Tragedy in Orange Reminds us of Road Safety Awareness

bike
July 20, 2022
Earlier this month, the Orange community tragically lost 19-year-old Chance Dian Thompson after she was hit by a car walking home from a doctor's appointment.

In a Hartford Courant article from last week, Chance's mother shared that her daughter's organs gave the "gift of life" to 4 individuals through donation. Her mother continued by saying, "The organ donations are fitting because Chance was 'the most kind, caring, loving and passionate young lady you will ever find.'"

I want to offer my deepest condolences to the Thompsons in this time of tragedy. The family has also requested that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to the Orange Historical Society, where Chance was a docent, and one of its youngest board members ever.
 
Road Safety Awareness
This tragedy in our community is sadly a trend communities throughout the state are seeing, and it is bringing to light the importance of stressing road safety awareness.

At this time of year, more people are out walking, bicycling, and driving around, which is why it is even more important to stay vigilant if you hit the road, whether on wheels or on foot.

Below, I have shared a State Fact Sheet the

 League of American Bicyclists put together to provide a snapshot of biking and walking data in Connecticut.

The Fact Sheet highlights key data on rates of active commuting, public health, road safety, among other topics and reminds us that, “Inadequate levels of physical activity are associated with $117 billion in annual healthcare costs.” Improving roadway safety not only saves lives, but improves health and our healthcare costs. You can click on the images to enlarge them and read more.
 
Living with Wildlife
There have been a number of recent black bear sightings in the area, so I wanted to share some resources offered by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP).

How to Avoid Bears Near your Home:
  • NEVER feed bears, intentionally or accidentally
  • Remove birdfeeders and bird food from late March through November
    • Clean up spilled seed from the ground
    • Store any unused bird seed and suet in a location not accessible to bears, such as a closed garage
    • Do not store bird seed in screened porches or sheds where bears will be able to rip screens or break through windows
  • Store garbage in secure, airtight containers inside a garage or other enclosed storage area
    • Adding ammonia to trash cans and bags will reduce odors that attract bears
    • Periodically clean garbage cans with ammonia to reduce residual odor
    • Do not store recyclables in a porch or screened sunroom as bears can smell these items and will rip screens to get at them
    • Garbage for pickup should be put outside the morning of collection and not the night before
    • Ask your garbage removal company if they provide bear-proof garbage cans
  • Keep barbecue grills clean
    • Store grills inside a garage or shed
  • Do not leave pet food outdoors or feed pets outside
  • Supervise pets at all times when outside
  • Avoid placing meat scraps or sweet foods, such as fruit and fruit peels, in compost piles
  • If you see a bear in your yard, do not approach it
    • If the bear persistently approaches, go on the offensive—shout, wave your arms, and throw sticks or rocks

For other tips on how to live with bears in both residential and camping settings, please click the button below:
Learn More
In addition to the bear sightings, there was recently a report in Woodbridge of a supposed mountain lion. DEEP has ruled out that this was not in fact a mountain lion, but could have been potentially confused for a bobcat or even a house cat.

This article in the Courant breaks down DEEP's explanation, as well as a response from Woodbridge Animal Control.
 
Child Tax Payment
The deadline to apply for significant tax relief is fast approaching! Applications for the Child Tax Payment - a cash payment of up to $250 per child for many families - should be submitted by July 31.

If you have a child born before Jan. 1, 2022 and haven't yet applied, I want to remind you that there is still time to apply to receive your check!

This tax payment is available to single parents who earned less than $100,000 and two-parent households that made less than $200,000 during the 2021 tax year.

This was included in the $650 million tax relief package that House Democrats approved as part of the 2022 state budget to give much-needed financial relief and flexibility to working families across Connecticut.

For more information on the payment and to submit an application with the Department of Revenue Services before the

July 31 deadline, click the button below:
Apply for Child Tax Payment
 
Small Business Support

I am excited to share that the U.S. Treasury Department has approved the State of Connecticut’s plan to deploy up to $119.5 million in funding through the American Rescue Plan Act’s (ARPA) to the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI).

The SSBCI program will support underserved entrepreneurs across the state through a variety of loan and equity programs designed to spur small business growth, create jobs, promote equity, and catalyze green technologies.

This new federal support will enable the launch of two initiatives central to the overarching Governor’s Economic Development Action Plan, a strategic package of initiatives undertaken in 2021 that totals more than $600 million over five years that will result in a projected 80,000 new jobs.

SSBCI funds will be administered by Connecticut Innovations, the state’s strategic venture capital arm and leading source of financing and ongoing support for innovative, growing companies.

With this capitalization, Connecticut Innovations will launch two new funds:

  • The Connecticut Future Fund: Supporting entrepreneurs from underserved and diverse backgrounds who lead small businesses in a variety of sectors
  • The ClimateTech (CT) Fund: Supporting early-stage businesses with a focus on clean energy, environmentally safe manufacturing, and climate resiliency

Both of these new funds will be supplemented with existing Connecticut Innovations funds. Other SSBCI funds will support existing Connecticut Innovations programs, such as initiatives to support bioscience and advanced manufacturing businesses. Connecticut Innovation’s investments will include early-stage venture debt and equity investments.

To learn more, click the button below:
Small Business Support
 
Orange Community Farmers' Market
The Town of Orange is hosting the Orange Community Farmers' Market every Thursday from 3:30PM - 7:00PM through September 29th!

They are located at the Pavilion of the High Plains Community Center, 525 Orange Center Road.

Products are only the best certified and Connecticut grown ranging from:
  • Bakery products
  • Eggs
  • Flowers
  • Milk
  • Meats
  • Soaps
  • Plants
  • In-season vegetables
  • Crafts and services

Each week there will be vendors showcasing the freshest products. If you do not see something you want, contact the Market Master.
 
Woodbridge Summer Concert Series
Next Tuesday from 6PM - 8PM is the final summer concert on the green in Woodbridge! Please find the details below:
  • Tuesday, July 26
    • Rumrunners
    • Gazebo "On the Green" at 4 Meetinghouse Lane
    • In case of inclement weather, the performance will take place on Wednesday, July 27th
    • Description: Party Rock / Classic Rock
 
Orange Bicentennial Celebrations
Don't forget about the two final Orange Bicentennial Summer of Celebration events! Check out the links below for Upcoming Events:
 
 
Opioid Crisis Survey
The Derby Youth Bureau and BHCare are asking for your help!

The opioid overdose crisis has taken so many young lives in our community, state, and country. Please take a few minutes to complete a brief survey that is completely anonymous, just click the button below.

When completing the survey, they ask that you please select BHCare North Haven.
Take the Survey
 
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.