Access Health CT Open Enrollment & Help With Your Utility Bill

November 3, 2023


It's the start of November, and we can start thinking about Thanksgiving! Keep in mind there is an election coming up on Tuesday, so please get out and vote!

Everyone is now eligible to enroll or renew coverage with Access Health CT. Open enrollment started just a few days ago. There is more information below to help make the right policy choice.

All K-12 students have an opportunity to win up to $20,000 for their future education in a special contest. They need to submit an essay, drawing, or video. Keep scrolling to learn more, but you have to act fast because the deadline to submit is approaching quickly.

And, a Groton native is the new Connecticut Teacher of the Year! Please look below to learn more about Kiana Foster-Mauro's incredible story.

You will find the following sections in this week's email:

  • What's Our Rep Been Up To?
  • Election Day Is Coming Up
  • Help With Your Utility Bill
  • Environmental Scorecard
  • Access Health CT Open Enrollment
  • Groton Native Named CT Teacher of the Year!
  • Opportunity To Win Up to $20K For Your Child's Education
  • Veterans Informational Meeting
  • Mystic Water Flushing
  • Community Conversation Addressing Environmental Justice
  • Groton Leaf Collection
  • Community Events
 
What's Our Rep Been Up To?

I had the pleasure of visiting with the executive leadership at Enko Chem, Inc. in Mystic! Enko is a company that is developing innovative solutions to some of the biggest challenges facing farmers around the globe.

Enko is using machine learning and the latest drug discovery approaches to develop new and more effective ways to protect crops from pests and diseases. The company also recognizes that farmers deserve to have access to safe crop protection solutions and has pledged to promote sustainable agricultural practices. Thank you for welcoming me on the ground!

 
Election Day Is Coming Up
I'm encouraging everyone who is eligible to come out and exercise your right to vote on Tuesday, November 7. Polls will be open from 6 A.M - 8 P.M. We are hoping for a high voter turnout!
Groton Polling Locations
Stonington Polling Locations
 
Help With Your Utility Bill
Beginning on December 1, 2023, Eversource is offering a new electric bill discount if you have a financial hardship status on your electric account. Based on your household income or receipt of a public assistance benefit, you may be eligible for a 10% or 50% discount off your electric bill per month.
Find Out If You Qualify
Thankfully, there are other programs available if you are struggling to pay your electric or heating bill. CLICK HERE to learn more.
 
Environmental Scorecard
I received a 98% environment score and A+ rating from the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters for my track record of fighting for a sustainable, clean, and healthy future for our state.

I am aware of the environmental challenges in our district, including a 20-inch sea level rise that is expected to impact every neighborhood along the coastline by 2050. I do not take this lightly and am committed to representing your voices. Tackling the state’s waste issue is a top priority for the 2024 legislative session.

The Day just released an article on the environmental scorecard for lawmakers in Southeastern Connecticut. CLICK HERE to learn more.

 
Access Health CT Open Enrollment
Access Health CT's (AHCT) Open Enrollment is underway! You can enroll for the first time, renew coverage, and explore the various policy options to see which will be the most beneficial. 
If you are interested and have questions about the program, there are several ways to receive free assistance:
  • In-person: There will be an enrollment fair on Monday, November 13 at the Opportunities Industrialization Center (OIC) of New London and another on Tuesday, January 9 at Groton Public Library.
  • Online: Visit accesshealthct.com. You can learn more about the different plans and find free help online using the "live chat" feature.
  • By phone: Call 1-855-805-4325. Help is available Monday - Friday,
    8:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. Customers who are deaf or hearing impaired may use TTY at 1- 855-789-2428 or call with a relay operator.
  • Work with a Broker: To find a Certified Broker or Enrollment Specialist, visit accesshealthct.com/get-help/

If you or your family need quality, affordable healthcare please don't miss this opportunity. Click here to learn more.

 
Groton Native Named CT Teacher of the Year!
Congratulations to Fitch High School alumna and Groton resident Kiana Foster-Mauro who has been named Connecticut's Teacher of the Year! Even though Foster-Mauro is a fourth-grade teacher at Nathan Hale Arts Magnet School in New London, she will always be a Fitch Falcon at heart!

