The state is bracing for dangerously cold temperatures and plowable snow! I'll share how you can find a warm place to stay during the arctic blast.
The state is proposing new improvements to Route 15 in Woodbridge, and your input matters. I’ll share details on the plan and how you can weigh in.
This week, I'm highlighting excellence in our local schools! Please read below to learn about academic achievement and student journalism in the 114th District.
Here are the sections and topics in this week's email:
- Stay Indoors During Dangerous Cold
- Energy Savings Week
- Access Health CT Enrollment Extension
- Proposal to Improve Route 15 in Woodbridge
- Hamden Police's New Electric Pick-Up
- Special Recognition for Derby High School
- Turkey Hill School is Making the Grade
- Amity High School's Newspaper is Online
- Local Student Wins Prestigious Music Awards
- Historic Church Repair in Derby
- Derby Events Calendar
- Upcoming Events in Hamden
- Orange Events Calendar
- Upcoming Events in Woodbridge
| Stay Indoors During Dangerous Cold |
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| I encourage you to stay indoors because we are about to experience some of the coldest temperatures and heaviest snow the state has experienced so far this season. The governor activated the Severe Cold Weather Protocol from 12 p.m. on Friday until 12 p.m. on Wednesday, January 28. During the overnight hours, temperatures will get into the single digits and wind chills will dip below zero. |
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The protocol ensures that warming shelters, many of which are our public libraries, are open. If you need a warm place to stay, visit 211ct.org or call 2-1-1 to find available locations. Transportation can be provided if necessary.
Hamden’s warming center is located inside the Keefe Community Center Gym (11 Pine Street; enter through the George Street parking lot at 19 George Street), and it will remain open through March 29. The center operates seven nights a week, from 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
The warming center does not provide beds but offers a clean, safe, indoor overnight space to protect individuals in need from harsh weather conditions, particularly those who might otherwise spend the night outdoors. |
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| January 15 through January 26 is Energy Savings Week in Connecticut. There are resources such as a home energy assessment or energy efficiency programs available to help lower your bills. |
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| Access Health CT Enrollment Extension |
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Just a reminder that time is running out to register for Access Health CT after it extended its final enrollment deadline to Saturday, January 31. Customers who register or renew will have health and dental plan coverage starting February 1.
Connecticut is stepping up by offering financial assistance despite recent federal cuts. Some customers may qualify for new state subsidies or other low- or no-cost coverage options, including the Covered CT Program or HUSKY Health, Connecticut’s Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). |
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Customers can visit AccessHealthCT.com and click the “Get Help” button on the homepage to find the option that works best for them, including scheduling an appointment or finding a nearby Navigator site. Help is available in more than 100 languages.
Please take a look at the call center hours below for more information. |
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| Proposal to Improve Route 15 in Woodbridge |
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| You are invited to learn about the state's plan to improve Exit 46 (old Exit 59) on Route 15 in Woodbridge and New Haven. According to the Department of Transportation, the proposal aims to enhance safety, mobility, and connectivity by adding lanes on Route 15 and improving key connections with Routes 69 and 63. Plans also include the potential relocation of the northbound Route 15 on-ramp to a new loop ramp. |
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| Crews changed Merritt Parkway Exit 59 to Exit 46 in 2025. Learn more here. |
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| A public information meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 3 at 6:30 p.m. at the New Haven Fire Training Academy, located at 230 Ella Grasso Boulevard in New Haven. You can also participate by registering via Zoom by clicking here. After the presentation, the public will have the opportunity to ask questions and share feedback with project officials. |
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| Hamden Police's New Electric Pick-Up |
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The Hamden Police Department just introduced an electric pickup truck to its fleet, expanding its ability to serve the community while protecting the environment. The new vehicle will help officers respond to calls and conduct daily operations with greater efficiency, while lowering fuel costs and cutting harmful emissions.
This investment reflects a growing commitment to sustainability in municipal services, showing that protecting our community and protecting our environment can go hand in hand. By embracing cleaner technology, Hamden is leading by example and demonstrating how forward-looking choices can benefit both residents and taxpayers. |
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| Special Recognition for Derby High School |
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Derby High School is now on the College Board's 2025 Advanced Placement Honor Roll, a prestigious recognition that highlights the school’s commitment to expanding access to rigorous, college-level coursework while supporting student success.
This designation reflects Derby High School’s efforts to ensure more students are enrolling in AP classes and earning qualifying scores that can lead to college credit. During the 2024-2025 school year, Derby High School students took 131 AP tests. |
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| Congratulations to the students, educators, and families whose dedication and hard work made this achievement possible. Derby High School’s inclusion on the AP Honor Roll is a testament to what can be accomplished when high expectations are matched with strong support. |
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| Turkey Hill School is Making the Grade |
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The state recognized Turkey Hill School in Orange as a School of Distinction for its strong academic performance, success in closing achievement gaps, and commitment to creating a supportive environment where every student can thrive.
