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I'm feeling the shock of losing an Ellington icon. In late March, Yale Cantor passed away at the age of 96. He was so many things to so many people, but to me, he'll be remembered as someone who could convince younger generations to get involved in local politics. Read below for a longer tribute to this remarkable man.
I know people are worried about what is happening in Washington these days. I've included a section on federal updates in this e-newsletter.
There are just a few days left before taxes are due. Under "Resources," you can find information to help you finish your taxes, including tax assistance from VITA.
Thirty years ago, the UConn Women's Basketball Team won its first national championship and a perfect 35-0 season, stunning a tough and favored-to-win Tennessee Vols team, 70-64. Since then, the Lady Huskies have won 10 additional national titles, including back-to-back titles in 2009 and 2010, a three-peat in 2002, 2003, and 2004 (the first dual championship for both UConn basketball teams), and a four-peat in 2013, 2014 (second dual championship), 2015, and 2016. This past weekend, they took down top-seeds UCLA and South Carolina to win their 12th national title. Congratulations UConn Huskies!
There will be a parade honoring our national champs on Sunday, April 13, at 1 p.m., with the rally at the XL Center at approximately 1:30 p.m.
Jaime |
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In this newsletter, you'll find:
- In the News
- Remembering Yale
- Federal Updates
- Why I Voted "No" on an Energy & Technology Committee Amendment
- Vernon Receives Funds for Southwest Cemetery for Headstone Repairs
- EWHS's Bailey Winner Named to CHSCA Girls Basketball Class M All-State Team
- TVFD Honors Members at Annual Awards Ceremony
- Road Projects in Ellington & East Windsor
- Rockville Rams Zach Clapp T1D Benefit Game on April 12
- Earth Day Clean-Up at Ellington's Tedford Park
- The Friends of Valley Falls Offering Three Walks in May
- Tax Preparation Resources
- And More!
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| The topic of many conversations around the state has been the cost of energy. Click HERE to read my latest column in North Central News or click the graphic below. |
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On March 28, we lost a good one, with the passing of Ellington's Yale Cantor. My heart is heavy.
Yale was many things to many people - a dedicated public servant who served in our armed forces, a trusted guidance counselor, and an elected leader in Ellington. He was a devoted husband and father. But to me, he'll be remembered as someone who could convince younger generations to get involved in local politics. He taught me Robert’s Rules of Order and spent time educating me about the origins of our town’s boards and commissions. He was proud of the Human Services Commission, which he and his beloved wife, Beryl, founded - one of many lasting contributions they made to our community.
When my daughter was born prematurely, Yale was the first to tell me that he had been through it too - that his own child had been born early and had grown into a healthy, successful adult. In that moment, his words brought me comfort and hope.
In my mind’s eye, I will always picture Yale celebrating Mary Miller’s election victory - beaming with pride, not for himself, but for others. He was always humble about his contributions, yet he lifted up so many women in public service. He spoke with admiration about Mary Miller, Laurie Burstein, and me, deeply impressed by the intersection of motherhood and public service, which he saw as the ultimate display of community devotion.
In Ellington, his legacy is permanently enshrined on the Wall of Honor at Arbor Park in 2017.
Thanks for everything, Yale. May your memory be a blessing.
You can read his obituary HERE.
Photos: My daughter and I with Yale in 2019. Mary Miller and Yale following her election win.
Video: Remembering Yale on the House Floor on April 9. |
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The federal government continues to make significant cuts that could have devastating consequences for Connecticut and the rest of the country. These drastic moves threaten essential services, creating uncertainty and hardship for our most vulnerable.
Last week, the Trump Administration closed at least five regional Head Start offices, including the one in Boston, which oversees programs in Connecticut. All federal Head Start staff in these offices lost their jobs immediately, delivering a crushing blow to children from low-income families who rely on comprehensive early education and childcare services. I am deeply saddened and concerned about the impacts this will have on Head Start programs in our communities.
According to the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood, the federal government allocated more than $71 million in funds, with the state contributing $5 million in aid in 2024. Connecticut is home to 22 Head Start programs serving more than 5,500 children and families. The closures of regional offices raise concerns about future support for these programs. |
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The Trump Administration also terminated all federal employees responsible for administering the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The move could leave up to 200,000 people in Connecticut without essential heating assistance. LIHEAP benefits vulnerable seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income families.
