New Push For Major Art Funding!

March 1, 2024


I continue to work with my committees on debating, drafting, and creating bills that will improve the quality of life around Connecticut. We strive to develop legislative proposals that address the diverse needs and concerns of our constituents. I will keep you posted on the progress we are making at the Capitol. 
I encourage artists to come forward and support a proposal to increase funding for the Artist Fellowship Program. Please look below to learn more and find out how you can sign up to testify!

March marks the start of a new chapter in Connecticut in the form of early voting. Please keep scrolling if you want to learn how it works and when you can cast a ballot!

 
Here are the sections and topics in this week's email:
  • Calling All Artists!
  • Remembering Nex
  • Start of Early Voting
  • In The News
  • Donut Shop Coming To Orange
  • Fundraiser For Teen Space at Derby Neck Library
  • Derby Events Calendar
  • Upcoming Events in Hamden
  • Orange Events Calendar
  • Upcoming Events in Woodbridge
 
Calling All Artists!
You are invited to support and testify on a proposal I created to increase grant funding by 50% for the Connecticut Artist Fellowship Program. The Commerce Committee will hold a public hearing to discuss the bill and other items at 11 A.M. next Tuesday, March 5, over Zoom and in room 2E of the Legislative Office Building.
An increase to the amounts or number of grants would bolster support for artists of all mediums across the state. This move would provide vital resources and opportunities, enabling artists to pursue their creative endeavors with greater freedom and vigor. This could lead to a thriving artistic ecosystem that enriches communities.
 
You can help show your support for this concept by submitting written testimony or by signing up to testify either in-person, or remotely, and share how this could help you and our communities.
Click Here To Sign Up Or Submit Testimony
 
 
Remembering Nex
I have always made it clear that I am committed to the safety and wellbeing of all of our children. On Wednesday, I stood with the governor, many colleagues, advocates, and families to mark the loss of Nex Benedict, a non-binary teenager in Oklahoma who died last week following a physical attack at school. While this did not happen in Connecticut, it is important to reaffirm our support for the safety and freedom for children here, especially those who are members of marginalized groups.
 
Start of Early Voting
Want to vote for your party's presidential candidate? Make your voting plan today!

March marks the first time Connecticut will host early voting. This new method allows you to vote in person safely and securely before Election Day.

 CLICK HERE for important voter information.
Click Here To Learn More About Early Voting
 
In The News
 
Donut Shop Coming To Orange
Duck Donuts will open its first location in Connecticut on the Boston Post Road in Orange. The franchise has more than 100 stores in the country. Each donut can be customized with a coating, topping or drizzle, leaving you with endless combinations! Duck Donuts also carries adorable rubber duckies.
 
Fundraiser For Teen Space at Derby Neck Library
Derby Neck Library is hosting a Read-a-Thon to raise money for a new teen space. Since the area is so popular among students, the current space quickly reaches capacity and overflows into the children’s room.
The library is encouraging students to help with fundraising campaign which is underway and continues through March 31. Teens participate in the Read-a-Thon by looking for sponsors through their families, teachers, and neighbors.
Click Here To Learn More & Donate
 
Derby Events Calendar
Check out the events below, and click the button at the bottom of this section to access the community calendar.
Stop by Derby Public Library on Saturday, March 2 to celebrate Read Across America Day and Dr. Seuss' birthday! There will be a scavenger hunt a do-it-yourself station for the kids!
The first session of Derby Neck Library's month-long Genealogy Series begins next week. Organizers will cover the basic principles of genealogy and family history research to help you start uncovering the mysteries of your own family tree. Registration is not required.
Derby High School will presents "Aladdin the Musical" on Friday, March 8 and Saturday, March 9 at 7:00 P.M. (doors open 30 minutes earlier). The auditorium has been buzzing with excitement for months as the Aladdin set has come to life. 

Get ready to be transported to the vibrant streets of Agrabah and be part of an unforgettable journey with the school's new theater program. Tickets are $10 per person and are available at the door on show nights.

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.
More Hamden Events
 
Orange Events Calendar
Check out the flier and community calendar in Orange below.
Case Memorial Library is hosting a screening of the Oscar nominated epic "Oppenheimer" on Monday, March 4 at 6 P.M. and Wednesday, March 6 at 1 P.M. The movie tells the story of  American scientist J. Robert Oppenheimer and his role in the development of the atomic bomb.

Register HERE for Monday, March 4 viewing & HERE for Wednesday, March 6 viewing.

Orange Community Calendar
 
Upcoming Events in Woodbridge
Check out the events below and click the button under that to access the Woodbridge community calendar.
Head to Woodbridge Town Library for a showcase of local Connecticut authors as they discuss their books and writing process, followed by an Audience Q&A. The event will be held on Saturday, March 2 at 1 P.M. Click here to register.
Learn everything you need to know about Medicare. CLICK HERE to register for this free event on Tuesday, March 5 at 6:30 P.M. at Woodbridge Town Library.
Massaro Community Farm hosts its Sustainable Nutrition Series on the farm on Saturday, March 9 at 9:30 A.M. Organizers will explore the health benefits of trees over the winter. You will also get to taste freshly harvested maple water and explore the vitamins and minerals drawn from tree needles, branches and roots. Buy your tickets here.
Woodbridge Community Calendar