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Once again, along with outstanding community partners, I am sponsoring the “Winter Warm-Up” collection. We ask that you kindly only donate new items to the effort—the reason being, that we all have different ideas of what gently used looks like and I know of at least one local nonprofit that received bedding with bedbugs that cost them $100,000 in pest control fees—not practical when you are a non-profit organization.
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We are asking for hats, gloves/mittens, scarves, blankets, sleeping bags (the outdoor kind), wool socks, jackets/coats, and hand/foot warmers. The nights have already become chilly and we hope to do what we can to alleviate the pain of living outside for our neighbors this winter.
Please donate what you are able to at one of our great partners: Beanz & Co. (Avon); Imagine Float (Avon); LaSalle Deli and Market (Collinsville); Little Oak Cafe (Canton); and Liquid Nirvana (Avon).
Thank you for your generosity this winter.
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The United Way's Rapid Response Fund for housing and homelessness is open for the second consecutive year, serving 52 towns in the region, including Avon and Canton. The latest report on homelessness shows a 13% increase in the past year, which, unfortunately, is a continuing trend. The fund begins with an initial investment of $100,000 from the United Way and collects donations to serve more families during the harsh winter months. |
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(photo credit: facebook)
Donations to this fund will meet immediate housing needs such as emergency assistance for rent and utilities to prevent people from becoming homeless. To contribute to the Rapid Response Fund, please visit unitedwayinc.org. If you or someone you know needs support for housing, please contact your local municipal social services department or call 211 and press #3 and #1. |
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Governor Lamont announced today that a series of state grants totaling $20 million will be used to support the remediation and redevelopment of 21 blighted properties consisting of 150 acres of contaminated land in 18 municipalities across Connecticut.
That includes $200,000 to Canton to help prepare a Phase III Environmental Site Assessment, Remedial Action Plan, geotechnical investigations, market study, and building infrastructure needs assessment of the 19.3-acre, former Collinsville Axe Factory located at 10 Depot Street, to help further the restoration and reuse of the historic mill properties for housing development. |
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(Photo: CT Insider)
The grants are being released through the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development’s Brownfield Remediation and Development Program. These state investments are expected to leverage approximately $530 million in private investments and facilitate the creation of 1,392 units of new housing, as well as the growth of new businesses.
I’m grateful the Lamont administration continues to prioritize remediating brownfield sites to improve our towns and keep Connecticut moving forward. To learn more about the project, you can read the recent Courant article HERE: To follow along with the project on Instagram, follow cvll_redev. |
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Avon has opened the spring 2025 application cycle of its Support for Community Events grant program.
We are welcoming applications from non-profit entities for qualified events occurring from March 1, 2025, through June 30, 2025. The deadline to apply is 4:00 p.m. on January 3, 2025. For more details, please click on the image below. |
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The statewide burn ban has ended for Connecticut’s State Parks, Forests, and Wildlife Management Areas. Recent rain and snow have helped tremendously with drought conditions and lowered the forest fire danger level. Despite the news, please consult Avon and Canton officials for guidance on burning and continue practicing fire safety as conditions evolve. |
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To learn more, including fire safety guidance, please click HERE. |
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Connecticut has made significant progress in strengthening its pension funds for retired state workers and addressing legacy debt, which isn’t just good news for pension holders and all taxpayers.
The improvements in the State Employees’ Retirement System (SERS) and Teachers’ Retirement System (TRS) are detailed in reports released this week. Our latest independent valuations found both systems to be at their highest funding levels in decades. |
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As funding levels rise and debt goes down, that frees up money—$492 million in the next fiscal year alone—that can support tax cuts for working families and key investments in our communities.
We’ve got a lot of work left to do, but this continued fiscal progress will have direct benefits for all Connecticut residents. |
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The Town of Canton Giving Program's Toy Drive will be at the Shops at Farmington Valley and Ocean State Job Lot on Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Take a look at the flyer below for more details. |
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It all begins with a Champagne Walk on Friday, beginning at 6 p.m.. There will also be music, food trucks, and more. For a complete look at the activities taking place on Friday and Sturday, please click HERE. |
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The Town of Avon has set up a web page to inform those who wish to donate to one or more programs and services that assist Avon residents. Please click HERE and consider donating to the Avon Food Pantry, the Avon Pet Pantry, the Avon Fuel Bank, the Avon Special Needs Funds, the Avon Senior Center, or the Holiday Donation Program.
Sincerely,

Eleni Kavros DeGraw
State Representative |
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