While there is no word on funding cuts, the future of LIHEAP is in jeopardy due to the mass layoffs. With significantly fewer personnel to administer the program, its effectiveness and reach are at serious risk. Experts believe LIHEAP will stop functioning without federal support or expertise.
I view the role of government as standing in the gap to protect those most vulnerable. As policymakers, we must ensure that programs like LIHEAP remain reliable and effective. Any disruption could leave vulnerable households struggling, particularly in states like Connecticut, where cold winters make heating assistance a necessity. I will be monitoring this situation closely and advocating for continued, stable support for families in need.
I know the critical importance of these programs and will work with state and federal leaders to protect these programs. |
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In terms of education funding, U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon announced a freeze of around $14 million for academic and other programs in Connecticut's schools last week. Much of this money was already awarded to schools, while the rest was to be disbursed by our state's Department of Education. The Department of Education is also laying off 1,300 employees, which will gut the staff and begin dismantling the entire department.
Secretary McMahon also threatened to withhold federal funding from public schools that don't eliminate programs she says unfairly promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.
According to the New York Times, "the Education Department said that funding for schools with high percentages of low-income students, known as Title I funding, was at risk pending compliance with the administration’s directive."
Connecticut received over $156 million in Title I funding in 2024, and I shudder to think of what the impact will be if that funding starts to get stripped away.
My colleagues and I are urging the federal government to reconsider all of these cuts, and we will continue to assess their potential impact on Connecticut. Our top priority is ensuring the well-being of our state’s most vulnerable residents. |
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| Do you know how much Connecticut gets in federal funding for education, healthcare, and food assistance? CT Voices for Children, based in New Haven, compiled town-level data that includes information about federal funding to school districts, Medicaid, and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Below is information for East Windsor, Ellington, and Vernon. |
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The Connecticut State Library has been notified by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) that its 2024-2025 federal grant awarded under the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) Grant to States program has been terminated, effective April 1.
The statutory grant was scheduled to cover the current federal fiscal year ending September 30, 2025.
I am deeply disappointed by the termination of Connecticut’s federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grant. This decision will have real, harmful consequences for children, families, educators, and our local libraries.
Summer reading programs supported through grants like LSTA are lynchpins in preventing the "summer slide" - helping kids maintain literacy skills and grow a lifelong love of reading. As a parent and as a policymaker, I will be devastated to see any impact on the incredible work of our libraries.
These grants also support tech improvements to interlibrary loan systems that connect readers of all ages - children, adults, seniors - to materials that expand their horizons far beyond the walls of any single library.
“Once you learn to read, you will be forever free.” - Frederick Douglass
“The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character - that is the goal of true education.” - Martin Luther King Jr.
“A library is not a luxury but one of the necessities of life.” - Henry Ward Beecher
We must remember: an informed, compassionate, and empathetic electorate begins with equitable access to knowledge. Our libraries make that possible.
I will continue to advocate for solutions and fight for the resources our libraries—and our communities—need and deserve. |
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I've gotten emails and texts about an amendment filed in the Energy and Technology Committee on which I voted no.
The original bill and amendment move the public benefits charge from electric bills to the state’s general fund, meaning residents would still be paying for these programs, just through taxes instead of their utility bills. Since most people are both taxpayers and ratepayers, this change does not provide real financial relief but only alters where the costs appear.
Proponents of the bill have suggested they wouldn’t eliminate programs; therefore, the money isn’t saved - just socialized differently.
If there are programs that aren’t working or wasting money, we have the same tools in the budget as we do in the public benefits - we can pass bills to change the policy. I’ve championed efforts to curtail hardship programs - maintaining them for those in need but strengthening needs testing.
Several organizations opposed the bill during public testimony, including Operation Fuel, Connecticut Legal Services, Connecticut Citizen Action Group, AARP Connecticut, Connecticut Industrial Energy Consumers, Connecticut Fund for the Environment, Connecticut Conference of Municipalities, and the Connecticut Association for Community Action. These groups argue that the bill fails to address the underlying issues driving high energy costs.
