|
|
|
|
In this week's email, you can read about my visit to the Baldwin Center in honor of National Senior Center Month, learn more about the vaccine update from the Connecticut Department of Health, and find information on other state and local resources I hope are useful to you and your family. If you have any questions, concerns, or my office can be of assistance to you, please call my office at anytime or email me at kaitlyn.shake@cga.ct.gov.
On Thursday, September 11th, the Human Services and Appropriations Committees held a public hearing followed by a committee meeting to discuss the renewal of the Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver program. This program permits a state to provide home and community-based services that assist older adults to continue living in the community. In Connecticut, the program requires renewal every five years, which is what the Human Services and Appropriations Committees voted on Thursday afternoon. |
|
This Thursday, on the 24th Anniversary of September 11th, we remember the 2,983 lives lost, the thousands who have died since due to exposure to toxic chemicals, and the countless lives that were forever changed. Though we move further away from that tragic day each year, we must continue to honor those Americans we lost and never stop the fight against terror and for peace.
September 11th, 2001, is a day that nearly everyone can remember exactly where they were as the terrorist attacks began.
The courage, sacrifice, and unity shown on that day — and in the days that followed — continues to be remembered throughout our nation. The lives lost must always be remembered. That is the heart of the promise we all know as “Never Forget.”
But Never Forget also means remembering the unity that supported us through those dark days. In the immediate aftermath, we weren’t divided by race, religion, background, or political views. We were simply Americans, grieving together, standing together, determined to move forward together.
Here in Connecticut, so close to New York City, many of us knew someone who was at the Twin Towers or who rushed to Ground Zero to help. We leaned on one another, and we were strengthened by the compassion from each other. We must continue to embody the lesson it taught us: what unites us is always greater than what divides us. It continues to be as important today as it was 24 years ago.
May we never forget the people whose lives were stolen from us through this act of terror, and all the first responders, construction crews, service members, and everyday citizens who saved lives that day and helped our country rebuild. |
|
| National Senior Center Month |
|
|
September is National Senior Center Month, and I want to recognize the Baldwin Center, our senior center here in Stratford, and the staff for all they do for senior residents. The Baldwin Center was recently one of sixteen centers in the area recognized as a 2026-2028 Community Focal Point by the Southwestern Connecticut Agency on Aging (SWCAA). According to the Older Americans Act, a focal point is "a community-based facility or service provider that serves as a central, visible, and accessible hub for older individuals to find and access various services". The Baldwin Center offers various services to Stratford senior residents, including monthly programs, support groups, transportation services, and other essential resources.
This week, the Stratford State Delegation presented the Baldwin Center with a citation for their recent recognition by SWCAA. I am sincerely grateful for all the staff at the Baldwin Center and their hard work and daily commitment to providing seniors with a welcoming, supportive, and vibrant place in our community where they can go for any of their needs. The Baldwin Center is an amazing resource here in Stratford, and I will continue to support their staff and work with the center to ensure seniors have access to affordable programs and services in our community. |
|
| Legislative Voting Record |
|
|
| I am proud to have received a 100% Voting Record for the 2025 Legislative Session. From January to June, I voted on every resolution, appointment, and bill that came before us in the House of Representatives. Every vote, I make it with the Stratford community in mind. It is a pleasure to serve my Stratford constituents, and I am thankful for your trust in me. |
|
| Connecticut DPH Vaccine Update |
|
|
This week, Governor Lamont announced a series of executive actions his administration is implementing to ensure that Connecticut residents who wish to be vaccinated will continue to have access to these vaccines, and coverage under state-regulated insurance polices remains the same. This comes amidst uncertainty from the federal government on whether Americans will still have access to the COVID-19 vaccine in the upcoming virus season. The Connecticut Department of Health (DPH) also released interim guidance for the current season, emphasizing that the COVID-19 vaccination remains the most effective defense against the virus and recommends that children six months and older receive the vaccine, as well as adults of all ages. Click here to stay updated on vaccine guidance from the DPH this season.
These actions will help address some of the recent restrictions by the CDC on accessing the COVID-19 vaccine, and the vaccine will continue to be offered by medical providers and pharmacies. These actions also ensure that insurance coverage for these vaccines will continue, so out-of-pocket costs for citizens do not increase. Vaccines help keep our communities safe and protected against harmful viruses. It is crucial for residents who wish to be vaccinated to have access to these vaccines. |
|
| Joint Investigative Privacy Sweep |
|
|
In Connecticut, you have the right to access, correct, and delete personal data stored and collected by businesses, and the right to opt out of the sale of personal data and targeted advertising. You can install a simple browser extension that indicates your choice to opt out of this type of commercial tracking. While many businesses have been diligent in understanding these new protections and complying with the law, Connecticut's Attorney General's office is putting violators on notice today that respecting consumer privacy is non-negotiable. Click here for details from the Attorney General.
|
|
| World Suicide Prevention Day |
|
|
|
This Wednesday, September 10th, we recognized World Suicide Prevention Day. September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and every year on September 10th, we raise awareness and support those who are struggling. In Connecticut, there are many resources available to those in need.
