Celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day

January 16, 2026

Dear Neighbor,

Happy Friday!

Monday is Martin Luther King Jr. Day. On this day, we remember Dr. King's dream and our duty to fulfill it. He widely advocated for the investment in Black communities, a guaranteed income, the right to decent housing, and adequate education for all. We will continue to push for progress in his memory.

As a reminder, the Milford Chapter of The Links, Incorporated will hold their 38th tribute to Dr. King on Sunday, January 18 at 4:00pm at Milford City Hall. See the flyer below for more information.

Please keep reading for more information on a food distribution with CT Foodshare, Human Trafficking Awareness Month, and more!

Food Distribution with Connecticut Foodshare

On Tuesday, I joined the Connecticut Foodshare Mobile Pantry to help pass out food in Milford. Many families and neighbors rely on this service and the team does an incredible job making sure no one goes hungry. The Mobile Pantry travels across the state every day. You can find the nearest location by clicking here.

Human Trafficking Awareness

Human Trafficking is a crime that thrives in the shadows. This month, we shine a light and step into action to prevent human trafficking in Connecticut. During the 2025 session, we passed bipartisan legislation prohibiting various forms of discrimination by employers and owners of prospective rental units based on someone’s status as a sexual assault or human trafficking victim.

Milford Chamber of Commerce Awards

Big congratulations to this year’s Milford Regional Chamber of Commerce awardees. Thank you for all you do to make the greater Milford area such a special place to live, work, and build community. The winners are as follows:

Kapusta Lifetime Heritage Award: Dick Popilowski
Board Director of the Year: Erin Eberhardt
Small Business of the Year: Modern Heating and Cooling
Chamber Ambassador of the Year: Donna Kydes
Event Sponsor of the Year: Xfinity
Rising Entrepreneur Award: Steve Saleski, Steve’s Plumbing
Business Community Impact of the Year: All in for Milford, dedicated to Jamie Rude
Economic Development Partner of the Year: RIVA
Charitable Business of the Year: The Milford Ban

Energy Savings Week

January 15th - 26th is Energy Savings Week in Connecticut. Here are some tips and resources to improve the energy efficiency of your home or business.

ICYMI - AARP Community Challenge Grant Program

AARP CT is inviting eligible local nonprofit organizations and government entities to apply for the 2026 AARP Community Challenge grant program. This initiative funds quick-action projects that make communities more livable by enhancing public spaces, transportation, housing, digital connectivity, and more.

This year, AARP will award over $8 million in grants as part of its nationwide Livable Communities initiative, which supports the efforts of cities, towns, neighborhoods, and rural areas to become great places to live, especially for residents age 50 and older. All project application must be consistent with AARP's mission to serve the needs of people 50 and over and meet other eligibility criteria. The Community Challenge is open to eligible 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and 501(c)(6) nonprofit organizations and government entities. Other types of organizations are considered on a case-by-case basis.

This application cycle, AARP has three different grant opportunities:

Flagship grants support projects that improve public places; transportation; housing; digital connections; and disaster resilience. Awards range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000.
Capacity-building microgrants are paired with expert support, webinars, and cohort learning for projects to improve walkability and bikeability; implement safe, accessible home modifications; and disaster preparedness training. Awards are $2,500.
Demonstration grants fund projects that encourage replication of exemplary local efforts. This year’s focus is on improving pedestrian safety, with funding support from Toyota Motor North America; expanding high-speed internet access and adoption, with funding support from Microsoft; and housing choice design competitions. Awards typically range from $10,000-$20,000, not to exceed $25,000.

Applications are due by 5:00 p.m. on March 4. For more information, please click here.

ICYMI - Real ID Update

Starting February 1st, 2026, the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will begin charging a $45 fee for air travelers who arrive at airport security without a Real ID or another acceptable form of identification, such as a valid passport or trusted traveler card. Travelers will be charged this fee to use TSA's ConfirmID identification verification system. The verification is valid for a 10-day period, so it may cover a return trip within that window.

To avoid unnecessary costs and potential security delays, travelers without a Real ID are strongly encouraged to schedule an appointment at their local DMV to update their ID as soon as possible.

Click here to make an appointment with the CT DMV.

ICYMI - 2026 Sustainable CT Fellowship Program

Applications are now being accepted for the 2026 Sustainable CT Fellowship Program.

The Sustainable CT Fellowship Program is a paid, full-time summer position for students who are currently enrolled in a post-secondary degree program or who will graduate during the 2025–2026 academic year. Fellows gain hands-on experience supporting municipalities in implementing Sustainable CT actions, tracking progress toward certification, and fostering community engagement in sustainability initiatives.

All applications must be submitted by Monday, February 9, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. EST. Click here to learn more.