I voted no because this amendment, although many claim it would fix our high energy rates, was an act of partisan showmanship. I want to grapple with the real causes of rising energy rates. That means strengthening PURA, the Siting Council, and OCC’s roles in cost control, as well as overhauling our state and regional approach to transmission planning - the largest driver of bill increases in the last 15 years.
Additionally, we curtailed the main driver of the public benefits bill increases with previously passed legislation that prevents future single-state procurements like the Millstone contract, which was responsible for the last significant rate hike.
We have a lot of work to do on energy rates - I met recently with leaders of all four caucuses on my energy rates bill that I have been working on for 2+ years.
We can do better than political grandstanding.
Check out my bills this year related to energy rates:
HB 5229
HB 5230
HB 5231
HB 5953
HB 6298 |
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Sometimes our work takes us outside of the Capitol Complex walls.
On March 22, I took part (with many of my fellow Veterans Committee members) in a panel discussion for the National Guard Association of CT at the Connecticut Science Center.
On March 25, I joined a group of legislators from North Central CT that met with AdvanceCT in Enfield, to talk about promoting economic growth and prosperity within the state. Then back to the LOB!
On March 27, we celebrated at the "Women in Blue Legislative Luncheon" with the CT Federation of Democratic Women. |
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Vernon is one of 37 municipalities chosen to receive grant money to address neglected cemeteries. Southwest Cemetery (aka Old Dobsonville) has been chosen to receive $8,000 for headstone repairs through the Neglected Cemetery Account Grant Program.
The program is administered by the Connecticut Office of Policy and Management (OPM). Established in 2014, it is funded from revenue collected by the Connecticut Department of Public Health through the issuance of death certificates. To be eligible for a grant, towns and cities must have applied to OPM.
Grants can be used by municipalities to support basic maintenance of cemeteries, including the clearing of weeds, briars, and bushes; mowing of the ground’s lawn areas; repairing the ground’s fences or walls; and straightening, repairing, and restoring memorial stones.
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Big news from the Connecticut Department of Housing!
Introducing CT Home Funds - an investment in:
The Connecticut Home Improvement Program
The Time to Own – Rehabilitation Program
The Homeownership Construction Program
Administered by Capital for Change and the Housing Development Fund. Learn more about the new launch HERE.
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East Windsor High School's Bailey Winner has been named to the Connecticut High School Coaches Association (CHSCA) Girls Basketball Class M All-State Team. This recognition highlights Bailey's exceptional talent, dedication, and outstanding contributions to the Panthers girls' basketball program. Congratulations to Bailey and best wishes on her future endeavors!
Photo courtesy: East Windsor Public Schools |
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The Town of Vernon Fire Department recently honored its members and others at its annual awards ceremony at Rockville High School. The department also highlighted the contributions of some Vernon Department of Public Works employees who helped battle a brush fire last fall.
The annual ceremony is an opportunity for members to come together and celebrate the good and selfless work of members, honor veteran members, and receive gratitude from Mayor Dan Champagne and Fire Chief Stephen Eppler.
Among those honored:
Ethan Adkins - Junior Firefighter of the Year
Engineer Raymond Tautic - Firefighter of the Year
EMT Alex Bohr - EMT of the Year
Fire Police Lt. Antoinette “Nettie” Kenzior - Fire Officer of the Year |
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- Emergency Medical Technicians Amy Bassett, Cameron Schmelter, Joshua McGill, Danielle Solito, and American Medical Response Paramedic Jessica Casey were honored with a “Pre-hospital Code Save” award for saving the life of a man who’d gone into cardiac arrest and was unresponsive. The team administered CPR and defibrillation and brought the patient back. He was transported to the hospital and was discharged.
- Vernon Public Works Foreman Steve Scaramella and DPW employees Chad Thompson, Mathieu Lavoie, and Dominic Zbell were honored for helping the fire department battle a nine-acre brush fire on October 21, 2024 on land off Reservoir Road. Using backpack blowers, the team worked with firefighters to create a fire line to contain the fire.
