Weekly Updates & Local Happenings

February 9, 2024


 
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Dear Neighbor,
Opening Day of Session
Wednesday marked the first day of the 2024 legislative session. This year is a short session that runs from early February to early May to do the people’s work. Looking forward to the work ahead this year. Greatly appreciate representing the State’s 39th District City of New London, Connecticut
 
Statement on Black History Month During Session
Below, you can find a video of my statement on opening day about the importance of Black history and honoring my Black colleagues in the legislature.
Watch the video here!
 
What Does Black History Month Mean to You?
To me, Black History Month is not just a time to honor the contributions and achievements of the Black community, but a reminder that their history should be valued and celebrated every day of the year.

Let us use this month to amplify their voices and stories, while also committing to the ongoing work of equality and justice for all.


 
Feel free to respond to this email about what Black History Month means to you.
 
Black Colleagues in the Legislature Shout Out
"Big Shout Out" to our Social Media Specialist for helping us recognize our Colleagues for Black History Month. Each and every one of us remain committed to creating a betterment for the communities we represent and throughout the State of Connecticut.
 
U.S. Department of Veterans Recognizing Black Americans
Thank you to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs celebrating the extraordinary legacy of Black Americans and recognize the significant contributions they have made in our nation’s history. We collectively reflect on and commemorate the struggle for freedom and equality, and honor the more than two million Black Veterans who have made incredible sacrifices for our country.
We encourage you to check out the Center for Minority Veterans, VA's center for advocacy and outreach activities to promote the awareness and use of VA benefits and services among minority veterans.
 
Black History Month Events
OPEN TO ALL COMMUNITY MEMBERS Black History Month Events. Our movie night is this Saturday, February 10th @ 5:30pm. Pull up and bring friends for some open conversation on Judas and the Black Messiah.
Stay tuned on all our social media platforms for event updates, interactive polls, spotlight posts, and the uplifting Black voices PERIOD!! 🖤 Hearing Youth Voices @230 State St City of New London, Connecticut
 
Veterans & Military Affairs Committee First Meeting
This week as House Chair of Veterans & Military Affairs Committee we convened a brief Organizational Meeting. We introduced members and scheduled our first meeting to raise concepts on Thursday, February 15th in hearing room 1B at 12:30 pm.
Pictured is a only a few members. The House Vice Chair State Representative Hubert Delany, State Representative Treneé McGee, State Representative Bill Hefferman, House Ranking Member State Representative Kurt Vail, Senate Ranking Member Senator Jeff Gordon & State Representative Billy Buckbee
 
Church Demolition
Click here to watch a timelapse of the demolition of the First Congregational Church in New London. Though this has brought a sense of sadness to our community, it was great to see many people come together showing support, not only from our community but also outside the community. Thank you to The Day Newspaper, Mary Anderson & Holly Camerota for the tribute.
 
Rollin' with Rep. Nolan - Department of Veterans Affairs
It was an honor to be joined by the CT Veterans Affairs Commissioner Ronald Welch on this week's Rollin' with Rep. Nolan.
We talked about the plethora of programs offered by the DVA, including the Veterans Rally Point - which provides life-changing services to our veterans - access to mental health resources, and employment, educational, and legal services.
Connecticut does a wonderful job taking care of our veterans, and this conversation does a great job going over the resources available to our vets. Thank you to Commissioner Welch for joining the show!
You can watch our full conversation here!
 
Step Up New London Event
Thank you to Step Up New London for providing City of New London, Connecticut residents a place to talk about housing concerns.
 
Surprise from Local Artist!
This week I was part of Honoring Mayor Michael Passero with an amazing piece of art created by one of our great local artists Sajid Jajja (Known as Jay) we presented the Mayor with an awesome piece red, white and blue portrait.

 
To my great surprise I was honored with an amazing portrait that Jay designed of me from a shot when I was in the House Chamber in Hartford. I am so grateful and thankful for such a beautiful piece of art. Big thanks Jay for sharing your awesome gift.
 
Jay also presented our community friends at the Garde Arts Center Jeanne and Steve Siegal and the culprit of great surprises Susan Asselin-Connolly with portraits also. The Siegals and Sue have been very instrumental with numerous community projects and events that bring smiles to our community.
 
New London Early Childhood Community Gathering
Had the great opportunity to stop by City of New London, Connecticut New London Public Schools NL Early Childhood Community Gathering. Thank you to Superintendent Cynthia Ritchie NLPS Staff, Agencies and Organizations that made this such a great success. Shout Out to Commissioner Bye coming to Visit NL Schools. A great number of families, friends & Neighbors came out for a night of information, food and a good time.
 
Ending Child Poverty in Connecticut: Baby Bonds and Beyond
On Monday, February 12, from 10am–noon at The Red Barn on the Mitchell campus, 629-A Montauk Avenue, New London State Treasurer Erick Russell and Darrick Hamilton, an economist and professor at The New School, will have a conversation about the first-in-the-nation Baby Bonds program in Connecticut.
Attorney Nilda Rodriguez Havrilla, from Connecticut Legal Services, facilitates 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.
 
 
Time to Own Program
Reminder: The State of Connecticut's Time To Own Program can help make homeownership a reality. This program can assist eligible first-time homebuyers with forgivable down payment and closing cost assistance.
To learn more, visit: www.chfa.org/TimeToOwn
 
Reminder: Grant Opportunity!
Food pantries, food working groups, farmers markets, and more. Applications close March 6!
 
New London Food Pantry
FOOD PANTRY WAS OPEN ON SATURDAYS 11-2PM - All are welcome......Come on down!
SHILOH DEVELOPMENT CORP
3 Garvin Street New London, CT 06320.
 
What is the Bring Me Back Home Program?
Bring Me Back Home is a new registry for Connecticut residents which allows law enforcement access to information to assist in the recovery of missing or wandering persons.

The provided information and photo, accessible through the COLLECT criminal justice and safety system, helps first responders and families reunite with individuals living with cognitive challenges, such as Dementia or Autism. This information is confidential and secure and can only be accessed by law enforcement personnel in an emergency.

How does Bring Me Back Home work?
A family member or guardian registers their person with cognitive challenges through the link, or in person, at your nearest police department. This information is now part of the statewide Bring Me Back Home registry. Law enforcement officers will have access to the confidential and secure information and respond appropriately. When the person wanders or is missing, individuals should call 9-1-1 IMMEDIATELY, and indicate that they are registered with the Bring Me Back Home program.
 
Who is eligible?
All members of the community whose cognitive challenges may lead to confusion and disorientation, and who are at risk of wandering or getting lost.
Questions about dementia and wandering? The Alzheimer’s Association Connecticut Chapter offers a 24/7 Helpline providing information and resources for all affected. 1 (800) 272-3900 or visit their websites alz.org/ct and alz.org/safety
 
New London Athlete Shout Outs!
Big Shout Out to these two exceptional senior student-athletes. Alina and Frankee are both three sport athletes that excelled in the playing arena but more importantly the classroom. Congratulations.
 
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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