Celebrating Women's History Month & Old Train Station Parking Garage To Be Torn Down

March 8, 2024

It's Women's History Month, and I'm proud to uplift women all over the world! Please look below to learn about Connecticut's female pioneers and what new legislation we are trying to pass to support women.

The state is saying out with the old and in with the new! Crews will demolish the former parking garage and pedestrian bridge by the Stamford train station. Keep reading to find out when that project is set to begin and where to expect detours.

Operation Fuel received more funding and is now extending its winter program season. Keep reading to find out how much longer folks can apply for emergency energy and water assistance.

Have a great weekend!

 
Celebrating Women's History Month
March is Women’s History Month, a time dedicated to honoring the vital role women have played in American history. It’s also a time to celebrate their achievements and learn more about their contributions. This year’s theme is “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion,” which recognizes women throughout the country who believe a positive future can only be achieved by eliminating bias and discrimination from our society.

Connecticut has a long history of female pioneers who brought progress to our state and the rest of the country. Women in our state have consistently risen to positions of leadership within the political landscape, showcasing their outstanding abilities and commitment to public service.

  • We are home to the first boarding school for women of color, which opened in 1831 in Canterbury.
  • Helen Keller was one of Connecticut’s most influential women for her fierce support and advocacy of women’s suffrage, legalization of birth control, and benefits for people with disabilities.
  • Ella T. Grasso was the first woman elected Floor Leader in the Connecticut General Assembly, first woman to chair the Democratic State Platform Committee, and the first woman in the U.S. to be elected governor. 
  • Antonia “Ann” Uccello was the first woman in Connecticut to be elected mayor of a municipality, and she was the only woman to head a major U.S. city during the Civil Rights era.
  • Today, U.S. Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro continues to break barriers.
Click Here To Read More About Women’s History in Connecticut
In our quest to honor and protect women in our state, I would like to highlight some of the work we have done and continue to champion in the legislature.
Our tireless advocacy is far from complete. We have several priorities in the 2024 legislative session that directly impact women on a daily basis.
 
Old Parking Garage To Be Torn Down
Now that a brand new parking garage is open at the Stamford Transportation Center, crews plan to start tearing down the old one. Demolition will start on Monday, March 11. One part of the old garage, known as the “2004 garage,” will have limited parking with sole access from Atlantic Street. If you park in the old garage, I highly suggest you relocate to the new facility on South State Street.
Drivers can expect a detour of Station Place Road out onto adjacent intersections, Washington Boulevard, and Atlantic Street for about a month. The Connecticut Department of Transportation expects the demolition project to be completed this fall. 
Click Here To Learn More About Demolition
 
Operation Fuel Extends Winter Program Season
Operation Fuel is extending its 2024 winter program season and accepting application until March 15 thanks to more funding. The organization offers emergency energy and water assistance in Connecticut. Operation Fuel’s grants, which go up to $500, are available for Connecticut residents who earn up to 75% State Median Income.

To apply for delivered fuel assistance, such as oil, propane, and pellets, you must provide:

  • Proof of income for the past four weeks and for every adult in the household
  • Clients with a current Connecticut Energy Assistance Program award letter may submit this as proof of income for their household
  • Forms to verify zero income, self-employment, and friends and family support are available at www.operationfuel.org/gethelp 
  • The name of your preferred delivered fuel vendor (Operation Fuel has a list of in-network vendors)

To apply for utility assistance, such as gas and electric, you must provide:

  • Proof of income for the past four weeks and for every adult in the household. Clients with a current Connecticut Energy Assistance Program award letter may submit this as proof of income for their household 
  • Your utility account information and most recent, past due bill  

If you received an award last year are eligible to apply again before March 15. Operation Fuel does not take applications in person or over the phone. To apply online or through a partner agency, please visit www.operationfuel.org/gethelp.
 
Oscar Nominated Films on Big Screen

Time is running out to see some of the best movies of 2023 on the big screen at Avon Theatre. Below you will find the schedule! Click on the film name to buy tickets.