Aundré Bumgardner

WHAT'S YOUR REP BEEN UP TO?

We were in session on Thursday making important decisions at the State Capitol. The House of Representatives passed House Bill 6484, which I am proud to co-sponsor. Horseshoe crabs are ecologically and medically vital. We took another step to protect their decimated population.

It was an honor to have Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz and the Department of Agriculture Commissioner Bryan Hurlburt join First Selectwoman Danielle Chesebrough and I in Stonington and Mystic to celebrate New England Kelp Harvest Week!

Stonington Kelp Co. & the The Shipwright's Daughter's dedication to sustainable farming and cuisine demonstrates why we are the sea-to-table capital of Connecticut!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Groton was at the State Capitol on Wednesday! So great seeing Tomi and Kathy as we honored Thrive 55+ Active Living Center in Groton with an award from Connecticut Age Well Collaborative for its work toward adopting a new branding identity and for its inclusion efforts for individuals with dementia or socialization issues. So critical to highlight this work being done in our part of the state!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I rolled up my sleeves and got to work on Earth Day, this past Saturday, by joining the team at Groton City Clean Up! We talked about the importance of giving back.

Thank you to City of Groton Parks and Recreation and Mayor Keith Hedrick for hosting and to community members for coming out to do their part! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At the First Annual Climate Expo at Groton Public Library, we discussed steps to protect wildlife, open space, and our waterways. We shared stories of the amazing places we love and the planet we depend on.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The threats our wildlife faces today are serious and worsening, and we need local solutions to our global problems pertaining to pollution, rising sea levels, and a warming climate.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I thoroughly enjoyed participating in panels with young people and students to discuss our climate crisis. I am in awe of their activism and determination for action! Also great to see so many constituents and environmental advocates from our community!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A huge shout out to State Representative Christine Palm for coming out to Groton and being one of the special guest speakers to discuss her work as Vice Chair of the legislature’s Environment Committee! She recently won the Cronkite Award for Climate Education for successfully passing a climate education mandate in all public schools!

UPDATE TO FIERY CRASH ON GOLD STAR BRIDGE 

The Gold Star Bridge is now open in both directions following last Friday’s deadly, fiery crash. The Connecticut Department of Transportation says the bridge itself is safe for drivers. CLICK HERE to learn more about the crash.

The bridge deck, sidewalk, fencing, railing, and shoulder pavement around the crash site will need further inspection and repairs before the sidewalk and shoulder can be reopened. Crews will continue to monitor the situation.

Thank you to the CTDOT and contractors who removed all damaged railing and fencing. My deepest gratitude to every first responder and agency involved in the accident response.

MEET ME IN PERSON

Please join me for Coffee with Aundré on May 6 at the Ditty Bag in Mystic. Come and share your priorities, ask questions, provide feedback, and get updates on what's happening at the Capitol. I look forward to speaking with you and having a conversation on how to address the needs of our wonderful community.

HYDRANT FLUSHING SCHEDULE

Groton Utilities and Aquarion Water will begin their respective water main flushing and testing programs next week. While Aquarion has not announced when its work will be finished, Groton Utilities will be done on June 16 (weather permitting).
 
All Groton Utilities customers should expect intermittent intervals of water discoloration during the water main flushing process. House of flushing are from 8:00 am - 3:00 pm, Monday through Friday.

GROTON UTILITIES FLUSHING SCHEDULE

AQUARIAN WATER FLUSHING SCHEDULE

STONINGTON TOWN BUDGET & REFERENDUM

We are quickly approaching the annual Stonington town budget meeting and subsequent referendum. The budget meeting will take place on May 8 at Stonington High School on South Broad Street.
 
The Board of Finance has approved a nearly $70 million budget proposal for the fiscal year starting July 1, 2023. The plan carries a 17.45 mil rate.

A referendum to vote on the budget will be held May 16 from 12 pm – 8 pm. CLICK HERE to see your polling location.

OPPORTUNITY FOR BUSINESSES, NONPROFITS, AND MUSEUMS

The Connecticut League of History Organizations is calling on companies, nonprofits, and museums on being an exhibitor at this year’s Connecticut League of History Organization’s (CLHO) Annual Conference. It will be held on June 5 at Central Connecticut State University in the Willard/Diloreto Hall on campus. This year’s theme, “Community Matters: Linking Past and Present in Meaningful Ways” promises to be very popular and attract over 200+ like-minded museum lovers.

New this year, there will be a Marketplace Passport initiative that will promote attendees to stop by each booth to get their passport stamped by vendors. Organizers will collect completed passports, and several winners will be selected at random. We will be asking vendors for door prizes closer to the event.
 
Those who decide to be exhibitors will be acknowledged in the conference program, on the conference website, and included in promotional marketing as well as the ability to promote your own collateral at your table. This is a great opportunity to make new connections

REGISTER HERE

SETTING UP YOUR GROTON PARKS & REC ACCOUNT

Groton Parks and Recreation is updating its online registration system just in time for the summer. To get started, CLICK HERE!
 
Organizers remind you to include all the members of your household and your cell number so you can receive texts if there are any changes to any programs.

DMV MILESTONE

The Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has surpassed more than one million online customer transactions served since 2020. The move comes as the DMV invested in modernizing its infrastructure to make it more convenient for customers.
 
More state services are now available online, which has shortened wait times in-person at DMV facilities. According to the governor’s office, most in-person DMV appointments last less than 15 minutes.

The DMV redesigned its website making it easier to use, and now you can complete nearly 20 services online. CLICK HERE to see if you can complete your DMV request online.

CONNECTICUT STORYTELLING

The Connecticut Storytelling Center is hosting its 42nd annual Festival and Conference in New London. Organizers will be exploring how different people's perspectives tell the story of a human being through performances, workshops, and presentations.
 
Here’s what you need to know about the event:

• Friday, April 28 and Saturday, April 29
• Thames Club
• All Souls Unitarian Universalist Congregation
• Public Library of New London

The Connecticut Storytelling Center strives to provide the means for everyone to experiences stories.

REGISTER NOW!

COMMUNITY EVENTS