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| Do you need help paying utility bills? Operation Fuel is taking applications for emergency energy and utility assistance to those in need. Please read below to learn if you're eligible for this valuable funding.
Crews started work to improve energy reliability in Derby. I'll let you know where United Illuminating is rebuilding existing transmission lines.
This week, the Connecticut General Assembly approved legislation providing enhanced survivor benefits for families of state employees who were killed in the line of duty. I'll break down how this law will make a big difference.
You have an opportunity to weigh in on the future of the former Country Club of Woodbridge. Keep scrolling to take a survey to let organizers know how you believe the land should be used.
Here are the sections in this week's email:
- Help With Your Energy Bill
- Line of Duty Deaths & Survivor Benefits
- Check Out My Legislative Proposals
- Take Survey on Plans for Former Country Club of Woodbridge
- Work Underway To Improve Electricity Reliability
- Apply Now for the Derby Public Library Scholarship
- In The News
- Derby Events Calendar
- Upcoming Events in Hamden
- Orange Events Calendar
- Upcoming Events in Woodbridge
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| Help With Your Energy Bill |
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| Operation Fuel's Energy Assistance Program opened this week, which means eligible Connecticut residents will be able to apply for assistance with gas, electric, oil, or other deliverable fuels.
This program offers Connecticut households one-time energy assistance grants up to $500 towards a utility bill or one-time fuel delivery. |
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| CLICK HERE for more information including details on eligibility requirements and application materials. |
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| Line of Duty Deaths & Survivor Benefits |
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| Many of my colleagues and I gathered in the House chamber on Tuesday to vote in favor of legislation to enhance survivor benefits for families of state employees killed in the line of duty. |
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| This proposal was inspired by the tragic losses last year of two Connecticut state employees. Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier was killed in a hit-and-run on I-84 in Southington in May 2024. Andrew DiDomenico, a CT Department of Transportation worker, was struck and killed while picking up trash at an on-ramp to I-91 in Wallingford in June 2024. |
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| Because of their ages and years of service, neither of those state employees were eligible to receive pensions at the time of their deaths. The change, which we helped ratify, means that both surviving families will begin receiving survivor benefits, based on their individual eligibility circumstances.
Additionally, this change will apply to all future situations in which a state employee who was not eligible to receive a pension is killed in the line of duty. State employees do the jobs that make Connecticut a safer place to live and work. This agreement serves as a symbol of our deep gratitude and respect for those workers. |
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| Check Out My Legislative Proposals |
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| Our legislative process follows a structured timeline with different rules for introducing proposals depending on the year of the term. In odd-numbered years -- such as the one we are in now -- legislators have the ability to introduce bills directly. However, in even-numbered years, all proposed legislation must be raised by a committee before moving forward. |
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| I take great pride in ensuring that the bills I introduce reflect the voices and concerns of the Derby, Hamden, Orange, and Woodbridge. Many of the proposals I've put forward were inspired by feedback from constituents like you!
CLICK HERE if you're interested in seeing the specific bills I've introduced. Your input is invaluable, and I encourage you to continue sharing your thoughts and ideas to help shape future legislation. |
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Take Survey on Plans for
Former Country Club of Woodbridge |
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| The Town of Woodbridge is undertaking a first-ever Master Plan to figure out how to revitalize the former Country Club of Woodbridge property on Woodfield Road. The goal is to create a vision and provide recommendations for the entire site.
There will be several opportunities for members of our community to provide feedback in the planning process. |
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| To stay informed, go to the CCW Master Plan Updates located on the Home Page of the Town website. |
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| Courtesy: Hartford Courant |
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| The state awarded the Town of Woodbridge $132,000 in June 2024 to clean up and create new life at the former Country Club of Woodbridge. The Town purchased the property for $7 million in 2009 and has been trying to redevelop the 155-acre property ever since. |
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| Work Underway To Improve Electricity Reliability |
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United Illuminating is updating its delivery system and improving reliability by rebuilding existing transmission lines. Work is underway in Derby, which includes the drilling and pouring of new concrete bases where crews will install monopoles.
As you can see in the image below, the work is taking place along a 4.1 mile stretch between Derby Junction in Shelton, spanning the Housatonic River, and crossing portions of Derby and Ansonia, ending at the Ansonia Substation. |
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The first location will be on B Street, proceeding to the intersection of Hawthorne Avenue and Coon Hollow Road and then will continue north on Coon Hollow to the Ansonia border. You may encounter temporary construction-related detours.
If you have any questions, feel free to call United Illuminating at 888-848-3697 or email at Outreach@uinet.com. |
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| United Illuminating believes all construction should be complete by the third quarter of 2025. |
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| Apply Now for the Derby Public Library Scholarship |
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| Derby Public Library is accepting essay submissions for its 2025 annual scholarship prize of $1,000. The theme this year is the role of libraries in my life. The essay competition is open to all high school seniors living in Derby, who plan to pursue higher education.
High school seniors may submit entries through Friday, April 4. |
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| The Library Board of Directors will select a winner and present the winnings at their board meeting in April. Organizers will also display the Scholarship Prize Plaque with the winner’s name in the Derby Public Library’s Young Adult Department. |
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| Check out the event below, and click the button at the bottom of this section to access the community calendar in Derby. |
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| The Sterling Opera House Commission welcomes the public to meet the people responsible for the huge restoration project. The free event will be held on Saturday from 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. at Twister Vine Restaurant at 285 Main Street. You’re invited to ask questions, share ideas, and listen to the vision for the upcoming plans for restoration. |
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| Upcoming Events in Hamden |
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| Take a look at the flyers and other upcoming events below. |
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| Check out the events and community calendar in Orange below. |
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| There will be a pop-up children's book sale in the basement of Case Memorial Library on Saturday from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. For just $10, you can fill up a bag with children's books! The event coincides with Take Your Child to the Library Day. |
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| Don’t miss PickleSpot Indoor Court’s Valentines Day Tournament on Saturday and Sunday! There will be prizes in men’s, women’s, and mixed doubles! CLICK HERE to register and learn more. |
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| Upcoming Events in Woodbridge |
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| Check out the flyers and community calendar in Woodbridge below. |
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| You are invited to a building tour on Monday starting at 5:30 P.M. at Beecher Road School (BRS). There will then be a presentation and workshop from 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. in the school’s South Assembly Room.
Learn about project goals including capital needs, appropriate learning spaces, and responding to space concerns and population projections. There will be an opportunity to share ideas, feedback, and priorities with committee members, architects, and planners. |
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| You are invited to a Valentine’s Day cupcake and cookie decorating party at Amity Middle School-Bethany. The event will be held on Tuesday, February 11 from 2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. All supplies are included. $20 per student. Fee and permission form are required by Thursday, February 6. Payment is by check only, in advance.
Contact Woodbridge Youth Services at (203) 389-3429 or via email to register. |
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