$500K for Woodbridge

welander
September 23, 2022
On Monday, Governor Ned Lamont shared with me that he is approving $500,000 in a state grant to Woodbridge as a part of the $31.3 million in funding for 77 small towns in Connecticut to complete a wide variety of infrastructure improvements.
  • Woodbridge: $500,000 in state funding is approved for the renovation of Woodbridge Center Gym. This will be matched by $106,687 from the town.

I’m thrilled to see these dollars allocated to our communities with only a fraction of the cost falling on our towns, alleviating the tax burden on residents. This renovation will make exercise resources in our community more accessible. I want to thank the Governor and the State Bond Commission for approving this grant in March of 2022. I also want to thank Town Officials in Woodbridge for filling out the application to receive assistance for this project.
 
The grants are provided through the Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP), a state program managed by the Office of Policy and Management (OPM) that delivers grants to small towns for economic development, community conservation, and quality-of-life capital projects.
 
Orange County Fair
My family and I had a great time last weekend at the Orange Country Fair - one of our favorite events in town,. We saw so many friends (including my favorite member of Congress, Rosa DeLauro), ate too much, my husband got to drive a tractor again, and I saw the biggest chicken I have ever seen in my entire life - Tony Soprano was truly impressive!

Thanks for another amazing year, can't wait to see how much fun we have again next year.
 
Energy Assistance
This is a reminder that the application period for the 2022-2023 winter season of the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) is still open!

Basic benefits toward heating bills are around $400 for the season, but can be significantly higher depending on the household’s income and number of family members. Benefits are available for households with incomes up to roughly $76,400 for a family of four.

How to Apply:
  • Online
  • Call the office of your local community action agency and request assistance applying
    • Entire District: Community Renewal Team 860-560-5800
    • Clinton: Clinton Social Service Coordinator, Cheryl Church 860-669-7347
    • Killingworth: Municipal Agent for the Elderly, Mercedes Ricciuti 860-663-1765, ext 217
    • Westbrook: Westbrook Social Service Coordinator, Elizabeth Carpenter 860-399-3090 ext 1154
    • Click here for the list of phone numbers
  • Call the office of your local community action agency and schedule an in-person appointment
  • Download and complete the CEAP application
Applications for the 2022-2023 winter season must be received by May 31, 2023. For more information, click here, or call 2-1-1.

I understand that energy prices are high and continue to affect you, and as we head into the coldest months of the year, this will only further strain families.

Congresswoman and House Appropriations Committee Chair, Rosa DeLauro, recently shared with me that Congressman Joe Courtney sent a letter to the House and Senate Appropriations Committees requesting they include emergency funding for energy assistance programs in the upcoming government funding package. My colleagues and I will continue to work with our congressional delegation as they work toward allocating federal funding to ease the burden of high energy costs on households throughout CT.
 
CT DVA Stand Down 2022
In an effort to connect military personnel and veterans to helpful state services and community-based nonprofits, the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs will hold its annual Veterans Stand Down TODAY until 2PM. The event will be held at five regional locations:

The Connecticut Department of Transportation and local service providers will offer transportation to the event.
Download the Transportation Schedule Here
Additional information about the Stand Down is available here.

If you cannot make it to this event, resources for veterans are available on the DVA website.

Connecticut's veterans and active military personnel deserve our support and appreciation. From guaranteeing in-state tuition for CT veterans to creating a new local-option property tax exemption, I was proud to have voted in favor of laws that will benefit this community.

Some of you may know that all three of my younger brothers are combat veterans; my brother Sam helped create and organize a Stand Down effort in Seattle, where he had been stationed. Their philosophy is to be a community that 'gives a hand up' to provide support with dignity, hope and honor for those who have sacrificed so much. I am so proud to support these similar efforts here in Connecticut.

Thank you to all those who have served and continue to serve our state.
 
Roadwork in Orange

This week, the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) started roadwork on the Exit 58 Northbound Off ramp and the Exit 57 Southbound On & Off ramps, from Route 34 to Route 15, Wilbur Cross Parkway. Please be on the lookout for detours.

Detour Information:

  • There will be a detour in place for traffic in both the NB & SB direction prior to the milling and paving operations
 
Orange Community Farmers' Market
The Town of Orange continues its Community Farmers' Market every Thursday from 3:30PM - 7:00PM through next Thursday!

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.
 
Derby Summer Concert Series

The City of Derby is continuing its 2022 Concert Series on the Derby Green!

Now that it is officially September, the series will then continue on Friday nights from 6:30PM to 8:30PM:

  • TONIGHT - Rich Bobinski Orchestra - Oktoberfest / Polka Music
  • September 30 - Larry Ayce Band - Country
  • October 7 - Mark Lanzieri and Friends - Italian / Sinatra
There will be no rain date for Friday night concerts.
 
Woodbridge Events
October is right around the corner and Woodbridge has some amazing events to offer - in fact, there are too many to list here!! For more information on what is planned, such as the 40th Annual Woodbridge 5K on October 1st, visit the town calendar here.
 
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.