Millions Approved for Home Heating Assistance

February 16, 2024


Winter is back, which means we experienced plenty of snow, school closings, parking bans, and slippery roads. Thank you to all the crews who did an amazing job clearing the roads and keeping people safe during the storm. While some of you can't wait until warmer weather, the storm created a winter wonderland.

Speaking of winter, we returned to the State Capitol on Wednesday to approve funding for home heating assistance. I'll break down how that money will make a difference for the rest of the winter.

Crews are making progress on the big construction project on Main Street in Derby. Keep scrolling to the latest pictures of their work!

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. Did you know that 1 in every 5 Connecticut high school girls says they experienced sexual dating abuse? Below you will find resources for anyone who needs help.

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

  • Millions Approved for Home Heating Assistance
  • Wanted: Resident Feedback on Fred Wolfe Park 
  • Plan to Change Exit Numbers on Route 15
  • Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month
  • Derby School Bus Drivers Wanted
  • Route 34 Construction Update in Derby
  • Derby Events Calendar
  • Upcoming Events in Hamden
  • Orange Events Calendar
  • Upcoming Events in Woodbridge
 
Millions Approved for Home Heating Assistance
We approved $17 million in additional cold weather heating assistance funds during session on Wednesday. Many residents and families who receive assistance through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) or Operation Fuel will have access to funds to ensure they can heat their homes through the cold weather season.
As your State Representative, it is my responsibility to stand up for my constituents. This funding ensures that none of our neighbors must choose between paying their bills or freezing.

I am committed to enhancing the safety and quality of life for all residents, and I will continue to do so throughout this legislative session.

 
Wanted: Resident Feedback on Fred Wolfe Park 
You have an opportunity to weigh in on the future of Fred Wolfe Park! BL Companies, a Connecticut based engineering and planning company, offered four traffic pattern designs last month at the Orange Park and Recreation Commission meeting. BL Companies was hired to look at the designs and challenges specific to the traffic patterns of the Park. 

Below you will find the slides presented. If you have a preference, please email the Chair of P & R, James O'Connor to share that feedback. Please select between:

  • Concept 1
  • Concept 2
  • Concept 3
  • Concept 3A
As I mentioned when I spoke at the meeting, I am very grateful for the work the commission and the FWP Committee have done and their efforts to engage the public in this process. Thank you to those who spoke up and urged for more resident feedback. These conversations may take time, but are important for a positive outcome.
 
Plan to Change Exit Numbers on Route 15
The state plans to replace signs and change exit numbers on CT-15 (Wilbur Cross Parkway & Merritt Parkway). Some of the new signs and sign supports include large overhead and side mounted guide signs as well as on-ramp entrance signs.
Click Here To Learn More
 
Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month
February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, an effort to shine a light on abusive relationships among adolescents. In Connecticut, 26% of students surveyed reported that someone they were dating or going out with, purposely tried to control them or emotionally hurt them.

Remember dating should never be scary or dangerous.

Help is available if you believe your teen or one of their friends is in danger. The Interval House is a great resource for education and counseling. Their hotline is available 24/7 at (860) 838-8467.
Click Here For More Information
You can also contact CT Safe Connect from anywhere 24 hours a day by calling or texting (888) 774-2900, sending a confidential email to safeconnect@ctcadv.org, or using their web chat. All services are confidential, safe, free, and voluntary.
 
Derby School Bus Drivers Wanted

All-Star Transportation is hiring safety conscious, reliable school bus drivers immediately in Derby. The company is hosting an open house and conducting interviews on Tuesday, February 20th from 9:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M. at its facility in Seymour. All-Star Transportation offers the following perks:

  • Paid permit prep class
  • Paid Behind-the-Wheel Training
  • Part-time, Monday-Friday schedule
 
Route 34 Construction Update in Derby
Crews are making headway on the south side of Route 34 (Main Street). On the left, you can see the brand new concrete sidewalk with a buffer strip of red pavers for safety and snowplow convenience. 

As you can see on the right, work is in full swing to build a new public parking lot with concrete pavers, which allows rainwater to seep through the gaps unlike regular pavement.

Click Here To Learn More
 
Derby Events Calendar
Check out the events below, and click the button at the bottom of this section to access the community calendar.
Derby Public Library staff members selected some of their favorite books, which are available for check out. The books are lovingly wrapped, so it will be a mystery title hidden inside when you choose one. 

Come visit the Library’s special display on the Main Level of the Library through February 29 on the Main Level and find your perfect match!

Derby Community Calendar
 
Upcoming Events in Hamden
Take a look and click on the fliers below to learn more about the upcoming events. Make sure to check out the button at the bottom of this section to learn about other events.
The Louis Astorino Ice Rink continues to host public skate nights every Friday from 8:15 P.M. to 10:00 P.M. Skating is $10, skate rentals are $10, and the snack bar will be open. Both cash and card will be accepted for admission and skate rentals, and only cash will be accepted for the snack bar.
You can learn about the Traditions of Chinese Acrobatics with Li-Liu on Saturday, February 17 at 1:00 P.M. at Thornton Wilder Hall in the Miller Cultural Complex.
More Hamden Events
 
Orange Events Calendar
Check out the flier and community calendar in Orange below.
Celebrate noted Black painter Alma Thomas by making your very own collage in her signature style from February 19-24 at Case Memorial Library. No registration is required. Kits are available while supplies last on a first come, first served basis.
Orange Community Calendar
 
Upcoming Events in Woodbridge
Check out the events below and click the button under that to access the Woodbridge community calendar.
The community is invited to listen to a Composting Lecture on Saturday, February 17 from 3:00 P.M. -4:00 P.M. at the Woodbridge Town Library Meeting Room. There will be a simultaneous children's program upstairs in the library on compost, so feel free to bring your kids!
Woodbridge Town Library is hosting its Winter Reading Raffle Party on Tuesday, February 20 from 6:30 P.M. - 7:30 P.M. There will be a drawing, treats, and a performance by Woodbridge's own Steven Bettencourt! CLICK HERE for a ticket!
Embark on an intense journey in the upcoming installment of the Beckerman Jewish Cultural Arts Series. James G. Robinson shares his inspiring story in 'More Than We Expected: Five Years With A Remarkable Child.' Save the date for Wednesday, February 21 at 7:00 P.M. for an online author talk. CLICK HERE for ticket information.
Woodbridge Community Calendar