Several firefighters were honored for their years of service to the fire department:
- Captain David Goric, 50 years
- Captain Jeff Schambach, 40 years
- Robert Turkington, TVFD air pack coordinator, 35 years
- Captain. William Solito and Lieutenant Sandra Manseau, 30 years
- EMT Jared Galica and Engineer Scott Shepard, 25 years
- Emergency Management Director Michael Purcaro, 20 years
- Deputy Fire Marshal Sheila Taridona, 10 years
- Firefighter Adam Bowman, Photographer Duncan Stewart, Lt. Connor Raymond, and Firefighter Matthew Kenzior, 5 years
Photos courtesy of TVFD Photographer, Duncan Stewart
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Just a reminder from the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CT DEEP): In 2022, CT DEEP issued an advisory urging people not to eat fish caught in the Hockanum River in Vernon. That advisory remains in place.
You can read the full press release issued by CT DEEP in 2022 HERE. |
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Drivers in Ellington - a stretch of Route 140 between Park Street (the pass-through at the Ellington Town Green) and Route 83 (up past Ellington High School) is scheduled for milling/paving work in the coming weeks.
Tentative Mill Date = 4/16 – 4/17
Tentative Pave Date = 4/20 – 4/25
State crews will be doing some prep work before the mill and pave dates. |
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From Ellington Human Services: Boost your job search with the American Job Center!
Get expert guidance on crafting a standout resume, mastering interviews, and building confidence in your job search. Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your skills, these one-on-one sessions will equip you with the tools to succeed.
First Tuesday of every month
10 a.m. – Noon
Ellington Human Services
Call 860-870-3128 to reserve your appointment! |
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The Sustainable Agriculture program at East Windsor High School is gearing up for the spring planting season, and your help is needed to make it successful! The Sustainable Agriculture program teaches the next generation about sustainable farming practices, and is looking for donations of new or gently used gardening supplies.
Current Needs:
- Grow Trays (1020 size)
- Thin 6-Pack Trays
- Plastic Pots (various sizes)
- Ceramic Pots
- Seeds (especially vegetables & herbs!)
- Seed Tags
- Shovels
- Watering Cans
- Plastic Folding Tables
- Benches
- Divided Perennials
- Bulbs
- 2x6's or Old Garden Boxes
- ...and anything else you think could help us grow!
If you have any of these items to donate, please drop them off in the plastic bin next to the front door of EWHS.
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| From the Town of East Windsor: The bridge closure for the Stiles Bridge replacement (Rt. 191, Scantic Road) is scheduled to occur until November 10. This will result in Mahoney Road and Old Ellington Road being closed at Rt. 191, similar to last August/September. The existing detour of Route 191 will remain in place for the duration of the closure. |
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| Share and spread the word. The 10th Annual Prom Boutique at The Cornerstone Foundation is open to all! |
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Rockville High School's baseball team will raise money for the fight against Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) and to honor the memory of a former Rams baseball player who died unexpectedly. Zach Clapp, 21, died last summer. He graduated RHS Class of 2021 and was an honors student who excelled in athletics, particularly soccer and baseball. While at RHS, he participated in the school's Agricultural Science and Technology Education program.
The inaugural Zach Clapp T1D Benefit game is scheduled for April 12 at 11 a.m. at RHS. Admission to the game is free, but food and drinks will be sold and donations will be accepted, with proceeds going to Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF), to advance Type 1 Diabetes research.
You can read more in Vernon Patch HERE. |
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Join the Ellington Girl Scouts for a cleanup day at Tedford Park! Sign up HERE. The rain date is April 13.
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The East Windsor Police Cadets are hosting a Bottle and Can Drive to help fund their trip to the NERLEEA Summer Academy! Every donation makes a difference!
Location: East Windsor Police Department
Date: April 12
Time: 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
You can drop off your bottles and cans to support the Cadets and their future in law enforcement!
For any questions, contact Officer Valencia at valencial@eastwindsor-ct.gov |
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Save the Date for Ellington's Earth Day Celebration!
Saturday, April 26, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Ellington Town Green.
Join in for a day of fun, education, and action as we come together to support a cleaner, greener future. Whether you're a resident looking to learn more about eco-friendly living or a local business wanting to engage with the community, there's something for everyone! |
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The Friends of Valley Falls are offering three walks in May at Valley Falls Park, 300 Valley Falls Road, Vernon. Meet at the park pavilion; admission is free.
