Kevin Brown

I hope this email finds you and your family well. There is plenty to get to in the email below, so make sure to keep scrolling for more on:

• 84 Milling and Paving
• New State-Based Graduate Loan Program
• High School Summer Pass to Fitness
• May is Mental Health Awareness Month
• Community Events

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is milling and resurfacing I-84 in Vernon and Tolland. The project began this week and runs through November 30.

The project consists of milling 7.92 miles eastbound I-84 and 3.07 miles of westbound I-84, and paving.

There will be intermittent lane closures on I-84 until November 30, Sundays through Thursdays during the hours of 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. Traffic control signing patterns, state troopers, municipal police, and flaggers will guide motorists through work zones.

In addition, various on and off ramps for this section of I-84 (including Exits 66, 67 and 68) may be periodically closed to support milling and paving operations. Traffic will be detoured to the nearest ramp, following clearly marked detour signs with temporary traffic control.

Motorists should be aware that changes or extensions to the schedule may be necessary due to weather delays or other unforeseen conditions. Motorists are advised to maintain a safe speed when driving in this area.

The Connecticut Higher Education Supplemental Loan Authority (CHESLA) has officially launched the MyCHESLA Grad Loan, a new state-based graduate loan program designed to preserve access to affordable, fixed-rate financing for Connecticut students pursuing advanced degrees following the elimination of the federal Grad PLUS loan program, effective July 1.

CHESLA’s new graduate loan program supports students enrolled in both graduate and professional degree programs.

Borrowers can choose from repayment terms of 5, 10, or 15 years, along with flexible in-school repayment options, including interest-only payments, full deferment, or immediate principal-and-interest payments. Combined, these options provide borrowers with nine fixed-rate offerings tailored to meet a range of financial needs.

Importantly, all approved borrowers have equal access to the same nine fixed rates, ensuring a transparent, fair, and consistent pricing structure.

Fixed interest rates for the MyCHESLA Grad Loan range from 5.50% to 7.99%, depending on the selected repayment term and in-school repayment option. The program offers a cost-effective, borrower-focused alternative to higher-cost private loans, with every available fixed rate remaining below the current federal Grad PLUS loan rate of 8.94%.

Click here to learn more about CHESLA’s loan programs, financial education resources, and application process.

Great news for teens ages 14–19, you can work out for free at Planet Fitness this summer!

With the High School Summer Pass program, teens can enjoy free access to Planet Fitness from June 1 through August 31.

This program gives young people the opportunity to stay active, prioritize their health, and build lifelong healthy habits while school is out for the summer.

Click here to register for the Summer Pass. Parents can also receive one free day pass to work out alongside their teens.

Please note: During the High School Summer Pass program, participants will only have access to the Planet Fitness location they select during registration.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Below are resources available for anyone who may be struggling or supporting someone in need:

• 2-1-1 General Resources - Available 24 hours a day for crisis support, service referrals, education, prevention programs, counseling services, support groups, and advocacy. Call 2-1-1 for assistance.

• Mental Health Connecticut - Offers a mental health concierge, art therapy, residential services, and supportive mental health programs. Visit Mental Health Connecticut or call 860-529-1970.

• CT Support Group - An online peer-led project created by young people to provide connection, support, and community for their peers. Learn more at CT Support Group.

• Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services - Search for services available in your area through the regional services locator at CT DMHAS Service Locator.