Addressing the Horrific Shootings

gun
May 25, 2022
In less than two weeks our country has seen two tragic massacres in spaces that should be safe for everyone. A local grocery store in Buffalo, NY where 10 people were murdered, and now an elementary school in Uvalde, TX where 19 children and two teachers were murdered yesterday.
 
I am heartbroken and angry that more families are dealing with the loss of a loved one from gun violence. I am proud of the work that Connecticut has done to keep our communities safer and support responsible gun ownership, but I know that many other states have not made the same choices. As clichéd as it might be, I still think of Mr. Rogers’ story of being told to ‘look for the helpers.’ Here are some ways that you can help
 
As a long-time partner with Sandy Hook Promise, I am acutely aware of the steps that can be taken to address situations before a weapon even enters the picture.

You can learn more about those programs here

:
Sandy Hook Promise
You can support the families of victims from Buffalo here:
Support for Buffalo
You can support the families of victims from Uvalde here:
Support for Uvalde
 
As we head into the long Memorial Day weekend, packed-full of community events shared below, I want to also take a moment to honor and remember all those who have fought for our freedom.

Late last week, May 21, we celebrated Armed Forces Day. As the sister of three combat veterans, one who is still active duty, I am so proud to recognize this unified holiday. Thank you to all who have served and continue to serve. President Harry S. Truman led the effort to establish a single holiday for citizens to come together and thank our military members for their patriotic service in support of our country. On August 31, 1949, Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson announced the creation of an Armed Forces Day to replace separate Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force Days. The single day celebration stemmed from the unification of the Armed Forces under the Department of Defense.
 
Memorial Day Parades
Derby
  • The Derby-Shelton Memorial Day Parade will kick off - Rain or Shine - at 9AM on Monday, May 30. The Parade will step off at a new starting point - Cornell Street. The parade will then proceed on Howe Avenue to the traditional route ending in Derby on Elizabeth Street at the intersection with Cottage Street.

Orange

  • The Orange Memorial Day Parade will kick off at 10:30AM on Sunday, May 29. You are encouraged to join the Town's Memorial Day Parade Facebook page for up-to-the-minute communication.

Woodbridge

  • The Woodbridge Memorial Day Ceremony will begin at 11AM on Monday, May 30. The Ceremony will take place at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Monument in front of Center Building. The program will include patriotic music, a memorial wreath presentation, a history of the holiday, the Woodbridge Police Department Honor Guard and remarks by local elected officials.
 
Orange Bicentennial Celebration
On Saturday, May 28 at 10AM, the Town will host its Founding Day Ceremony followed by the Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Orange Chamber of Commerce Bicentennial Bricks. The Celebration will take place at the High Plains Community Center Gazebo.

Later next month, on Saturday, June 25 at 2PM, the Town will hold its

Bicentennial Parade! If you would like to participate in the Parade, please click here to fill out the application. The rain date set for the Parade is Sunday, June 26 at 2PM.
 
What Does Our Community Need?
TEAM, Inc. is working on there annual Community Needs Assessment and wants to hear from you!

Residents of Derby, Orange and Woodbridge are asked to take this short survey, which will clarify what resources we need in the community to better provide for residents like you. The group is hoping to receive responses by mid-June, so if you are willing, please click or scan the QR code below to take the survey.
 
Child Tax Payments
This is a reminder that applications for the Child Tax Payments will open next week, June 1!
Any Connecticut resident who claimed at least one child as a dependent, under the age of 18, on their 2021 federal income tax return may be eligible to receive a maximum payment of $250 per child (for up to three children) with the following income guidelines (higher incomes may be eligible for a reduced rebate):
Anyone who is interested in seeking a payment must apply to the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services with applications closing on July 31 - recipients will receive funds beginning in late August.
Information on the 2022 CT Child Tax Payments
The Department of Revenue Services is in the process of reaching out to eligible households and I encourage you to share this information with any parents that may qualify.
 
New Alert System in Derby

The City of Derby has started using the CodeRED notification system. This is a system that notifies residents of emergency situations and/or general notifications. Residents, business owners, or other interested parties of the City of Derby may opt in or out of participating with the system.

If you want to sign up for Derby CodeRed notifications:

  • Click here
  • Text DERBYALERT to 99411 to receive a direct link to the enrollment form on a mobile device

Anyone who wants to opt out of the system:

The CodeRed mobile app is available for download from the App Store for Apple users and Google Play for Android users.

Recipients of CodeRed notifications will recognize the CodeRED call when their caller ID displays the following numbers. 866−419−5000 for Emergency Alert for Emergency Notifications 855−969−4636 or Community Alert for General Notifications. To ensure you receive the notifications, please be sure to add these telephone numbers into your cell phone contacts.

If you know of anyone who wants to sign up for the system but does not have a smart phone or a computer, please advise them to contact Town/City Clerk Marc Garofalo at 203-736-1462 for assistance.
 
Aid for Ukraine
As we continue to watch the horrifying and saddening conflict between Russia and Ukraine, I wanted to remind you all that we do not have to sit back helplessly, there are ways we can offer aid and support to the innocent citizens of Ukraine.

Fellow community member, Olena Lennon, provided us with this list of legitimate donation sites for aid to the Ukrainian community.

Click here to help volunteer to help Ukraine.

Click here to learn more about projects helping Ukraine.

Click here to support funding to cover administrative costs to help Ukraine.

Click here to learn how to help Ukrainians.

Our community, state and country all stand with the innocent citizens of Ukraine and we will continue to do all we can to offer support while actively trying to deescalate conflict.