Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

September 19, 2025

Dear Neighbor,

Happy Friday! I hope you have had a great week. Please keep reading for information about Hispanic Heritage Month, a celebration of the Orange Fire Department, and more!

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

Join us in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept 15–Oct 15)!

From music and food to science, business, and public service—Hispanic and Latino communities shape Connecticut and our nation every day.

Let’s honor the rich histories, cultures, and contributions that continue to inspire generations.

Constitution Day Celebration

On Wednesday, I attended a Constitution Day celebration. This day is a reminder of why civics education is so important. Civics not only teaches students about our history, but also gives them the tools to understand our democracy and the role each individual plays in shaping it.

That’s why my colleagues and I are working to create a civics seal for high school diplomas, highlighting students who excel in civics education. Recognizing this achievement will encourage more young people to engage with their communities and strengthen our democracy for the future.

Orange Fire Department Celebrates 100 Years

Last weekend, I attended a celebration of the Orange Volunteer Fire Department’s 100th anniversary! Departments from across Connecticut and even New York joined the parade, showcasing their apparatus with precision and pride. It was amazing to see every display so polished and well maintained.

Trail of Tears Commemoration Day

The nation paused to remember Trail of Tears Commemoration Day, which was held September 16. We honored the memory of the thousands of Native people who were forcibly removed from their ancestral lands and the many who died along the way. This is not just a chapter in our history, but a reminder of our ongoing responsibility to respect, uphold, and protect Indigenous sovereignty and rights. We listen. We learn. We stand in solidarity.

Connecticut Automatic Admission Program for High School Seniors

Attention high school seniors - if you are interested in pursing higher education, I'd encourage you to look into the Connecticut Automatic Admission Program (CAAP). With just one application, students are automatically admitted to 10 participating colleges and universities, and the program eliminates common barriers by waiving application fees, essays, and recommendation letters.

This program available to any Connecticut high school seniors who have a 3.0 weighted grade point average (GPA) or a 2.75 unweighted GPA. Applicants will gain automatic admission into the following universities:

Central Connecticut State University
Eastern Connecticut State University
Southern Connecticut State University
Western Connecticut State University
Albertus Magnus College
Goodwin University
Mitchell College
University of Bridgeport
University of Hartford
University of New Haven

After students apply through the Common App, eligible applicants will receive acceptance letters notifying them of their admission and encouraging them to enroll in one of the participating schools. The process requires only one application form and has no application fees.

The application period for Connecticut high school seniors planning to start college in the 2026-2027 academic year is currently open and will remain so until May 1, 2026.

All high school students in Connecticut are encouraged to take advantage of this valuable opportunity. Click here for more details and application instructions.

National Voter Registration Day

Are you Vote Ready?

Take a few minutes to get registered to vote, check your registration status, and get your family, friends, and neighbors to do the same. Click here to learn more. ️

Upcoming Events

The Milford Regional Chamber of Commerce will hold the inaugural Milford Regional Lobster Roll Festival this Saturday, September 20 at Walnut Beach. Click here to learn more.