National Archives – The fastest way is online: Request Here
• If Needed for Burial or Military Honors – Funeral directors have priority retrieval access.

• Groton – 2nd & 4th Friday of the month, 9 AM – 11 AM
• Groton Public Library – 52 Newtown Road
•  Mystic – 1st & 3rd Thursday of the month, 9 AM – 11 AM
• Mystic Congregational Church – 43 East Main Street
• Pawcatuck – 2nd & 4th Thursday of the month, 9 AM – 11 AM
• Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center – 27 Chase Street

For more locations and information, contact:
Gina King, Director, Senior Volunteer Services
gking@tvcca.org |  860-425-6617

If you have any issues, concerns, or ideas related to veteran services, military families, or legislative priorities, please feel free to reach out to my office. Your service and sacrifices deserve to be honored with the best support possible.