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I attended a White House forum to discuss how we can transform our child care system in Connecticut and around the country. Please read below to learn about some huge changes in our state that will improve access and affordability.
Three amazing volunteers in Woodbridge received a special award for their service in the community. Keep scrolling to learn more about their dedication to the town.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and we're doing all we can to support families who have been touched by this disease. I'll let you know how doctors say you can be proactive to help yourself and others.
Here are the sections in this week's email:
- White House Trip to Improve Child Care
- Dedicated Volunteers Recognized in Woodbridge
- Breast Cancer Awareness Month
- Woodbridge Community Open House
- Preventing Car Theft & Break-Ins
- Apply for the Legislative Internship Program!
- Derby Events Calendar
- Upcoming Events in Hamden
- Orange Events Calendar
- Upcoming Events in Woodbridge
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| White House Trip to Improve Child Care |
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| I was at the White House forum to discuss how to make child care more affordable and accessible for working families, increase child care supply, improve job quality for child care workers, and enhance the quality of care. It was a pleasure to meet legislators from more than 30 states and hear about their strategies to improve child care, which helps us gather ideas for Connecticut's future.
I would like to thank our very own State Representative Kate Farrar, State Senator Ceci Maher, and Office of Early Childhood Commissioner Beth Bye for attending the White House gathering and being at the forefront of this vital issue. |
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| Governor Ned Lamont announced that his administration is making several changes to Connecticut’s early child care and education programs that will result in more children being able to receive access to these programs, while also lowering the associated costs to their parents.
Effective January 1, 2025, family fees for Care 4 Kids – the state program that supports low to moderate-income families with some of the costs of paying for child care – will be capped at 7% of household income, which is down from the current rate of 10%. This means the fees required to participate in Care 4 Kids will decrease for all participating families. On average, it is estimated that this change will save families about $200 per month.
Additionally, effective October 1, in an effort to reduce the benefit cliff that families enrolled in Care 4 Kids can face, families participating in this program will be able to remain enrolled until their household income reaches 85% of the state median income, which is an increase from the current limit of 65%. This means that if a parent receives a promotion or pay raise from their employer, it is more likely they can accept the pay increase and not worry that it will prevent their child from continuing to receive this care. |
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I'm also happy to see the capacity of these programs expanded:
- An additional 1,500 children will be enrolled in Care 4 Kids using existing state and federal funding
- An additional 900 children will be added to the School Readiness and Child Day Care program by maximizing existing state funds
Here in Connecticut, we are easing the burden of paying for child care while expanding who can receive assistance. These changes are a win for parents, children, and our state. |
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| Dedicated Volunteers Recognized in Woodbridge |
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| Woodbridge Human Services recognized three deserving volunteers with the Living Treasure Award for their outstanding work in the community. Susan Davidson, Tom Kenefick, and Beth Heller have shown dedication, enthusiasm, and perseverance with their years of public service. Their unwavering passion to improve our town has made a huge difference.
Congratulations to all the award winners! |
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| Many thanks to all the community members and businesses who supported this wonderful event by purchasing tickets, buying ads in the program book, and donating to the Silent Auction to raise funds for The Woodbridge Center. This community-building event is a Town Treasure! |
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| Breast Cancer Awareness Month |
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Honoring the strength of survivors, supporting those currently fighting, and remembering those we’ve lost. As your representative, I’m committed to advocating for access to early detection, treatment, research funding, and community support for those fighting breast cancer.
As Breast Cancer Awareness Month begins, I’m thinking of all the families in our community who have been affected by this disease. This month and all year long, I'm committed to fighting for those affected by breast cancer here in Connecticut. We will never stop working to find cures, address the needs of patients and their families, and make treatments affordable. |
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| The City of Derby and health experts urge women 40 and older to make sure to schedule a mammogram. Doctors use mammograms to look for early signs of breast cancer. Women with a family history of breast cancer are more risk. Thankfully, advanced technology has improved a doctor’s ability to detect cancer. If a doctor identifies cancer early, the survival rate increases dramatically. |
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| Woodbridge Community Open House |
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Everyone in Woodbridge is invited to attend a community open house to discuss conservation and development. The Open House will be held on Tuesday, October 8 from 4 P.M. - 7 P.M. at Woodbridge Town Hall.