This honor is a direct reflection of the outstanding teachers, educators, and staff who bring dedication, creativity, and care into their work every day. Their commitment to high expectations, inclusive practices, and student-centered learning ensures that all children are supported and challenged to reach their full potential. The Turkey Hill community should be proud of the remarkable staff whose hard work continues to make this school a place where students succeed. |
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| Amity High School's Newspaper is Online |
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You can now read Amity High School’s newspaper online. That’s right—the award-winning Trident is HERE. The new website features current stories, archived issues, polls, and much more, making it easier than ever for students, families, and the community to stay informed.
Importantly, this expansion does not replace the print edition of The Trident. Instead, it enhances the paper’s reach while preserving the tradition of student journalism. |
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| I am grateful to the student journalists, the newspaper’s advisor, and the district’s website manager for their tireless efforts to bring this project to life and for their commitment to amplifying student voices and strengthening civic engagement in our school community. |
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| Local Student Wins Prestigious Music Awards |
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| Congratulations to Woodbridge resident Flynn Ayers for earning two prestigious music awards, all while still in high school! Flynn took home "Best Sound" and "Best Music Direction" at the BroadwayWorld Awards for her original score in "The Lion in Winter." The production, staged in Rochester, New York in early 2025, was praised for its fresh, youthful take on a classic story of power and politics. |
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| Adding to this exciting moment, Flynn has also been accepted to the Berklee College of Music in Boston, where she plans to continue her studies after graduating from Hamden Hall Country Day School. We are so proud of her talent, creativity, and hard work, and we can't wait to see what she accomplishes next! |
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| Historic Church Repair in Derby |
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Crews have completed repairs on the tower and steeple of Our Lady Queen of the Apostles Parish on Elizabeth Street. The work preserved the historic structure while addressing critical safety and maintenance needs, ensuring the church remains a welcoming and secure place for parishioners and neighbors alike.
Workers have started removing the scaffolding, which will restore the familiar look of this historic church. Thank you to everyone involved in protecting a piece of our community's history for generations to come. |
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| Check out the events and community calendar in Derby below. |
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| Test your nature knowledge at Trivia hosted by the Department of Energy & Environmental Protection. You can bring a team of two to six or become part of one on site on Saturday, January 24 at 2 p.m. at Kellogg Environmental Center. This free event is open to all ages, and you're encouraged to bring your own snacks. Organizers will provide tea, coffee, and hot chocolate. |
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| Connecticut Foodshare will give away free food to the community on Tuesday, January 27 from 2:15 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. at St. Mary’s Church on Elizabeth Street. Organizers will hand out tickets at 2 p.m. to everyone in line. Make sure to bring a bag so you can bring the food home. |
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| Derby Public Library's Book Club will discuss this month's read "My Friends by Frederik Backman on Thursday, January 29 at 1 p.m. The book details the funny tale of four teens whose friendship creates a bond so powerful that it changes a complete stranger’s life 25 years later. Learn more here. |
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| Upcoming Events in Hamden |
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| Look at the flyers below to learn more about the upcoming events in Hamden. |
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| Savor brunch on Saturday, January 24 at 11:30 a.m. to support the Rosette Neighborhood Village. The gathering at the Unitarian Society of New Haven is a fundraiser to alleviate poverty in our community. Your participation helps provide direct assistance and advocate for change. Tickets are $50. CLICK HERE to register. |
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| You're welcome to join the free winter animal tracking hike on Sunday, January 25 at Sleeping Giant State Park's Chestnut Lane parking area at 1 p.m. Organizers hope the snow sticks around and provides good conditions for spotting and identifying animal tracks. This guided hike will explore how animals stay active through the winter and how to recognize their tracks and signs in the snow. |
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| You have an opportunity to learn about the area's housing crisis on Monday, January 26 at 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. at Spring Glen Church (1825 Whitney Avenue). An expert will share insights on local housing opportunities, explain the recently passed Connecticut housing law, and lead a discussion on actions our community can take at the local level. |
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| Check out the flyers and community calendar in Orange below. |
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| Join the community to listen to an organist bringing classic silent movies to life, playing the highs, lows, laughs, chases, and falls of a bygone era. Tickets are $10 for this event on Sunday, January 25 at 4 p.m. at Orange Congregational Church. |
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| Upcoming Events in Woodbridge |
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Take a look at the upcoming event and community calendar below to see what’s happening in Woodbridge.
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| Want to make sure you installed your child's car seat correctly? An expert will inspect and explain how to correctly install it for free on Saturday, January 24 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the Woodbridge Fire Department. CLICK HERE to make an appointment. |
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| You're invited to free, family-friendly trivia at New England Brewing Company. There will be a Recycling lecture beforehand. The event runs from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. on Wednesday, January 28. No RSVP needed. |
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| The American Red Cross is encouraging the public to give blood on Friday, January 30 from 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at Center Building Gymnasium. Appointments are required. CLICK HERE to select your time slot. |
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