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Burn Bans in Avon, Canton |
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Due to extremely high fire danger in our area, all open burning is strictly prohibited in Avon, Fire Marshal Bruce Appell said. An emergency burn ban went into effect on Saturday. This includes leaf burning, fire pits, and outdoor grilling. Please be sure to exercise extreme caution, especially when disposing of smoking materials outdoors. Today’s forest fire danger report remains at a Very High level. You can access the latest report by clicking on the image below. |
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A temporary ban on all outdoor burning in Canton took effect on Sunday, including the same instructions, and notes that even in these conditions a small spark from the following can start a wildfire:
- Discarded smoking materials
- ATV and UTV activity especially without spark arresters
- Dragging trailer chains
- Use of outdoor grills
- Campfires
- Power tools and equipment that generate heat or sparks
Please note: Those found burning illegally will have their fires extinguished immediately and potentially be subject to a fine. |
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Access Health CT Open Enrollment Period Begins Friday |
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An Access Health CT Open Enrollment period begins Friday, November 1, and ends January 15, 2025. Connecticut residents can shop, compare, and enroll in health insurance plans or renew their coverage. Customers may also enroll in dental insurance through AHCT.
When you enroll affects when your coverage starts. If customers enroll on or before December 15, coverage will start on January 1, 2025. If they enroll between December 16 and January 15, 2025, coverage will start on February 1, 2025.
AHCT is the only place Connecticut residents can get financial help to pay for their health insurance. Nearly 90% of AHCT customers enrolled in a Qualified Health Plan (QHP) receive assistance. Some customers might also qualify for the Covered CT Program. This program provides no-cost insurance for eligible residents. |
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There are 22 Qualified Health Plans (QHPs) available for customers to choose from this year. Plans are available from three insurance carriers, including Anthem, ConnectiCare Benefits Inc., and ConnectiCare Insurance Company Inc.
People who are part of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) program and live in Connecticut can sign up for health and dental insurance through AHCT.
Free help to sign up is available online, in person and over the phone. For a list of enrollment fairs and to register, visit the Enrollment Events webpage on the AHCT website. Information about enrollment locations and Navigator locations are also listed. Customers can also get help from a certified broker or enrollment specialist in their community. Go to AccessHealthCT.com and click "Get Help" or call 1-855-805-4325. Help is available in over 100 languages. Customers who are deaf or hearing impaired may use TTY at 1-855-789-2428 or call a relay operator. People can also chat live with a customer service representative by clicking the “Live Chat” icon on the website. |
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Early Voting Doing Well in CT, Ends Sunday @ 6 p.m. |
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Early voting in Connecticut is open until 6 p.m. on Sunday, November 3rd for the November 5th election. |
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In Avon, you can vote early at the Town Hall Meeting Room and All Purpose, Room 60 West Main Street. In Canton, it's the Canton Community Center Room C, 40 Dyer Ave. |
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Congrats to the CT National Guard 103rd Airlift Wing |
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And congratulations to the Connecticut National Guard’s 103rd Airlift Wing, which has been named the best airlift unit in the Air National Guard by the Airlift/Tanker Association, a group of aviation professionals dedicated to the support of military airlift.
The group is set to receive the prestigious Major General Stanley F.H. Newman Award, which recognizes the most outstanding Air National Guard wing contributing to the overall success of the Mobility Air Forces mission.
Click on the image below for more details. |
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My visit with the Connecticut National Guard |
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The Connecticut National Guard is an extraordinary resource and treasure of Connecticut. Whether it’s flying down to assist in Asheville for Hurricane Helene or dropping water on the Berlin fires in the past week, they are at the ready to assist domestically. And, when they are called up for deployment, they are a significant force for good in the wider world. |
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Yesterday, my colleagues and I had the opportunity to visit Camp Hartell in Windsor Locks to get a deeper understanding of what the guard does and how we as a state can best support them. We then rode a CH-47 Chinook helicopter to their Groton facility where we learned how they save the military millions of dollars each year by repairing Blackhawks and other aircraft. |
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VIDEO: A day with our phenomenal Connecticut National Guard |
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The innovation we saw was truly impressive. We then continued our tour at the Niantic barracks so we could better understand their need for a new medical facility. Using a former barracks for physical and behavioral health services is not only not ideal, considering the jobs they do for us, it’s honestly ridiculous. |
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Truly, this unique opportunity was an honor and a privilege and I think it will give all of us a better understanding and ability to advocate for the guard in our next budget cycle starting in January. Thank you to all of the brave and extraordinary women who step up to serve in the guard each and every day (5,000 strong in CT). |
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Daylight Saving Time Ends Sunday Morning |
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Daylight saving time comes to an end at 2 a.m. on Sunday. Remember to 'Fall Back'! This simple action ensures you’re in sync with the new schedule. |
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Apply to CT Public Universities for Free |
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High school seniors in Connecticut can apply to our state’s public universities for free on Friday, November 1. This one-day initiative aims to make higher education more accessible, encouraging students who may be deterred by application costs to consider applying to college. |
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This move is part of a broader push to support college access for all students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds, as they take a significant step toward higher education. |
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CHET Dream Big! Competition Deadline is Monday |
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The Chet Dream Big! Competition offers students in grades K-12 an amazing opportunity to enter and win up to $20,000 toward their future education.
To enter, students answer a question through artwork, an essay, or a video. Younger students focus on what they want to do when they grow up, and older students are asked to describe a lesson they’ve learned or a person who has impacted their lives. The competition closes at 11:59 p.m. on Monday, November 4th! |
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Please take a moment to visit the website to learn more, and then encourage your child to take part. More than 250 students will receive monetary prizes to be deposited into a CHET account. For more details, please click HERE. Good luck! |
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Halloween is a fun night for ghosts and goblins across Connecticut. Connecticut State Police urge parents and children to follow these instructions for an exciting night of trick or treating:
- Wear bright, light-colored or reflective costumes so that motorists see you
- Add reflective tape to trick-or-treat bags for increased visibility
- Carry a flashlight to be seen as you walk
- Be alert for objects or toys in the walkway or on the porch
- Never enter anyone’s house or car for a treat
- Always go trick-or-treating in a group that includes adults
- Do not eat any treats until you arrive home and parents inspect all goodies
- Only collect treats from those you know
- Always watch for cars as you walk from house to house
- Do not wear a mask that hinders vision in any way
Before Halloween night, residents are reminded to clear walkways of any obstacles that could hinder visits from costumed youngsters. For more safety tips, please click HERE. |
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Diwali is here! Wishing all who are celebrating a bright and joyful Festival of Lights!
Sincerely,

Eleni Kavros DeGraw
State Representative
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