Fourth of July Celebrations & Summer Food Assistance

July 2, 2026
As we approach the Fourth of July, I hope you'll join me in reflecting on the ideals of freedom, democracy, and the generations of Americans who have defended them. Below, you'll find local Independence Day celebrations, community updates, and other news from around our district.

Here are the sections and topics in this week's email:

  • Fourth of July Themed Festivities
  • Beware of Dangerous Heat
  • Students Bring Local History to Life
  • Summer Food Assistance Available
  • $1 Million to Improve Public Safety in Hamden
  • Medical Debt Erased
  • Derby Events Calendar
  • Upcoming Events in Hamden
  • Orange Events Calendar
  • Upcoming Events in Woodbridge
 

Fourth of July Themed Festivities

As communities across Connecticut and the nation prepare to celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence, we have a unique opportunity to reflect on our shared history, honor those who came before us, and celebrate the values that continue to bring us together.

Whether you're gathering with family and friends for a cookout, enjoying a fireworks display, or attending a community event, this is a time to celebrate our country's enduring spirit and the people who make our communities so special.

There are several exciting local events planned to mark the occasion. On Thursday, July 2, enjoy live music, food, and family fun at the Derby-Shelton Fireworks celebration. On July 3, Orange will host its America 250 Celebration, featuring entertainment and fireworks. Then, on July 4, residents can gather on the Derby Green for an Independence Day celebration filled with patriotic pride and community spirit.

Please see the flyers below for additional details about these festive events. I hope you enjoy a happy and safe Fourth of July!
 

Beware of Dangerous Heat

The state has activated the Extreme Hot Weather Protocol due to a long-duration heat wave featuring severely hot and humid weather. The protocol is in effect from now through at least 6:00 p.m. on Sunday.

State agencies, municipalities, and other partners are coordinating with United Way 2-1-1 to ensure that information regarding cooling centers is available statewide. Anyone in need of a place to get out of the heat can find their nearest cooling center at www.211ct.org or by calling 2-1-1.

You can find Hamden's cooling centers here.
Learn more here
 

Students Bring Local History to Life
On June 13, I was proud to join the community in celebrating the culmination of the Witness Stone project, a powerful initiative that uncovered the stories of two local enslaved Woodbridge individuals whose lives are an important part to the town’s history.

I was fortunate to help secure a grant allowing sixth grade students at Beecher Road School (BRS) to research and learn about Chloe and Timothy Anthony, who were enslaved by the Darling family in Woodbridge. The funding provided our students with the opportunity to learn about the history of their town through historical documents. I was incredibly impressed by the students' thoughtful work, dedication, and compassion throughout the project.

I would like to thank the Woodbridge Historical Society for pursuing this important project and the teachers at BRS for guiding their students through this challenging but important initiative that fostered historical understanding, empathy, and civic engagement.
Learn more about Witness Stones here
 

Summer Food Assistance Available

Families across Connecticut are receiving extra help putting food on the table this summer through the Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (S-EBT) program.

The Connecticut Department of Social Services, in partnership with the Connecticut State Department of Education, is providing a one-time $120 food benefit for each eligible child to help offset meal costs while school is out of session. More than 350,000 children are expected to get support from the program.

This investment helps families with children pay for food during the summer months while school is not in session. More than $42 million in S-EBT funding is expected to be provided to Connecticut families this summer.

Who is eligible?

Children may qualify if their family:

  • Participates in SNAP, Temporary Family Assistance Program (TFA), or Husky A with an income below 185% of the federal poverty level or
  • Was approved for free or reduced-price school meals during the 2025-26 school year.

Most eligible families automatically received their benefits electronically last weekend. They are being loaded onto existing SNAP or EBT cards, including previously issued Summer EBT cards. Families new to the program will receive an EBT card by mail.

Families who are not automatically enrolled can apply for Summer EBT through August 31, 2026.
Click here to learn more
 

$1 Million to Improve Public Safety in Hamden

A brand-new Emergency Operations Center is coming to improve public safety in Hamden! I was honored to join U.S. Representative Rosa DeLauro, Senate President Pro Tempore Martin Looney, Representative Laurie Sweet, and local leaders in welcoming more than $1 million in federal funding.

The EOC will enhance Hamden's disaster preparedness, response capabilities, and recovery efforts. The facility will also provide a centralized command, coordination, and communication hub to manage emergencies of all sizes.

I am grateful to Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro for helping deliver these key funds to Hamden.
 

Medical Debt Erased

More than 97,000 Connecticut residents will soon see some or all of their medical debt erased, providing much-needed relief to those burdened by unpaid health care bills. Approximately $315 million in medical debt will be eliminated through a partnership between the Lamont administration and the national nonprofit Undue Medical Debt.

Residents whose debt has been cancelled will receive a letter from Undue Medical Debt in the mail. The branded envelope will feature both the Undue Medical Debt logo and the Connecticut state seal. A sample of the letter is shown below.

252,000 Connecticut residents have had more than $513 million in medical debt erased since the initiative began in 2024. By reducing this financial burden, the program is helping families improve their financial stability and focus on their health and well-being rather than overwhelming medical costs.
 

Derby Events Calendar

Check out the events and community calendar in Derby below.

You are welcome to stop by Derby Public Library for its "Plant a Seed, Read!" summer with story time and hands-on gardening adventure on Thursday, June 9 at 9:30 a.m.

The activity begins in the Children's Room to share stories and go over the rules before going to the community garden behind the library to plant beans and radishes. CLICK HERE to learn more and register.
Connecticut Foodshare will give away free food to the community on Tuesday, July 14 from 2:15 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. at St. Mary’s Church on Elizabeth Street. Organizers will hand out tickets at 2 p.m. to everyone in line. Make sure to bring your own bag for the food.
Derby Community Calendar
 

Upcoming Events in Hamden

Look at the flyers below to learn more about the upcoming events in Hamden.
More Hamden Events
 

Orange Events Calendar

Check out the flyers and community calendar in Orange below.

The Orange Community Farmers' Market returns Thursday, July 2 at the Pavilion of the High Plains Community Center. Products are only the best certified and Connecticut grown, ranging from bakery products, eggs, flowers, milk, meats, plants, in-season vegetables, as well as crafts and services! The farmers’ market will be open every Thursday from 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. through September 24.
Orange Community Calendar
 

Upcoming Events in Woodbridge

Take a look at the upcoming events to see what’s happening in Woodbridge.

Massaro Community Farm is hosting a relaxing summer evening with friends, winey, and an opportunity to create your own succulent planter to take home. The event will be held Thursday, July 9 at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $45. Click here to learn more.

Massaro Community Farm is hosting a relaxing summer evening with friends, winey, and an opportunity to create your own succulent planter to take home. The event will be held Thursday, July 9 at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $45. Click here to learn more.

Join the Woodbridge community for a signature celebration honoring America’s 250th anniversary. This family-friendly event will take place on on Saturday, July 11 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the new Community & Cultural Center and throughout the surrounding Town Campus. You can expect historical exhibits, music and storytelling, lawn games, community activities, food, and more.
Woodbridge Community Calendar