Sales Tax-Free Week is Coming Up & Funding for Derby Senior Center
August 14, 2025
With the new school year just around the corner, Sales Tax-Free Week is arriving at the perfect time. I'll share when those sales begin and which back-to-school essentials you can snag at a discount.
While you're stocking up for the school year, it's also a good moment to think about safety. School buses will soon return to your neighborhood across the 114th early in the morning, so please slow down, drive carefully, and watch for children along the roads as you go about your day.
Speaking of caring for the community, the state is providing much-needed aid for the Derby Senior Center. I'll break down how new funding will improve the quality of life for our older residents.
We are getting a better idea of what the future holds for the former Country Club of Woodbridge. Please keep scrolling to learn about the plan for that huge property.
Here are the sections and topics in this week's email:
Sales Tax-Free Week is August 17-23
State Funding For Derby Senior Center
60 Years of Head Start Education
Apply For Small Business Grants
Plans for Former Country Club of Woodbridge
Local Bridge Wins National Award
In The News
Derby Events Calendar
Upcoming Events in Hamden
Orange Events Calendar
Upcoming Events in Woodbridge
Sales Tax-Free Week is August 17-23
Connecticut's annual Sales Tax-Free Week begins on Sunday, August 17, and runs through Saturday, August 23. It provides a chance to save money, whether it is taking the kids back-to-school shopping or treating yourself or your loved ones.
Highlights of Sales Tax-Free Week include:
Sales or purchases of certain clothing or footwear costing less than $100 per item are exempt from Connecticut's 6.35% sales tax.
Sales Tax-Free Week applies to purchases made in-store, online, mail-order, and over the phone.
This special exemption applies to purchases made from retailers located in Connecticut as well as from online retailers.
CLICK HERE for Frequently Asked Questions About Sales Tax-Free Week.
Click the button below for a list of exempt and taxable items during Connecticut's Sales Tax-Free Week.
The Derby Senior Center is receiving approximately $168,000 in state funding to support elevator upgrades, allowing seniors and individuals with mobility issues to move between the center's multiple floors. The elevator system needs repairs.
This funding is a game-changer, delivering safer, more reliable access for older residents. It’s an investment in dignity, independence, and full participation in community life. I am proud to have worked alongside my colleagues in the Derby Delegation to help make this happen.
Thank you to Governor Ned Lamont, House Speaker Matt Ritter, and the State Bond Commission for approving the funding.
60 Years of Head Start Education
I was honored to join the celebration of 60 years of Head Start programs in our communities at TEAM, Inc. It takes a partnership of federal programs like Early Head Start/Head Start and state support like our new Early Childhood Education Endowment program to truly support all of our children and families. This new initiative will expand capacity and provide free early childhood education to certain families.
Thank you, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro, for constantly support local families and to David Morgan and everyone at TEAM for all you do.
Apply For Small Business Grants
The Women's Business Development Council invites women-owned and child care businesses to apply for grants. The Child Care Business Opportunity Fund provides grants of up to $25,000 to qualified licensed and aspiring child care businesses from start-ups to those ready to expand. Qualifying child care businesses can apply now through August 31. CLICK HERE for more information.
The Ignite Program is taking applications of up to $10,000 that support the growth of women-owned businesses in Connecticut. Here are some of the qualifications:
The company must have been in business for two or more years
Applicants must have revenues between $25K and $2 million
Applications are open through September 16. Learn more HERE.
Plans for Former Country Club of Woodbridge
Courtesy: Hartford Courant
The Town of Woodbridge unveiled a proposal to move forward with the former Country Club of Woodbridge. The plan emphasizes conservation and recreation while sustainably developing the property.
The proposal dedicates 75% of the property for green space while opening new possibilities for development including residential options and potential space for small businesses. Click here for more details.
Local Bridge Wins National Award
Derby-Shelton Bridge wins national award.
The Connecticut Department of Transportation won three awards for transportation projects including the Derby-Shelton Bridge. The $7 million mobility project improves safety between the two communities while opening new opportunities for growth and collaboration between the two cities. The bridge also creates a safer more welcoming gateway for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers.
The winner of America's Transportation Award for the Quality of Life/Community Development, Small Project category includes some amazing features:
A dedicated bike lane
A landscaped buffer zone
Linear lighting
CLICK HERE to learn more about this year’s nominees and awards.
Check out the events and community calendar in Derby below.
You're invited to check out a photo exhibit marking 70 years since the Naugatuck Valley Flood of 1955. A reception will take place on Tuesday, August 19 at 2 p.m. at Derby Public Library. It digitized and printed all the pictures thanks to donations. Please call (203) 736-1482 for more information.
You have several opportunities to enjoy live music on the Derby Green this month. The next concert will be held on Tuesday, August 19 at 7 p.m. when the Steel Drum Band takes the stage.
Connecticut Foodshare will give away free food to the community on Tuesday, August 26 from 2:15 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. at St. Mary’s Church on Elizabeth Street. Make sure to bring a bag so you can bring food home.
Check out the flyers and community calendar in Orange below.
You have an opportunity to support local veterans and enjoy a delicious meal while listening and dancing to nostalgic Italian music! The American Legion Hall, Post 127 will host an Italian dinner fundraiser on Thursday, August 21 from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. Contact Bett at (203) 770-4811 or at romagirl@yahoo.com to buy your tickets.
You're invited to check out the Orange Players perform 10 original ten-minute plays at the High Plains Community Center. There will be one show of "Acting Up! 2025" on Friday, August 22 and two on Saturday, August 23. Tickets start at $22. CLICK HERE (scroll to the bottom of the page) to get yours. You can buy tickets at the door with cash or check.
