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The community recognized two outstanding first responders this week in Orange. A police officer and volunteer firefighter received well-deserved awards in front of a packed crowd. I'll break down why these two heroes were honored!
Governor Lamont announced that Connecticut pension funds generated $6.7 billion in the past fiscal year. Please keep scrolling to get a deep dive into why this announcement is such a benefit to everyone in our state.
We are celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month in our district and across the country. Read below to learn how your child can win up to $3,000 in an essay contest paying tribute to Hispanic culture.
Here are the sections in this week's email:
- Outstanding First Responders Honored
- Encouraging Returns from CT Pension Funds
- Hispanic Heritage Month & Essay Contest
- Celebrating our Female Police Officers
- Apply for the Legislative Internship Program!
- Derby Events Calendar
- Upcoming Events in Hamden
- Orange Events Calendar
- Upcoming Events in Woodbridge
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| Outstanding First Responders Honored |
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| Courtesy: Barry Lee Cohen |
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| I have personally seen the care, respect, and compassion that each of these individuals brings to their duties every day and am incredibly grateful to have been part of the event recognizing them. |
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| Encouraging Returns from CT Pension Funds |
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Connecticut pension funds generated returns of 11.5% for the most recent fiscal year. That is a gain of $6.7 billion. This outstanding news from Governor Ned Lamont and State Treasurer Erick Russell means we can:
- Save taxpayers money immediately and in the future
- Guard against the impact of future down markets
- Accelerate the steps to pay down inherited legacy pension debt
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| The continued improvement in Connecticut’s pension fund performance means we can free up revenue to fund valuable economic growth and social programs. This means we can dedicate more significant investments in childcare, building more housing, fixing our aging roads, bridges, and highways. |
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| Hispanic Heritage Month & Essay Contest |
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| We're celebrating culture this Hispanic Heritage Month in addition to honoring generations of resilience, creativity, and impact. From art to innovation, the Hispanic community continues to shape our world in powerful ways. Let’s uplift, honor, and keep making history together! |
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| You can be a part of the celebration by encouraging your child to take part in the 17th annual Hispanic Heritage Student Essay Contest for a chance to win a $3,000 scholarship or an iPad. Middle and high school students in Orange and Woodbridge are asked to write how they connect with Hispanic culture in 500 words or less. |
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| Participants can select a person, cultural experience, celebration, or tradition that has touched them in a meaningful way and explain why that connection is important. Optimum and Univision Foundation are sponsoring the competition and will accept essays through October 31. There will be a celebratory event for the winners in December. |
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| Celebrating our Female Police Officers |
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| In the spirit of National Police Women Day, police departments around the country recognized their female officers! Hamden Police Department posted a series of pictures honoring the women of their force for their dedication, bravery, and commitment to law enforcement and the community. Thank you to all our women officers in Hamden, Orange, Woodbridge, Derby, and the rest of the state! |
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| Apply for the Legislative Internship Program! |
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If your college student is interested in getting a hands-on experience with our state government, then please encourage them to apply now for the 2025 Legislative Internship Program! It allows students to get college credit while meeting face-to-face with legislators, learning about the legislative processs, taking part in a mock session in the House of Representatives, and so much more.
As the Co-Chair of the Internship Committee, it is my responsibility to ensure that students receive an unforgettable experience in Hartford. I will work diligently with anyone who's interested in taking part in the program.
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Here are some of the requirements:
- 18 years of age or older by start of program
- Enrolled in a Connecticut college or university
- Registered for a campus-based course to receive credit for the internship
- Minimum 20 credits completed by program start
- Minimum 2.7 cumulative GPA
The application deadline is Friday, November 1. CLICK HERE to learn more about the internship program.
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| Check out the events below, and click the button at the bottom of this section to access the community calendar in Derby. |
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| Please stop by the Derby Green on Friday, September 20 at 6:30 P.M. to see The Bernadettes perform R&B, funk, ans soul music! |
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| St. Mary-St. Michael School in Derby is hosting a recycling day on Saturday, September 21 from 9 A.M. – 12 P.M. in front of the school. Staff and volunteers will recycle bottles and cans and proceeds will support the students at the school. |
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| Connecticut Foodshare will give free food to the community on Tuesday, September 24 from 2:15 PM - 3:00 P.M. at St. Mary’s Church on Elizabeth Street. Make sure to bring a bag so you can bring food home. |
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| Upcoming Events in Hamden |
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| Take a look at the fliers and other upcoming events below. |
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| Check out "Coco" at Villano Park to commemorate Hispanic Heritage Month on Friday, September 20. This family-friendly movie will start at dusk (around 7:00 P.M.). There is free entry and free parking, but you're encouraged to bring blankets and chairs. Food trucks and vendors will be at the park. |
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| Hamden Police will be helping families install car seats on Saturday, September 21 from 9 A.M. – 12 P.M. Meet the officers on the upper level of the parking garage at the Hamden Police Department, 2900 Dixwell Avenue. |
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| The Hamden Veterans Commission invites you to a re-dedication ceremony of Freedom Park, honoring the legacy of Abner and Cyndy Oakes who devoted their time to ensure those who served are never forgotten. The ceremony will be held on Saturday, September 21 at 10 A.M. |
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As Sleeping Giant State Park turns 100 this year, it's the perfect time to explore the incredible story behind its creation. The Hamden Public Library is hosting a free presentation on Tuesday, September 24 at 6:30 P.M. at Thornton Wilder Hall inside Miller Memorial Library.
Trina Mace will present "The Founding of Sleeping Giant State Park: A Quarter Century that Saved the Giant, 1910-1935." Learn how Yale scholars, local businessmen, captains of industry, and the founding members of the Sleeping Giant Park Association came together to overcome legal battles and public pressures to preserve this beautiful park we enjoy today. |
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| Check out the events and community calendar in Orange below. |
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You do not want to miss the Orange Country Fair on Saturday, September 21 and Sunday, September 22 at the Orange Fairgrounds at 525 Orange Center Road. There will be fabulous food and entertainments including:
- Tractor & truck pulling
- Classic car show
- Live music
- Amusement rides
- Flower tent
- Doodle bugs
- Vegetable tent
- Animal enclosures (from snakes to owls)
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| Stop by the annual farmers’ market at Stappa’s Vineyard on Saturday, September 21. There will be amazing vendors lined up, live music, and drink specials from 12 P.M. – 4 P.M. |
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| Upcoming Events in Woodbridge |
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| Check out the fliers and community calendar in Woodbridge below. |
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| You're invited to a Sustainability Lecture Series at Woodbridge Town Library on Saturday, September 21 at 3 P.M. CT rides will share its resources and programs.
CTrides, a program of the Connecticut Department of Transportation, promotes the adoption of sustainable and active transportation choices such as public transit, work from home, carpooling, vanpooling, walking, and biking. Learn more HERE. |
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| This great event brings together a wide cross-section of Woodbridge residents to honor local volunteers and raise funds for The Woodbridge Center. The honorees this year are Susan Davidson, Beth Heller, and Tom Kenefick. |
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