| I’m excited to tell you about a major breakthrough on a historic property in Derby. Please read below to learn about the progress to restore the beautiful Sterling Opera House!
I know there have been some complaints about smoke in parts of the 114th District. Keep scrolling to learn where that smell is coming from.
Derby Public Library will be closing for 10 days for maintenance. I'll let you know when it will reopen to the public.
Here are the sections in this week's email:
- Restoration Plans at Sterling Opera House
- Remembering Governor Jodi Rell
- Extreme Fire Danger Continues
- State Delivers Emergency Funding After Floods
- In the News
- Derby Public Library Closed Next Week
- 50th Anniversary for The Orange Players
- Military Family Appreciation Month
- Derby Events Calendar
- Upcoming Events in Hamden
- Orange Events Calendar
- Upcoming Events in Woodbridge
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| Restoration Plans at Sterling Opera House |
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| After two years of patience and collaboration, I am excited to announce the historic Sterling Opera House is on a path toward restoration. The Derby Board of Aldermen unanimously voted last week to begin the process of receiving detailed plans of action for the 135-year-old building at 112 Elizabeth Street. |
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| The City of Derby is asking qualified firms to develop a plan to investigate and document the current status of the Sterling Opera House. This plan includes recommended future renovations and improvements to the building’s roof, auditorium, stage, production areas, public areas, and more. |
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| You may recall, I secured $100,000 in our 2023 state budget to evaluate needed repairs and renovations. Those funds will be used to pay for the assessment. Interested parties need to submit sealed bids by Wednesday, January 15 at 4:00 P.M. via the city’s secure online portal. |
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| The City of Derby wants to restore the Sterling Opera House to its 1889 appearance in full compliance with existing state and local requirements. |
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| Remembering Governor Jodi Rell |
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| I join all of Connecticut in mourning the loss of former Governor M. Jodi Rell, a trailblazer and dedicated leader. Our thoughts are with her family, friends, and all those whose lives she touched. Thank you, Governor Rell, for your service to Connecticut. You will be deeply missed. |
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| Extreme Fire Danger Continues |
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| I would like to mention that an emergency burn ban remains in effect for all Connecticut State Parks, Forests, and Wildlife Management areas. The use of all outdoor grills, firepits, campfires, and kindling are banned. |
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| This week, dozens of constituents called 911 complaining about the smell of smoke. The Town of Orange Fire Marshal’s Office explains the smoke is coming from a very large fire in Western Massachusetts. If you have any questions or concerns, contact the Fire Marshal’s Office at (203) 891-4711. |
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| Here in Connecticut, the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is monitoring a brush fire that scorched 26 acres in Andover on Monday. Crews from as far as Québec and Idaho are helping out. While investigators have not revealed how this fire started, it serves as a reminder to urge everyone to follow the rules and respect the emergency burn ban. |
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| State Delivers Emergency Funding After Floods |
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The August downpours and subsequent flooding was devastating in parts of Connecticut, but the crisis proved that our state can come together in times of need.
Last week, the Lamont Administration announced it had distributed nearly $6 million in emergency state funding to 278 small businesses and nonprofit organizations that needed assistance. The funds:
- Helped with storm recovery
- Replenished lost inventory
- Replaced damaged equipment
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| The 278 organizations that received grants reported having a total of approximately $38 million in damages. |
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| Milford-Orange Times: "Looking Ahead" |
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| Derby Public Library Closed Next Week |
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| I would like to spread the word that Derby Public Library will be closed for maintenance starting Monday, November 25 through Wednesday, December 4. You will find more information below. |
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| 50th Anniversary for The Orange Players |
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| The Orange Players celebrated its 50th year with community theatre members from past and present! Organizers paid tribute to each musical performed over the past half century and shared some of the nonprofit’s history.
The Orange Players received a special proclamation announcing November 9, 2024, as Orange Players Day in the Town of Orange! Organizers would like to thank everyone for supporting community theatre! |
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| Military Family Appreciation Month |
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Did you know Connecticut is a proud member of the Military Interstate Children's Compact Commission (MIC3)?
The Compact helps ease many academic challenges military children face during transitions, including school enrollment, eligibility, placement, and graduation.
Learn more about educational opportunities for military families at mic3.net. |
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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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| You’re invited to support the Derby Police Department as it hosts the annual Thanksgiving Stuff-A- Cruiser this Sunday from 09:00 A.M. – 2:00 P.M. at BJ's Wholesale located at 20 Division Street. Everything received will go directly to St. Vincent de Paul Society to help support those in need. |
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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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| Check out the events and community calendar in Orange below. |
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| Mr. Donald’s Farm is hosting a Sunday Funday farm event on Sunday from 12 P.M. – 4 P.M. The kids will meet bunnies, guinea pigs, and other animals. There will be coloring books, games, blocks, bubbles, music, holiday decorations, and more! |
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| Upcoming Events in Woodbridge |
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| Check out the flier and community calendar in Woodbridge below. |
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The 20th Annual JCC Holiday Craft & Gift Fair will be held on Sunday from
10 A.M. - 3 P.M. at the JCC of Greater New Haven! Shop Judaica, mosaic and glass art, pottery, homemade jewelry, accessories, paintings, ceramics, photography, woodworking art, and so much more! CLICK HERE for the list of vendors.
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| Enjoy the Blue River Jazz Band on Monday at 5:30 P.M. at Woodbridge Town Library. CLICK HERE to register. |
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