Community Update, Around the District, and Updates from the State!

October 17, 2025



 

View this email in your browser

Dear Neighbor,

Happy Friday!

This past week, you may have seen how you can help the Groton Towers Residents, and for those of you who are still interested, you can still do so!

After connecting with our community partners and neighbors, the biggest impact has been the donation of Gift Cards. If you are able, please consider donating Gift Cards to Groton Human Services located at 2 Fort Hill Rd in Groton.

It has been great to see many community members come together this past week to help residents in need.

As always my office is available to help anyone regardless of their situation so please never hesitate to contact me.

Now onto this week's eblast!

This week, you can read about Breast Cancer Awareness Month, voting registration information, and more. You can click the links below to navigate between sections.
 
Breast Cancer Awareness Month

In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the governor's office and public health officials are reinforcing the critical importance of early detection in the fight against breast cancer. Regular mammograms remain the most effective method for identifying breast cancer at its earliest and most treatable stages.

For Connecticut residents who may not be able to afford regular mammograms, the Connecticut Department of Public Health’s Early Detection and Prevention Program offers free breast cancer screenings. This program is available for low income residents and those with limited or no health insurance. Services will be available at various locations across the state.

Click here for more information to find out if you qualify for free screenings, if you need assistance accessing a mammogram, or for other available resources. You can also contact the Department of Public Health at 860-509-7804 for more information.

 
Voting Registration Information and Deadlines

Time is running out to register to vote in the upcoming November 4th municipal election.
 
First, are you eligible to vote? Check HERE.
 
While the option to register by mail has passed, registration can be done online by using the Connecticut Online Voter Registration System (CVRS), which you can find HERE.
 
Same-Day Registration (SDR) is also available during the early voting period (Monday, October 20, through Sunday, November 2), from 10am-6pm.

There are extended hours on October 28 from 8am-8pm. It can also be done at the designated Early Voting location in your town, which you can find HERE.

 
Safe Futures Community Walk

Safe Futures has been a fantastic community partner in Groton, Groton City, New London and the greater SECT region for many years. They are pillars in our community, and I am thankful for their partnership in domestic violence awareness and helping victims and families in their time of need. It was great to be there recently to take part in their annual Safe Walk fundraiser!
 
Bike Pump Track

The Bike Pump Track in Groton is open, at the End of Depot Rd headed to Bluff Pt.! Thank you to Bike Groton, and Town of Groton Parks and Recreation for their leadership in completing this project. Was glad to join State Representative Aundré Bumgardner, Groton Town Mayor Rachael Franco, Groton and Groton Town Councilors Juliette Parker and David Goode at the opening ceremony. Please enjoy the photo of Councilor Goode testing out the track!
 
Free Oral Health Services for Veterans

The Connecticut Oral Health Initiative (COHI) has received a $25,000 grant to provide free dental services for Veterans in need. They’re partnering with UConn Health Center and Tunxis Dental Hygiene School, which will be delivering the care.

The program is open to Veterans living in the Greater Hartford area, though COHI is flexible about the region as long as participants are willing to travel to Farmington.

You can sign up for these free dental services here!

 
DEA Takeback Day

The drug epidemic in the United States is a clear and present public health, public safety, and national security threat. Too often, unused prescription drugs find their way into the wrong hands. When they do - it has dangerous and often tragic consequences. 

You can help fight that epidemic by participating in DEA Takeback Day. It's an opportunity for anyone to remove unneeded medications from their homes, preventing medication misuse and opioid addiction.

On October 25th, from 10 am to 2 pm, you can turn in excess drugs at dozens of collection site locations across the state. You can find details on the drop-off process and locations by using the DEA Collection Site Locator. Click here to find the closest site to you and for more info. 
 
DSS Launches Laurel Chatbot

We’re making government work faster for you! The Connecticut Department of Social Services just launched Laurel, a new chatbot that cuts wait times and gives residents instant, 24/7 access to benefit information and resources.

DSS is actively working to be more accessible for people receiving services or those applying for in other ways beside waiting on the phone or having to physically go to physically visit their office.  
 
National Disability Employment Awareness Month

This year marks the 80th anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Governor Ned Lamont has officially proclaimed October 2025 as Disability Employment Awareness Month in Connecticut, recognizing the contributions and achievements of residents with disabilities in the workplace.

Connecticut is a state that values inclusion and remains committed to fostering a workforce where individuals of all abilities are welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed. Inclusive employment benefits both employers and employees which in turn enriches the workplace and strengthens the community. 

The Connecticut Department of Aging and Disability Services plays a crucial role in helping individuals with disabilities find, maintain, and advance in meaningful employment. The department helps ensure everyone has the opportunity to thrive in the workplace. Assistance for jobseekers with disabilities is available virtually and in-person, below are links to services:

As we celebrate this month, let’s continue working together to build a more inclusive and equitable future for all.

 
Local Events

 
 

Sincerely,

Dan Gaiewski
State Representative

Website
Website

Email
Email

Forward to a friend | Unsubscribe from this list | Update subscription preferences