Weekly Updates & Local Happenings

February 16, 2024


 
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Dear Neighbor,
Connecticut Black History - 29th Colored Regiment
Connecticut's 29th Colored Regiment was the first all-black regiment in Connecticut and consisted of more than 900 enlisted men who volunteered to fight in the American Civil War.
 
Connecticut Black History - Vanessa Avery
Vanessa Avery, the 54th U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut, made history as the first black woman to hold this esteemed position in the state. You can watch the full WTNH interview here.
 
This Week's Session
This week we had the great opportunity to vote on several State of Connecticut Judges along with voting on $17 million in funding to ensure everyone stays warm this winter, regardless of their financial circumstances.
 
Rollin' with Rep. Nolan - Husky 4 Immigrants
This week's Rollin' with Rep. Nolan featured Luis Luna, the coalition manager for Husky 4 Immigrants, which seeks to extend Husky benefits to all, regardless of age and immigration status.
Currently, Husky benefits are available to everyone up to the age of 15, leaving 58% of the 113,000 undocumented folks in our state uninsured - providing much room for progress.
Healthcare should be a human right, and I look forward to working with Luis and other advocates to extend these benefits to ALL residents.
Thank you to Luis for joining the show!
Watch my full interview with Luis here.
 
Healthcare Access for All
Access to healthcare should not be a commodity only for the wealthy and privileged who can afford it. Healthcare is a human right and no person should be denied the healthcare they need and a change of survival due to their ability to pay or immigration status.
 
Growing Farm to School Grant for New London Public School
New London Public School, has been awarded $5,000 for their Growing Farm to School project. Their Child Nutrition Program aims to purchase plastic bins to deliver produce to their schools from the farm to contribute to sustainability and organization, they plan to host a field trip to Cold Spring Farm for their 2nd and 3rd grade students to make the connection between food in the cafeteria and where it is grown, and they want to host a farm focused Community Meal featuring all local grown CT Food.
Farm-to-school enriches communities' connection with fresh, healthy food and local food producers by changing food purchasing and education practices at schools and early care and education sites.
Students gain access to healthy, local foods and education opportunities such as school gardens, cooking lessons, and farm field trips. Farm to school empowers children and their families to make informed food choices while strengthening the local economy and contributing to vibrant communities.
 
Baby Bond Event
I had a great time attending the CT Baby Bond event hosted at the Mitchell College Red Barn in the City of New London, Connecticut. Big thank you to President Espy and the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut for such a great Educational event for our communities.

Thank you to State Treasurer Erick Russell, and Economist Darrick Hamilton for theiramazing knowledge they were able to share in regards to CT Baby Bonds. Attorney Nilda Rodriguez Havrilla from Connecticut Legal Services, facilitated the discussion, which focuses on how the Baby Bonds program will bring greater equity to children and families in Eastern Connecticut and help end child poverty.

 
FRESH 20th Anniversary Celebration
Had a great 20th Year Celebration of FRESH this week. The event had numerous soups to taste and great stories about Fresh growing over the past several years. Great food, great stories and amazing fellowship. Big thanks to FRESH for the several years of helping our community unite.
 
Newly Promoted Fire Department Members
This month the New London Fire Department Local 1522 held a promotional, swearing in, and awards ceremony big congratulations to the newly promoted New London Fire Department members:
Deputy Chief Mark Waters (27yrs)
Fire Inspector Nicolas Brown (8yrs)
Battalion Chief Reggie Hansen (26yrs)
Lieutenant Steve Joly (15yrs)
Welcome to the 5 new Probationary firefighters that started their career with NLFD this new year.
We definitley have one of the greatest fire department. Thank you all for the continued safety and protections you provide the City of New London, Connecticut
 
Shout Out to Teen Thrive Hub
Teen Thrive Hub officially launched their program this month. Thank you to Kevin Booker Jr. and the team of supporters and volunteers for sharing, engaing and learning fresh tools to help establish the groundwork to build a foundation for health and harmony.
 
