Happy Thanksgiving

November 22, 2023


 
View this email in your browser
Dear Neighbor,

On this Thanksgiving, I wish to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude. In this season of reflection, I am especially thankful for friends like you, the joy of shared moments, and the support that surrounds us. Please enjoy this week's newsletter, which is chocked full of in-district news, including the swearing-in of Stonington's newest, municipal elected officials and some very good news statewide regarding Connecticut's move to increase income eligibility limits for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

  • What's Our Rep Been Up To?
  • Remembering Rosalynn Carter
  • Nearly 9,000 More People Eligible for SNAP Benefits
  • Eastern Regional Tourism District Now Accepting Marketing Grant Applications
  • Traffic Signal Upgrades in Groton Begin Friday
  • Small Business Saturday - Please, Shop Local!
  • Public Listening Session for Main Street Noank Road Reconstruction Set for Thursday, November 30
  • Reminder: Groton Leaf Collection
  • Stonington: Frustration Brews Over Tree Removal  
  • Community Events
  • Happy Thanksgiving
 
What's Our Rep Been Up To?
I was proud to be on hand for the swearing-in of Stonington First Selectwoman Danielle Chesebrough, Selectmen Ben Tamsky, and Deb Downie! Congratulations to all of the newly sworn-in municipal elected officials in Stonington! I look forward to serving with this dedicated team on behalf of our amazing residents.
 
Remembering Rosalynn Carter  
Flags throughout the United States will be lowered to half-staff as a mark of solemn respect for the memory of former First Lady Rosalynn Carter beginning at sunrise on Saturday, November 25, 2023, until sunset on the day of interment, which is scheduled for Wednesday, November 29, 2023.

Did you know Jimmy Carter, married to Rosalynn for 77 years, was the first and only future president of the United States to serve on a submarine? Jimmy Carter, 98, served in the Navy for seven years and served a pair of stints in Groton.   

General Dynamics Electric Boat honors former First Lady Rosalynn Carter who, in this photo, christens the submarine USS Jimmy Carter (SSN 23) in Groton on June 5, 2004.
 
 
Nearly 9,000 More People Eligible for SNAP Benefits  

The state's move to to boost income eligibility limits for Connecticut’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is providing a major boost. An additional 8,959 individuals in 4,980 households are now able to take advantage of that resource.

The Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS), which administers the program, estimates those individuals will access $19,868,553 in SNAP benefits over the coming year, or an average of $185 per month. To read more click on the image below.

 
Eastern Regional Tourism District Now Accepting Marketing Grant Applications
 
The Eastern Regional Tourism District, which helps promote tourism in Eastern Connecticut, is now accepting grant applications from marketing initiatives that support this section of the state's tourism economy.

Funding of up to $10,000 is available for businesses, nonprofits, and municipalities within our district. The application deadline is January 15, 2024. Please read below for more details. 

More Information Here Including Guidelines
 
Traffic Signal Upgrades in Groton Begin Friday
U.S. Route 1 at Ring Drive
Crews are scheduled to begin installing and and upgrading traffic signals in Groton on Friday. According to the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT), the work will take place at:
  • U.S. Route 1 (Fort Hill Road) at Ring Drive & Ella T. Grasso Technical School
  • Route 1 at Central Ave & Drive to Bellows Park

The project includes an organizational and construction phase, slated to begin on May 9, 2024 and will be completed in August 2025.

A constituent inquired about the plans for this project. To see them, please click HERE.

 
Small Business Saturday - Please, Shop Local!
We have a great deal to look forward to in the upcoming days with Thanksgiving celebrations, being together with loved ones, and Small Business Saturday just around the corner on November 25. The latter is a great opportunity to support our local entrepreneurs, artisans, and small businesses that make our community unique and vibrant.

Some of these businesses are still working to recover from the pandemic. Your support can make a significant difference in helping your favorites shops, bookstores, or restaurants bounce back and thrive. The resilience they've shown during such challenging times is truly admirable.

By choosing to shop local, we're not just making purchases; we're investing in our community's vitality and ensuring that these businesses can continue to create jobs, offer unique products and services, and help stimulate our local economy. Let's come together this holiday season to celebrate and support them. It's a powerful way to show solidarity and make a difference.
 
My colleagues and I doubled down by supporting small businesses during the 2023 legislative session.
With the holiday season quickly approaching, you may want to consider buying gift cards and certificates from a local business. According to Boost Suite, there are 350,376 small businesses in our state, which make up 99% of all businesses in Connecticut. To find small businesses in your area, please click here
 
Thank you for supporting our locally-owned businesses. I wish you and your family a happy holiday season. 
 
Public Listening Session for Main Street Noank Road Reconstruction Set for Thursday, November 30
Residents and business owners are encouraged to attend this important meeting on Thursday, November 30th at the Noank Fire Station in Noank, for their input and as well as asking questions regarding the project.
 
Reminder: Groton Leaf Collection
The City of Groton is collecting leaves every Wednesday through December 6 except of the week of Thanksgiving.

CLICK HERE to watch a video as Groton Public Works Director Bill Robarge provides more information on fall leaf collection.

 
Stonington: Frustration Brews Over Tree Removal

Many of you have contacted my office in recent weeks to express your dismay over the extensive tree removal along Route 1 in Stonington. Crews have uprooted, cut down, and removed dozens of healthy and beautiful trees lining the state-owned and maintained road from Mason's Island Road to Buzzi Memorial in Stonington.
 
While I was aware that some tree trimming and removal of diseased trees were planned along the Route 1 corridor, I was shocked by the extent of the tree removal, particularly in the area adjacent to the Stonington Cemetery at the intersection of Stonington Road and North Main Street. I have contacted the Connecticut Department of Transportation leadership to express my deep concern and will do everything in my power to prevent the mass removal of healthy trees in our district.
 
If you have any photos or additional thoughts on this matter, please do not hesitate to email me.

 
Community Events
 
 
 
Santa Claus is coming to Mystic River Park on Saturday at 6 p.m., to officially light the Mystic Christmas tree! There will be a lighted boat parade, which spectators can see from both sides of the river, beginning at 6:15 p.m. For more information please click HERE.
 
Happy Thanksgiving to You and Yours
Our community is strong thanks to our residents and everyone working together to make our state a great place to live.   
May your Thanksgiving be filled with the love of family and the company of good friends as we all cherish these moments of togetherness and celebrate the blessings that make life  special. Let's also extend our thoughts to those facing difficulties, and think of the importance of compassion and generosity. 

I am thankful for the opportunity to work for you in Hartford. It is a true honor to represent you.

From my family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving!

 
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.
Sincerely,

Aundré Bumgardner

State Representative
Facebook
Facebook
Twitter
Twitter
Website
Website
Email
Email

Forward to a friend | Unsubscribe from this list | Update subscription preferences