|
|
|
|
|
With a blast of arctic air expected to blanket Connecticut over the next several days, the state's severe cold weather protocol went into effect for the first time this year, beginning yesterday through Tuesday, December 9, at noon.
Low temperatures over the next few days will dip into the single digits, with wind chills close to zero at times.
Anyone in need of shelter or a warming center is urged to visit 211ct.org or call 2-1-1 to find available locations. Transportation can be provided if necessary.
Click HERE to learn more.
|
|
Below is a message from the Plainville Fire Company about their annual Breakfast with Santa event:The Plainville Fire Company is proud to announce our annual Breakfast With Santa on Sunday, December 7 from 7-11am. Along with the breakfast is the opportunity to meet Santa himself at our winter wonderland and the chance to take a photo with him! We look forward to seeing you all there!You can read more about the event here!
|
|
I was so happy to see Plainville recently receive a grant for nearly $50,000 as part of the CT Grown for CT Kids Grant program, which supports projects across the state to impact children by increasing access to fresh, locally grown foods and enhancing farm-to-school connections.
In Plainville, $49,883 was awarded to the Plainville School District to build a 19'x30' greenhouse in the field by the school to act as an outdoor learning space for K-5 classrooms and the Garden Club.
It's great programs like these that are going to make a major impact on our students, and I can't wait to see the final result.
|
|
In the rest of this week's eblast, you can read about expanding high-speed internet access in CT, CT Technical Education and Career System applications, and more. You can click the links below to navigate between sections.
|
|
I had a great morning at the Plainville Senior Center recently discussing Medicare, the impacts of federal cuts on our community, and the work we’re doing to prepare for the next legislative session.
I’m grateful to have been joined by Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz, whose leadership and commitment to protecting Connecticut’s seniors continues to inspire, and by Kathy Holt, Connecticut’s Healthcare Advocate and a leading Medicare expert, whose knowledge and dedication help residents navigate the system with confidence.
Together, we brought important perspectives to the table — and I’m proud to carry your voices with me as we head into this legislative session.
|
|
I had such a great time on Small Business Saturday—first stop was TCG Candles & Gifts, then Twice as Good, and I wrapped it up at Purrfect Lounge.Small business owners are some of the hardest‑working people you’ll ever meet. They pour their time, energy, and heart into making their dreams come alive, often without easy access to resources like funding, networking, or mentoring.That’s why I put together a guide with helpful tools for small businesses, including:• Registering Your Business• Financial Assistance• Finding Workforce Talent• Mentoring & Business Plan Writing• Finding a Space in CT• Resources for Minority‑Owned, Veteran‑Owned, & Women‑Owned BusinessesLet’s keep the spirit of Small Business Saturday alive—support your local businesses this holiday season and all year long!And I’d love to hear from you: What’s your favorite small business here in the 22nd District?
|
|
|
The U.S. National Telecommunications and Information Administration has approved Connecticut’s proposal for the federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, awarding $144 million to the state that will be used to expand high-speed internet access statewide. Connecticut is one of 18 states and territories that received approval for its BEAD proposal.
Expanding residents’ access to fast, affordable, and reliable high-speed internet will ease essential daily activities, including obtaining medical care, managing bills, seeking employment, and accessing educational opportunities.
|
|
|
The Connecticut Technical Education and Career System (CTECS) is now accepting applications for students entering grade 9 and 10 in the 2026-2027 school year.
CTECS is a statewide system of 17 diploma-granting, NEASC-accredited technical high schools serving approximately 11,500 high school students, including many from your communities. Students in grades 9-12 attend a full-day program that combines academics with an advanced Career and Technical Education (CTE) curriculum. Your districts are served by school locations in Ansonia, Bridgeport, Danbury, Danielson, Groton, Hamden, Hartford, Manchester, Meriden, Middletown, Milford, New Britain, Norwich, Stamford, Torrington, Waterbury, and Windham.
Students can choose from 31 programs of study in areas such as Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources; Architecture and Construction; Arts, Audio/Visual Technology, and Communication; Health Science; Hospitality and Tourism; Human Services; Information Technology; Law, Public Safety, Corrections & Security; Manufacturing; Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM); and Transportation, Distribution & Logistics. View a complete list of CTE programs.
A hallmark of the technical high school experience is the hands-on career development and production work students complete through partnerships with local companies via the Work-Based Learning program.
Graduates of CTECS are well-prepared for immediate employment, apprenticeships, or further education at two- or four-year colleges. Students also have opportunities to earn college credit while in high school through College Career Pathways (CCP) partnerships with community colleges and Dual Enrollment Programs with universities. In addition to academics and technical training, schools offer athletics and a variety of extracurricular activities.
The CTECS application closes on January 25, 2026. Applications submitted by this deadline will be included in the lottery for on-time placements. Applications submitted after January 25 will be added to the waitlist in the order determined by the lottery. No new applications for incoming grade 9 students will be accepted after March 1, 2026. For more information or to apply online, visit the CTECS admissions webpage.
|
|
|
Getting older does not automatically mean it is time to stop driving, but it does require regular evaluation of driving abilities.
During Older Driver Safety Awareness Week, Dec. 1–5, 2025, Connecticut is partnering with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to encourage families and caregivers to begin open, proactive conversations about safe driving as loved ones age.
Nationally, the population of residents 65 and older has risen significantly, and in 2023 drivers in this age group were involved in nearly one-fifth of all fatal crashes. In Connecticut, 51 older adults were involved in fatal crashes that same year, representing 17% of statewide roadway fatalities.
State law allows drivers 60 and older to take an approved crash-prevention course and receive an insurance discount, providing an important opportunity to refresh skills and stay safe on the road. For more information and a list of providers, visit portal.ct.gov/dmv/resources/insurance-discounts.
Families are encouraged to work with older adults to develop a transportation plan, which may include the following:
- keeping up with vision and hearing checkups,
- reviewing medications for side effects that may affect driving,
- choosing daytime or less complex routes,
- considering adaptive vehicle equipment,
- and identifying alternative transportation options if driving becomes difficult.
Free resources are available through NHTSA to help older adults stay safe and to assist families and caregivers in supporting safe mobility for everyone.
|
|
|
Tri-M Music National Honor Society Instrument Drive
Plainville High School Bus Loop
Thursday, Dec. 11 & Wednesday, Dec. 17, 6:30-8pm
|
|
 |
Plainville Fire Company Christmas Tree SalePlainville Fire Department (77 West Main St., side parking lot)Weekends starting Friday, Nov. 28 - Sunday, December 7 - times vary (see graphic for times)Read more here
|
 |
Plainville's Tree Lighting with SantaPlainville Fire DepartmentTuesday, December 9Read more here
|
|
 |
Holiday Boutique 2025Hill-Stead Museum (35 Mountain Rd., Farmington)Saturday, Dec. 6 & Sunday, Dec. 7, 10am-4pmRead more here
|
|
 |
Bright Lights Christmas FestivalSouthington Town Green (75 N. Main St., Plainville)Friday, Dec. 5, 5:30-8pmRead more here
|
|
Sincerely,
Rebecca Martinez
State Representative |
|
|
|
|
|
|