Foster-Mauro is a lifelong learner who is committed to empowering her students. As a biracial woman, Foster-Mauro understands the importance of diversity in education. She has presented at conferences, nationally and locally.

She has been a member of the National Association for Multicultural Education since 2018 and was recently accepted to present on facilitating critical conversations around current events, identity, human rights, and mental health.

Learn More About CT Teacher of the Year!
 
Opportunity To Win Up to $20K
For Your Child's Education
Time is running out to participate in a competition giving students an opportunity to win up to $20,000 toward their future education. The CHET Dream Big! Competition asks all Connecticut students to answer a question in the form of a drawing, essay, or video. 
 
You must act now because the deadline to enter is Monday, November 6!
 
The competition is broken up into three different age groups and questions.
  • K-4th grade: What is something you could do to make your community or neighborhood better?
  • 5th-8th grade: What is something you could do to help make the lives of others better?
  • 9th-12th grade: What is a lesson you've learned and how will it influence your future?
Official Contest Rules
Some amazing prizes will be awarded in the form of contributions to a CHET 529 college savings account and support for local schools.
 
·      3 Grand Prize winners receive $20,000 (one student from each age group)
·      24 winners receive $6,000 (eight students per age group)
·      336 winners receive $500 (112 students per age group)
·      10 randomly selected participating schools will win $7,500 in tech equipment
 
The competition is open to all Connecticut K-12 students, and every child has the chance to participate. Good luck!
 
Veterans Informational Meeting
Our veterans have an opportunity to share their concerns regarding veterans affairs with state lawmakers. The Veterans' and Military Affairs Committee will host an informational hearing on Wednesday, November 8 from 1 P.M.- 4 P.M. in Room 2C of the Legislative Office Building in Hartford.
 
The meeting is designed to gather feedback from veterans, military personnel, their loved ones, advocates, and other members of the public in preparation for the upcoming legislative session.
Sign Up to Speak In Person Or Online
 
Mystic Water Flushing

Aquarion Water Company is flushing hydrants in Mystic.

  • Week of 10/30: Daytime flushing; "Mystic Hill" residential area west of                           the river
  • Week of 11/06: Daytime flushing; Residential neighborhoods                                         connecting to Noank Road and Route 1 West of
                                 Allyn Street
  • Week of 11/13: Daytime flushing; Residential neighborhood in area of                           Judson Avenue
Flushing activities may cause discoloration. Customers are advised to store tap water in the refrigerator for drinking and cooking and to check the condition of the water before washing clothes. Most discoloration can be quickly cleared by running all the taps (including bathtubs) in the residence/business. If you have questions, call Aquarion at (203) 445-7310 or (800) 732-9678.
 
Community Conversation Addressing Environmental Justice
At this community conversation on Sunday, November 5, organizers will discuss environmental justice needs and opportunities to address them. The Long Island Sound Study (LISS) and Restore America's Estuaries will present on existing resources, programs, and funding sources available to help boost sustainability in Groton, including the Long Island Sound Community Impact Fund (LISCIF), a new grant program run by Restore America’s Estuaries that will provide financial and technical support to community groups working on local environmental health projects and capacity-building. 
 
The event will be held at Calvary Church from 2 P.M. - 4 P.M. People who live in Groton and attend will receive a $20 gift card for taking part in the conversation.
 
Groton Leaf Collection
The City of Groton is collecting leaves every Wednesday from now through December 6 except of the week of Thanksgiving.

CLICK HERE to watch a video as Groton Public Works Director Bill Robarge provides more information on fall leaf collection.

 
Scarecrow Festival
Everyone is invited to check out the fifth annual Scarecrow Trail through November 8 in Groton! You will see some of the most comedic, artistic, and surprising creations around! CLICK HERE for the scarecrow trail map.
You can vote for your favorites too! One vote per person, per category. These are the categories:
  • Best City Spirit
  • Spookiest
  • Funniest
  • Most Original
Cast Your Vote Here!
 
Community Events
 
Join the Ferncroft Wildlife Rescue at the Bill Memorial Library on Saturday, November 4 at 1:00 P.M. to meet their opossum ambassadors and learn about wildlife rehabilitation and winter survival!

Registration is required. Please call the library at (860) 445-0392 to sign up.

 
 
Click Here For More Information