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Happy first day of August! There are several state and local announcements in this week's email that you may find helpful. CT DOT milling and resurfacing along Main Street (Rt. 113) continues and is estimated to be complete by August 6th. I will be announcing additional community office hours in next week's email in an effort to provide in-person opportunities to meet with constituents here in Stratford.
On July 29th, the Stratford Health Department announced that the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station reported mosquitoes trapped at Beaver Dam Road last week have tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). The isolates were from the Culex salinarius, a mammal-biting species of mosquitoes.
“It is usually around this time of year where the state reports that they have found pools of mosquitos testing positive for West Nile Virus in our area, and we expect to see more positive pools into late summer. I urge all residents to take the necessary and simple steps to prevent exposure and bites,” said Andrea Boissevain, Director of Health.
Make sure you are keeping you and your family safe with these steps to prevent mosquito bites:
- Tip over items in your recycling bin that collect water
- Clean and chlorinate unused swimming pools
- Clear clogged gutters
- Minimize time spent outdoors around dusk and dawn
- Tightly close your doors and window screens
- Wear shoes, socks, long pants, and long sleeves when outdoors for long periods where and when mosquitos are most active
- Use mosquito netting to protect small babies when outdoors
- Consider using DEET-containing repellent (as directed) when outdoors
Visit the Stratford Health Department's Page on West Nile Virus for more
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| Celebrating 60 Years of Medicaid and Medicare |
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On Wednesday, July 30th, 2025, we celebrated 60 years of Medicaid! This program has transformed American healthcare over the past six decades. Medicaid is a lifeline for millions of children and families across the country, and for almost one-third of Connecticut residents. This program provides access to essential health services to our most vulnerable communities. Let's celebrate this milestone and do what we can to support Medicaid services and funding while they are under attack of being underfunded by the current administration in Washington, D.C.
To honor 60 years of Medicaid, Connecticut Children's Medical Center created a list of 60 ways Medicaid continues to promote health, dignity, and opportunity for everyone. Click below to read more.
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| Unclaimed Property in Connecticut |
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The Connecticut Treasurer’s Office is holding more than $1 billion in unclaimed funds for Connecticut residents. Unclaimed property includes things such as payroll checks, refunds, bank accounts, liquidated securities, and insurance proceeds.
Property is returned at no cost with proper evidence. Be sure to check with the treasurer's office frequently, as it gets new unclaimed property every year.
Click on the link here to file a claim.
For more information, click on the link here. |
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| Aspiring Educators Scholarship Program |
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📣 Attention Future Educators in Connecticut! 🍎✨
The Aspiring Educators Scholarship Program, established by the Connecticut General Assembly and administered by the CT State Department of Education (CSDE), is now open for applications!
This scholarship supports students who:
✅ Graduated from a public high school in an Alliance District
✅ Are enrolled—or will soon enroll—in a teacher preparation program at a four-year college or university
✅ Are in good academic standing
✅ Meet any additional CSDE eligibility requirements
💰 Up to $10,000 per year is available for eligible students, including:
🎓 High school seniors planning to begin a teacher prep program this fall
🎓 Undergraduate or graduate students already enrolled in an approved program
Don’t miss this opportunity to get financial support as you prepare to inspire the next generation of learners!
📌 Apply now and take the next step toward becoming an educator.
🔗 https://shorturl.at/r7Rfc |
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| National Support Public Education Day |
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On Wednesday, July 30th, we recognized National Support Public Education Day. The incredible work our public school staff does for our community's children often goes unnoticed. Public education is the foundation of our democracy, providing our future leaders with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed. I am a proud supporter of our public education system and the hardworking teachers, paraeducators, administrators, and all the school staff who help our children grow and thrive.
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| CT Paid Family and Medical Leave Expansion |
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| This session, I was a proud co-sponsor of legislation that expands Connecticut's Paid Family and Medical Leave coverage to as many as 50,000 public and private school employees, such as paraeducators, library support staff, and custodial and food workers. This change will go into effect later this year on October 1st, 2025. The Connecticut Paid Leave Authority is hosting a series of informational webinars throughout July, August, and September to help school staff prepare. Check the flyer below for upcoming session dates and details. |
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| WBDC August Grant Applications |
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The Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC) announced the next round of its Ignite and Child Care Business Grant Programs.
The Ignite Grant Program is designed to help women-owned businesses grow. The program offers grants of up to $10,000 to women-owned businesses in the state of Connecticut who have been in business for two or more years and have revenues between $25K and $2 million. The application period for this grant runs from August 5th through September 16th, 2025. You can find additional information on Ignite here.
Their Child Care Business Opportunity Fund, offered in partnership with the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC), provides grants of up to $25,000 to qualified licensed and aspiring child care businesses. The program offers grants targeting different stages of business, from start-ups to those ready to expand. The application period for Child Care Business grants runs from August 1st through August 31st, 2025. You can find more information on our Child Care Business Opportunity Fund grants here.
Information sessions for both grant programs are scheduled throughout the application periods. These sessions will help applicants understand the grant requirements and provide an opportunity for those interested to ask questions about the grants. Interested applicants can register for a live information session here. |
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| The Stratford Health Department and Baldwin Center are offering rides to seniors over 60 to the Paradise Green Farmer's Market on Monday, August 4th. Call the Baldwin Center to reserve your spot now at 203-386-4050! |
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| The Sterling Center will have FREE lunches this summer for students from Stratford Schools. Visit the Sterling Center weekdays from 11:45 am - 12:15 pm to pick up your meal or visit any of the other locations listed below! |
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| Sterling House is getting ready to support our Stratford students with everything they need to head back to school with confidence, and they need the community's help! They are collecting donations for a Back to School Supply Giveaway now through August 15th. The Back to School Giveaway will take place on August 20th from 5-6:30 p.m. at the Sterling Community Center. |
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Celebrate National Lighthouse Day at the Stratford Point Lighthouse on August 7th from 1:00 p.m. until 4:30 p.m.
Reservations are required to be admitted into the lighthouse on National Lighthouse Day. Lighthouse grounds, keeper's cottage, and foghorn building will be open to the general public. You must reserve a time for your admission into the lighthouse.
Click here for more information and to register
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The Stratford Health Department is offering Immunization & Physical Clinics for school-aged children to help them get ready for the new school year! Call 203-385-4090 today to schedule an appointment.
Let’s keep our kids healthy and classroom-ready! |
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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.
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🎒📚 Stratford Families – Don’t Miss This! 📚🎒
Back to School Community Resource Fair on Saturday, August 16th, from 11:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. at Stratford High School Gymnasium!
✅ FREE backpacks with school supplies for registered students!
✅ Health services, community resources, student activities & more!
📲 Scan the QR code on the flyer to pre-register!
Let’s get ready for an amazing school year together — please spread the word to friends, family, and neighbors! 💪 |
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The ShakesBeer Festival is back! This year's festival will feature dozens of breweries, wineries, cideries, and distilleries showcasing their finest libations alongside live music, local food trucks, vendors, and a plethora of games and activities.
A portion of every ticket sold goes towards athletic scholarships for Stratford students, making every sip count towards a brighter future.For more info and tickets, visit: http://shakesbeerct.com
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Yours in service,
Kaitlyn Shake
State Representative |
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