📞 Call/Text 988 – 24/7 emotional support
📱 Dial 2-1-1 – Local resources and referrals
|
|
| Save the Date: VA Stand Down 2025 |
|
|
The Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs’ annual Stand Down event is set for Friday, September 19th, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., with six separate locations in Bridgeport, Southington, Danbury, Norwich, Rocky Hill, and Stamford. This statewide event will provide one-stop access to services and programs offered to veterans by state and federal agencies, veteran-support organizations, and community-based nonprofits. Click here for more details.
|
|
| CT State Building Trades Training Institute |
|
|
| Now's the perfect time to prepare for the next CT State Building Trades Training Institute Construction Readiness Training class and take the first step towards a rewarding career in the building trades. To get started, you need your driver's license or learner's permit, a high school diploma or GED, and reliable transportation. This program is FREE for all Connecticut Residents. Graduates of the program will receive OSHA 10 certification, First Aid and CPR certifications, and other tools and skills needed to enter the trades. The next class starts September 15th. Click here to register. |
|
United Way’s latest report shows just how many families in our community are working hard but still can’t keep up with the cost of living.
In the 120th House District, that’s 34% of all our households, or about 3,152 families.
Think about that. Folks who are working hard, raising kids, and doing everything right. But right now, they are struggling every day to pay for the basics they need to live here. Like keeping a roof over their head, putting food on the table, or paying their child care bills to keep working their jobs.
United Way calls these households ALICE. That stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. And the data makes it clear that if we want our community to thrive, we have to make sure ALICE can thrive, too.
You can learn more and get involved at CTUnitedWay.org/advocacy.
|
|
|
The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) announced that a vegetation management safety improvement operation will be performed on Route 15 and 8 interchange ramps in Trumbull, Shelton, and Stratford. This project is scheduled to occur on Monday, September 22nd, and be completed on Friday, November 14th, 2025.
To ensure the safety of the public, CTDOT is removing dead, diseased, and decaying trees. Additionally, trees and vegetation that have grown into the clear zone, which is the safety space along the side of the roadway, are also being removed. This work helps save lives in the event of a crash or a vehicle leaving the roadway.
The ramps affected are:
- Route 15 southbound Exit 34 on-ramp to Route 8 northbound
- Route 15 southbound Exit 34 on-ramp to Route 8 southbound / Nichols Avenue – Route 8 southbound to the Route 127 turn around
- Route 8 southbound Exit 4 – Route 127 off-ramp
- Route 108 on-ramp to Route 15 northbound
- Route 108 on-ramp to Route 8 northbound
- Route 8 southbound Exit 5 off-ramp to Route 108
- Route 108 Exit 5 on-ramp to Route 8 southbound
- Route 8 southbound to Exit 6 off-ramps to Route 15 southbound
- Route 15 northbound to Exit 34 – Route 8 northbound on-ramp
- Exit 4 (Route 127) on-ramp to Route 8 northbound
LANE CLOSURE/DETOUR INFO
Motorists can expect partial lane closures on the Route 15 – Route 8 interchange ramps in Trumbull, Stratford, and Shelton from Monday, September 22nd to Friday, November 14th, 2025, during the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday – Friday. Traffic control signing patterns, State Troopers will guide motorists through the work zone.
|
|
| As a reminder there is a harmful algal bloom at Longbrook Pond & Brewster Pond at Longbrook Park. Everyone is currently advised to not come in contact with water in the area. |
|
| September is Library Card Sign-Up Month! Visit the Stratford Library (or click here) to get your card today! |
|
The Stratford Hispanic Heritage Committee is proud to be celebrating our 20th year! The Latin Music Festival will take place on Sunday, September 14th, from 12 p.m. - 6 p.m. (with a rain date of September 21st).
You're invited to join the fun on Paradise Green, located between Main Street and Huntington Road in Stratford. Enjoy live music, food vendors, and all the activities planned for you and the family!
All proceeds will benefit the scholarship fund.
|
|
The Baldwin Center is holding its annual The Big B event on September 26th from 11 a.m. - 1p.m. at the Baldwin Center. The event will feature various dishes and snacks that you can find at the State House at the New England Expo of The Big E and have a chance to win a state themed prize!
Click here for additional events happening at the Baldwin Center this month. |
|
| The Stratford Rotary Annual Golf Outing will take place on September 13th, starting at 9 a.m. at Short Beach Par 3 Golf Course. The proceeds will support various community efforts, including food pantries, high school scholarships, Thanksgiving food baskets and turkeys for those in need, a dictionary project for every Stratford 3rd grader, and a Thesaurus for every 5th grader. Visit www.stratfordrotarygolf.com/ for additional information and to register. |
|
| Burns Construction and Riverview Bistro are hosting a Touch a Truck event on September 13th from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Riverview Bistro to raise money for Shepherd's Men! |
|
| The 13th Annual Corsair Car Show will take place on Saturday, September 14th, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Short Beach. The car show will benefit the Sikorsky Memorial Corsair restoration project. |
|
| Middle & high school students are invited to join the Stratford Community Service's FREE Art & Emotion group starting September 17th to discover their creativity while exploring emotions in a safe and fun space! All supplies provided—just bring yourself! |
|
| The Stratford YMCA is offering immunizations on Friday, September 19th, from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. in partnership with Stop & Shop. This immunization clinic is FREE for all Y Members and for the community! |
|
It is Paradise Green Farmer's Market Season! Every Monday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Paradise Green. This is a great chance to support our local CT farmers and businesses.
|
|
Yours in service,
Kaitlyn Shake
State Representative |
|
|
|
|
|
|