Bird Walk: Sunday, May 4 at 7:30 am: Denise Animani will lead this popular walk, which often results in identifying over 30 birds in the park during spring migration. Denise, who is with UConn's Department of Allied Health Services and Director of the Diagnostic Genetic Sciences Program, is also an avid birdwatcher. Bring binoculars, favorite bird ID apps, and wear sturdy shoes.
History Walk: Saturday, May 17 at 9:30 am: Don Sierakowski, long-time educator and member of Vernon Historical Society and Vernon Historical Properties, will lead a “Rocks, Rails & Industry" walk that will explore the history and development of industry in the Valley Falls area.
Spring Wildflower Walk: Sunday, May 18 at 10:30 am: Carol Hatch, a retired pediatric neurologist and experienced gardener, will help us find the many spring wildflowers that can often be overlooked in the park. Bring flower ID apps if you wish.
Cancellations due to weather will be posted one hour before start time on our Facebook page: The Friends of Valley Falls, Inc., Vernon CT |
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With the tax deadline quickly approaching on April 15, now is the time to take action if you haven’t filed yet. Connecticut residents have access to a variety of free resources to help complete both state and federal tax returns accurately and on time.
Whether you need in-person assistance, prefer online filing, or need guidance on available tax credits, these services are here to ensure you meet the deadline with less stress and confusion. |
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The IRS Direct File Tool is an option for anyone who lived and earned their income in Connecticut last year. You can use this resource if you have one or more of the following types of income:
- W-2 (income from employer)
- 1099-G (unemployment compensation
- SSA-1099 (Social Security benefits)
- 1099-R (income from employer-sponsored pension and retirement account)
- 1099-SA (distributions for qualified medical expenses from Health Savings Accounts)
- 1099-INT (interest income)
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The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is staffed by IRS-certified volunteers who are specifically trained to help qualifying individuals, including low- to moderate-income taxpayers, people with disabilities, and those with limited English proficiency, prepare and file both federal and state tax returns accurately. They can assist in claiming valuable tax credits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), which can lead to a significant increase in your refund.
To access VITA services, taxpayers can visit an in-person VITA site, typically located at community centers, libraries, and nonprofit organizations. Many VITA sites also offer convenient drop-off or virtual options, allowing you to submit documents securely and have a preparer complete your return remotely.
Here are some of the eligibility requirements for VITA:
- Household income less than $68,000
- If self-employed, business expenses should be less than $35,000
- No income from a rental property
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Don’t miss out on other opportunities below to save money when filing your taxes:
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The Transportation Security Administration issued an important message recently that will affect anyone who travels on domestic commercial flights.
Beginning May 7, anyone who wishes to travel on a domestic commercial flight must have a REAL ID or other acceptable form of documentation.
What is a REAL ID?
A REAL ID is a state-issued ID that meets minimum security standards to access federal facilities and board domestic flights. The program was implemented following a 9/11 commission recommendation on making air travel and federal facilities more secure.
When will I need a REAL ID?
- Starting May 7, you will need a REAL ID or another acceptable form of identification to board domestic flights or access certain federal facilities (such as nuclear power plants, military bases, and other federal buildings).
How do I get a REAL ID?
- You can visit your local DMV to learn more and apply for a REAL ID, or at the Connecticut information portal HERE.
- In Connecticut, you'll need:
- a U.S. passport or U.S. birth certificate;
- a Social Security card; and
- two pieces of mail from two different sources dated within 90 days to prove that you live in Connecticut.
- For all new applications for a driver's license, as well as out-of-state transfers to Connecticut licenses, you will automatically be issued a REAL ID.
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How do I know if I already have a REAL ID?
- Check your driver's license or ID to see if it has a gold star in the upper right corner, like the accompanying graphic. If you do, then you have a verified REAL ID.
What other forms of ID are acceptable?
- A U.S. passport.
- State-issued enhanced driver's licenses and identification cards are also acceptable, though Connecticut does not issue them.
For more information, visit the following:
Department of Homeland Security website
CT Department of Motor Vehicles website
CT Information Portal website
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