Remembering MLK, Preventing Mail Theft, and Delays on Route 15

January 17, 2025

On Monday, the nation will celebrate and honor the life of civil rights activist Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. You are invited to join a service remembering his life and legacy. I will share the details of the event in this newsletter.

You should be aware that criminals are going into our neighborhoods to steal mail and checks from mailboxes in Woodbridge. I'll break down how to avoid becoming a victim.

Drivers may experience some slowdowns on Route 15 in Woodbridge as the state upgrades and repairs the guardrails there. I'll let you know when to avoid that area.

Here are the sections in this week's email:

Remembering Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Spike in Mail Thefts in Woodbridge
Scam Alert: Unpaid Toll Text
Overnight Warming Center Open in Hamden
Delays Expected on Route 15 in Woodbridge
Derby High School's Great Volleyball Season!
Derby Events Calendar
Upcoming Events in Hamden
Orange Events Calendar
Upcoming Events in Woodbridge

Remembering Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

As we approach Martin Luther King Jr. Day, let's take a moment to reflect on the extraordinary legacy of a leader whose vision of justice, equality, and nonviolent resistance transformed our nation and inspired the world. Dr. King's unwavering commitment to civil rights reminds us of the power of courage, compassion, and collective action to create meaningful change.

To honor his memory, you're invited to join TEAM, Inc’s Valley MLK Committee for a service honoring the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday from 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. at Abundant Life Fellowship Ministries at 195-199 North Main Street in Ansonia.

Chabad of Orange/Woodbridge invites the community to an MLK Mitzvah Day & Family Challah Bake event on Monday at 11 a.m. at Courtyard by Marriott in Orange. The kids will get to bake challah, which is traditional Jewish bread.

Click here to register

Spike in Mail Thefts in Woodbridge

The Woodbridge Police Department is warning everyone to be on the lookout for suspicious people who are stealing mail. There has been a spike in criminals stealing business and personal checks from mailboxes and then fraudulently altering and cashing them. The Woodbridge Police and U.S. Postal Inspector’s Office are investigating these cases.

Police recommend taking the following action to avoid becoming a victim:

Do not leave outgoing mail with the red flag raised in your mailbox
Mail your business and personal checks inside a post office
Retrieve mail as soon as possible
Use ink when writing a check
Monitor your banking activity regularly to detect fraudulent transactions
Report suspicious activity, people, or motor vehicles to police

Scam Alert: Unpaid Toll Text

I want to ensure all of you stay safe and informed about a new scam where fraudsters are sending text messages claiming you have an unpaid toll and asking for payment. Please DO NOT click any links or provide any personal information.

The image below gives you an idea of what the bogus text looks like.

Here are some tips from the FBI:

️If you receive one of these messages, file a complaint with the IC3, www.ic3.gov. Include where the number of the originating text came from, and the website from which the number was generated
️Delete any scam texts received
️If you clicked any link or provided your information, take efforts to secure your personal information and financial accounts. Dispute any unfamiliar charges
️Always verify any toll-related charges directly through official state websites or customer service
Stay vigilant and share this message with your friends and family to help protect our community

Delays Expected on Route 15 in Woodbridge

You can expect some delays on Route 15 in both directions in Woodbridge and New Haven as crews install and repair metal guardrails. The Connecticut Department of Transportation says the work begins Monday and is expected to be finished by Friday. One lane will be closed between exits 57 and 58 from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Learn more about the project here

Overnight Warming Center Open in Hamden

An overnight winter warming center is open at Keefe Community Center in Hamden for those in need. The facility is open every night through March 31 from 7 p.m. – 7 a.m. at 11 Pine Street.

Staffers will monitor overnight shifts and share community outreach information with guests. The warming center does not have any beds, but it offers a clean, safe, indoor space to protect those in need from harsh weather conditions.

You are welcome to donate items such as:

non-perishable, pre-wrapped snack food and beverages
new socks, new underwear, gloves, hats, umbrellas, and rain ponchos

You may drop off donations at the Keefe Community Center from
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Donation receipts will be available.

Click here to learn more

Derby High School's Great Volleyball Season!

Congratulations to Derby High School's girls volleyball team for qualifying for the 2024 state tournament! The team is only in its second year of existence, and there has been incredible improvement during that time.

The team went from winning one game in its first year to playing the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference tournament where it lost in the first round this past November. It’s a terrific achievement and a tremendous foundation has been laid to for the future!