India Pagan and Team Puerto Rico to the Olympics!
Just saw the news......I'd like to congratulate India Pagan - Athletic Star from City of New London, Connecticut New London Public Schools New London Whalers Athletics and team Puerto Rico for qualifying to the Olympics Paris 2024
This is the 2nd time the team is going to the Olympics. We are so proud of India and her team and all the hard work and fight they continue to put in. Keep doing great things.
 
Property Assessment Appeals
REMINDER: City of New London, Connecticut If you have concerns the Deadline to appeal 2023 property assessment is February 20, 2024.
New London’s 2023 Grand List of all property was filed January 31, 2024.
Anyone wishing to appeal their 2023 real estate assessment may do so by filing an application with the Board of Assessment Appeals no later than February 20, 2024.
The application may be found on the city’s website: https://newlondonct.org/assessment-appeals-board
 
Amistad Live Performance
Come out and witness a great Black History AMISTAD LIVE PERFORMANCE by Adwoa Bandele-Asante City of New London, Connecticut at MT. Olive Church 14 Linden St. Feb 17th 2024
 
New London NAACP Prayer Breakfast
Coming soon.... City of New London, Connecticut NAACP New London Branch Prayer Breakfast at La Luna Ristorante 35 Govenor Winthrop Blvd New London, CT.
 
Applying for Direct Forgiveness
Learn what you will need and the process for applying for Direct Forgiveness
PPP borrowers in default will receive a 60-day goodwill exemption period ending March 3, 2024.
During this time, SBA will refrain from escalating collections activities until after the goodwill exemption period.
PPP borrowers can avoid default and repercussions by completing the PPP forgiveness application
You must be in compliance by bringing your loan current OR applying for forgiveness by the March 3rd deadline otherwise you loan will be slated for Treasury referral.
The webinar will cover the forgiveness process.
Be mindful of the March 3 deadline
REGISTER HERE: https://www.eventbrite.com/.../ppp-forgiveness-update...
 
Thames Valley Council for Community Action Volunteering
Interested in volunteering this year? Come do some community service Help TVCCA - Thames Valley Council for Community Action meet the goal. Come out and make a difference in the community!
They are looking for volunteers in the following areas:
  • Meals on Wheels: Pick up and deliver hot, nutritious meals to homebound seniors.
  • Friendly Shoppers: Purchase groceries for our homebound clients, helping them receive fresh food and maintain their independence.
  • Friendly Visitors: Socialize with our homebound clients by playing games, doing crafts, or having friendly discussions.
  • Medical Rides: Help keep our clients healthy by transporting them to and from their medical appointments.
  • Veterans Coffeehouses: Serve veterans at these twice-monthly gatherings, coordinate speakers and counselors, and help raise awareness of veterans' needs.
Volunteers receive training, enjoy flexible schedules, are covered by secondary accident and liability insurance, and are eligible for transportation reimbursement.
Learn more at tvcca.org/volunteer
 
Mental Health Financial Assistance
Do you or do you or know a family that needs financial assistance to pay for mental health and/or substance use intervention, treatment, or medication for their child(ren) ages 0-18?
There are resources out there here to assist and the Family Assistance & Social Determinant Fund is here to help!
Contact Carelon Behavioral Health at: FASD@carelon.com
 
Marvin Espy Magazine Feature
I am proud to share and give a Congratulations to Marvin Espy Artist for not only making the front cover of Ink Publications Magazine but also getting an 8 page spread in the inside.
Marvin Espy opened his own gallery on State Street in New London this past year. If you have not stopped by 308 State St City of New London, Connecticut you really should make the trip. Great Art, Great Environment. Congratulations Marvin especially for rocking it in New London, CT. #art #artist #amazingart amazingart #blackhistory @followers
Link here: https://issuu.com/.../docs/ink_magazine_-_february_2024...
 
Pathways to STEM
Interested in a career in STEM? Join this Pathways to STEM in Manufacturing event on February 29. Registration details in flyer.
 
If you have any questions or concerns feel free to contact me at my Capitol office at 860-240-8512 or email me at Anthony.Nolan@cga.ct.gov. Don't forget to "Like" my official Facebook page and follow me on Twitter for news and legislative updates.
 
Sincerely,

Anthony Nolan
State Representative
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