The Open House will offer an opportunity to:
- learn about the Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD) process
- review community data
- survey results
You will be able to share feedback in workshop stations. |
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| The 2025 POCD will identify our community’s visions, goals, objectives and action steps for the next ten years. For this reason, it is important to hear from Woodbridge residents, property owners and businesses during the initial stages of updating the POCD. Visit the 2025 POCD page on the Town website to stay informed throughout the project. |
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| Preventing Car Theft & Break-Ins |
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Woodbridge Police are seeing an increase in car thefts and break-ins, and they’re warning everyone to be vigilant. Remember to follow the steps below to avoid becoming a victim:
- Lock your doors when you’re not in the car including at the gas station
- Do not leave valuables in the vehicle in plain sight
- Do not leave the keys in the car when you are not driving it
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| The Woodbridge Police Department has steering wheel locks for folks who drive Kias and Hyundais. Just bring your registration and driver’s license to the police department, and you’ll get one of these locks. |
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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, October 4 at 6:30 P.M. to see the Valley's own classic rock and roll band Old School! |
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| The Boy Scouts are hosting a fun outreach and registration event on Saturday, October 5 from 12 P.M. - 3 P.M. on the Derby Green. The event coincides with the 30th anniversary of the first Ed Strang Day that featured actor Brian Dennehy. |
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| Stop by Derby Public Library on Monday, October 7 at 6 P.M. for an informative Medicare 101 presentation highlighting the Medicare Drug Plans that are changing in 2025. To register, please call (203) 736-1482 or send an email here. |
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| Connecticut Foodshare will give free food to the community on Tuesday, October 8 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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| You don’t want to miss the epic Back-to-School Carnival on October 4-6 at Hamden Town Center Park. This family-friendly extravaganza is packed with thrilling rides, fun games, and delicious fair food. Entry and parking are FREE. There will also be a special musical performance by Da'Band on Friday at 7 P.M. |
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| Check out the events and community calendar in Orange below. |
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| Enjoy a round robin format pickle ball session with fellow University of New Haven students at the Pickle Spot on Tuesday, October 8 from 8 P.M. - 9 P.M. You will play with a variety of partners within the same skill level. It costs $12 per person. |
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| The Orange Visiting Nurse Association is hosting a flu clinic on Wednesday October 9 and every other Wednesday through the rest of the month. You can get your shot from 11 A.M. - 1 P.M. at High Plains Community Center. |
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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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| Join the Woodbridge Recreation Department for the 42nd Annual 5K Road Race and Children’s Fun Run on Saturday, October 5. Check-in is in the grass area of the Woodbridge Town Library at 10 Newton Road. The kid's fun run check-in is at the Fitzgerald Walking Trail.
Schedule for Race Day:
- 8 A.M. - 10 A.M. - Registration
- 9 A.M. - Children's Fun Run Begins ($20)
- 10:30 A.M. - 5K Road Race Begins (#40)
Portions of the proceeds will benefit the Woodbridge Resident Assistance Fund and the Recreation Department. |
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| Come celebrate the vibrant and diverse Woodbridge community at the 4th Annual Woodbridge Like Me Day on Saturday, October 5 from 11:00 A.M. - 2:00 P.M on the Town Center Green. The FREE community event features live performances, local organizations, music, food trucks, and more, celebrating our vibrant and diverse Woodbridge community. |
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| Townline Farm invites you to wear flannel on Saturday, October 5 from 3:30 P.M. - 6:30 P.M. There will be drinks, food, and live music in addition to the corn maze and wagon rides. |
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