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I would like to highlight some key pieces of legislation that will affect everyone's safety. We passed some major transportation and safety updates, and I'll break down how they're going to make a difference.
Drivers are dealing with significant backups on Route 8 in Derby and Shelton due to some bridge work. I'll let you know when the state hopes to wrap up that project and put an end to the delays in that area.
Saturday is Connecticut Open House Day, which means you can visit some cool sites for free or a reduced price! Keep scrolling to see where you can take the family for a fun time out.
Here are the sections and topics in this week's email:
- Safer Streets & Smarter Infrastructure
- Route 8 Bridge On-Ramps Remain Closed
- Connecticut Open House Day
- Congratulations, Amity Class of 2025
- Local Police Carry Special Olympics Torch
- Derby Events Calendar
- Upcoming Events in Hamden
- Orange Events Calendar
- Upcoming Events in Woodbridge
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| Safer Streets & Smarter Infrastructure |
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| The House and Senate passed two key transportation bills that reflect Connecticut’s commitment to safer streets, smarter infrastructure, and modernized services. |
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The provisions in the legislation include:
- Increasing state funding to our local transit districts, helping local governments apply for federal grants
- Strengthening DUI and BUI (boating) penalties
- Improving pedestrian safety in new crosswalks
- Updating helmet rules on bikes and motorcycles for young people
- 50% fare discount to seniors, veterans, minors, and the disabled on state-owned buses
- Creating a “yellow envelope” program to improve interactions between the police and people with disabilities
The governor still needs to sign these bills into law.
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| Route 8 Bridge On-Ramps Remain Closed |
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The state hopes to re-open the highway ramps on Route 8 as soon as this weekend as crews finish up emergency repairs on the Commodore Isaac Hull Memorial Bridge in Derby and Shelton. Right now, the on-ramp at Exit 12A on Route 8 north and Exit 12B on Route 8 south remain closed.
The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is paying for additional officers to divert traffic near the bridge following significant delays and a crash in a construction zone last week. |
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Crews are removing pavement from the Route 8 bridge while keeping lanes open. CTDOT says the bridge remains safe for the traveling public.
I urge drivers to be patient, follow the detours, and remember to slow down and move over in work zones. |
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| Connecticut Open House Day |
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| Connecticut Open House Day will take place on Saturday, June 14 with free or reduced admission and exclusive access to certain sites. The aim is for residents to explore Connecticut’s rich array of cultural, historical, and recreational attractions right in their own backyard. |
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The volunteers of the Amity and Woodbridge Historical Society will host an open house at the Darling Farmstead and History Museum.
There will be kids activities, free tours and light refreshments on Saturday June 14 from 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
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You can go on an architecture quest at the Osborne Homestead Museum in Derby on Saturday, June 14 from 10:00 a.m. - 4 p.m. Get the quest booklet from the museum or download the digital quest app and start the journey.
The quest will test your knowledge of the architectural features of the museum. After passing each level, winners will get a prize at the end. |
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The Jonathan Dickerson House is a historic site near Sleeping Giant State Park and maintained by the Hamden Historical Society.
Connecticut Open House Day presents an opportunity to enjoy a tour of the 1790 home and the 1810 Talmadge Cider Mill. |
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| Congratulations, Amity Class of 2025 |
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Congratulations to the Amity Class of 2025! Your hard work, resilience, and determination, especially during these challenging times, have brought you to this amazing moment with loved ones.
As a parent, this year's graduation holds special meaning for my family. My son, Griffin, graduated on Tuesday, days after earning an Eagle Scout Award. Watching him with his classmates grow into thoughtful adults has been a true joy. |
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| Every Amity graduate should know that our community is cheering you on. Whether you're heading to college, entering the workforce, serving your country, or still deciding what's next -- you have made us proud! |
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| Local Police Carry Special Olympics Torch |
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The Derby, Hamden, Orange, and Woodbridge Police Departments carried the torch in their respective communities for the annual Law Enforcement Special Olympics Torch Run. Thank you to every officer and athlete who ran along last Friday and supported this amazing event!
The torch run raises funds and awareness for Special Olympics and promotes acceptance and inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities. |
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| Check out the events and community calendar in Derby below. |
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| Connecticut Foodshare will give away free food to the community on Tuesday from 2:15 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. at St. Mary’s Church on Elizabeth Street. Make sure to bring a bag so you can bring food home. |
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| Upcoming Events in Hamden |
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| Look at the flyers below to learn more about the upcoming events in Hamden. |
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| Check out the flyers and community calendar in Orange below. |
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| Upcoming Events in Woodbridge |
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Check out the events and community calendar below.
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The 68th Annual Strawberry Festival will be held on Friday, June 13 from 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. at the First Church of Christ, located at 5 Meetinghouse Lane.
This year's festival features delicious food, entertainment, and family fun. Troop 907 will prepare hot dogs and burgers, along with the highlight of the event: homemade strawberry shortcake topped with fresh whipped cream. |
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| The Woodbridge 2030 Task Force will host a Community Open House to share information and provide an update on the Business District Connectivity Project. The event will be held on Monday, June 16 at 6:30 p.m. at Crest Lincoln of Woodbridge located at 185 Amity Road. CLICK HERE to learn more. |
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| You can receive a measles vaccine and COVID boosters on Friday, June 20 at the Woodbridge Center from 12 p.m. -3 p.m. Valley Pharmacy will provide staff and vaccines. Please call 203-389-3429 to schedule an appointment. |
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