Graduate Loans, CT Trails Day, and more

May 29, 2026



 

View this email in your browser
Click HERE to follow me on Facebook!

Dear Neighbor,

Rain doesn’t stop Plainville when it comes to honoring Memorial Day. That’s the spirit of our town, and it was so nice to see the community come together despite the weather. Thank you to the Memorial Day Parade Committee for all the hard work organizing such a meaningful event.
 
The tribute to fallen firefighter Ray Moreau and the wreath laying ceremony were especially beautiful. The students did an amazing job with their essays, and it was great to see all of the youth organizations come out and participate.

In this week's eblast, you can read about a graduate loan program, Connecticut Trails Day, and more. You can click the links below to navigate between sections.

 
Mental Health Awareness Month

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. 

If you are in need of mental health services and don't know where to start, here is a list of resources for Connecticut residents:
  • 2-1-1 General Resources 24-hour crisis phone numbers: finding services, education, prevention, counseling services, support groups, advocacy. Call 211
  • Mental Health Connecticut Offers a mental health concierge, art therapy and residential and supportive mental health services. mhconn.org or 860.529.1970
  • CTSupportGroup.ORG The CT Support Group is an online project developed by young people to provide connection, peer-led support, and community for their peers.
  • CT Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services You can search for services available in your area through their regional services locator. portal.ct.gov/dmhas
 
Farmington Post-Session Legislative Forum

A reminder that on Tuesday, June 2 from 6-7:30pm at the Farmington Senior Center (321 New Britain Ave., Unionville), I hope you'll join me and the rest of the Farmington delegation for a post-session legislative forum.

We will talk about all of the great work we accomplished this session, our priorities moving forward, and most important, the issues that matter most to you. I look forward to seeing you there!
 
CHESLA Graduate Loan Program

The Connecticut Higher Education Supplemental Loan Authority (CHESLA) has officially launched the MyCHESLA Grad Loan, a new state-based graduate loan program designed to preserve access to affordable, fixed-rate financing for Connecticut students pursuing advanced degrees following the elimination of the federal Grad PLUS loan program, effective July 1.

CHESLA’s new graduate loan program supports students enrolled in both graduate and professional degree programs.

Borrowers can choose from repayment terms of 5, 10, or 15 years, along with flexible in-school repayment options, including interest-only payments, full deferment, or immediate principal-and-interest payments. Combined, these options provide borrowers with nine fixed-rate offerings tailored to meet a range of financial needs.

Importantly, all approved borrowers have equal access to the same nine fixed rates, ensuring a transparent, fair, and consistent pricing structure.

Fixed interest rates for the MyCHESLA Grad Loan range from 5.50% to 7.99%, depending on the selected repayment term and in-school repayment option. The program offers a cost-effective, borrower-focused alternative to higher-cost private loans, with every available fixed rate remaining below the current federal Grad PLUS loan rate of 8.94%.

Click here to learn more about CHESLA’s loan programs, financial education resources, and application process.

 
Connecticut Trails Day

Celebrate Connecticut Trails Day on Saturday, June 6, and Sunday, June 7! The Connecticut Forest & Park Association is coordinating more than 200 hikes and walks across the state, offering a wonderful opportunity to explore Connecticut’s natural beauty and enjoy the outdoors.
Now in its 33rd year, this beloved tradition brings together thousands of participants to experience Connecticut’s incredible trail network and scenic landscapes. This year’s theme, Explore Where You Live, encourages residents to discover the trails, parks, and open spaces in their own communities.
Events are designed for all ages, abilities, and experience levels. Whether you’re looking for a challenging outdoor adventure or a relaxing, family-friendly walk, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
To find a hike or walk that interests you anywhere in Connecticut, visit www.trailsday.org.
 
Planet Fitness Teen Summer Pass Program

Great news for teens ages 14–19: you can work out for free at Planet Fitness this summer!

With the High School Summer Pass program, teens can enjoy free access to Planet Fitness from June 1 through August 31.

This program gives young people the opportunity to stay active, prioritize their health, and build lifelong healthy habits while school is out for the summer.

Click here to register for the Summer Pass. Parents can also receive one free day pass to work out alongside their teens.

Please note: During the High School Summer Pass program, participants will only have access to the Planet Fitness location they select during registration.

 
Roadwork Corner

Please see below for the "Roadwork Corner" section of the eblasts, which will include information on current and upcoming roadwork to stay aware of. Please make sure to check in weekly for the latest updates!

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) announced a milling and resurfacing project on Route 72 in Plainville and Bristol, from Route 372/Forestville Avenue to Blakeslee Street, will take place from May 13 through June 12, 2026. Milling work is scheduled for May 13–21, followed by resurfacing from May 26–June 12.

Motorists can expect nightly lane closures from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m., Sunday through Thursday, with traffic control personnel guiding drivers through the work zone.

Drivers are urged to use caution and be aware that schedules may change due to weather or other conditions.


The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) will conduct a virtual public information meeting concerning traffic control signal upgrades and replacement of the existing Computerized Traffic Signal System (CTSS) on Route 10 in Southington on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at 6pm.

The public information meeting is being held to provide the public and local community the opportunity to offer comments or ask questions regarding the proposed project. The meeting will take place on Zoom, and registration is required. A question and answer (Q&A) session will immediately follow the presentation, which will be recorded. For instructions on accessing the meeting and ways to provide comments and ask questions, please visit portal.ct.gov/DOTSouthington0131-0213

Construction is anticipated to begin fall 2027 based on the availability of funding, acquisition of rights of way, and approval of permit(s). The estimated construction cost for this project is approximately $9 million. This project is anticipated to be undertaken with 100% state funds. 

 

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is announcing that a Joint and Crack Sealing project will be performed on various state routes within the Greater Hartford region (CTDOT District 1). This project is scheduled to occur on Monday, June 1, 2026, and be completed on Friday, November 6, 2026. Project DOT01703229CN consists of pavement joint and crack sealing.

LANE CLOSURE/DETOUR INFO

There will be various lane closures on various state routes (see list below) from Monday, June 1, 2026, to Friday November 6, 2026, from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Traffic control personnel and signing patterns will guide motorists through the work zone.

Motorists should be aware that modifications or extensions to this schedule may become necessary due to weather delays or other unforeseen conditions. Motorists are advised to maintain a safe speed when driving in this area. The following routes are included in this project:

Andover:

Route 316 between Route 6 and Hebron town line

Berlin:

Route 71 between Route 372 (Farmington Avenue) and SR 571

Bristol:

Route 72 East of Blakeslee Street to Main Street No. 1

East Windsor:

SR 510 between Route 5 by Wagner Lane and Route 5 by King Street

Route 140 between Route191 to Route 286

Manchester:

Route 83 between US 6 & 44 (Center Street) to Route 30

Mansfield:

Route 32 between Route 275 and Route 44

Route 44 between the Coventry town line and Route 195

Route 320 between Route 195 and Route 320

Plainville:

SR 536 between Route 372 (East Main Street) to White Oak Avenue

Wolcott:

Route 322 between Woodtick Road and SR 844

 
Community Events

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Town Meeting Schedules

You can use the following links for access to town meeting schedules for the three towns in our district:

Plainville Town Meeting Schedule

Farmington Town Meeting Schedule

Southington Town Meeting Schedule

 

Sincerely,

Rebecca Martinez
State Representative

Website
Website

Email
Email

Facebook
Facebook

Instagram
Instagram

Forward to a friend | Unsubscribe from this list | Update subscription preferences