| Connecticut remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting special education by approving $40 million in immediate funding. I'll break down why the timing is so important.
We also passed a measure supporting our veterans in Connecticut. Keep reading for a deep dive into the veterans' property tax exemption. |
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| You have an opportunity to protect our environment by composting your food scraps in Orange. I'll let you know where to discard your scraps and what items are accepted.
Do you know an amazing volunteer in the Valley who could use some help improving the community? Find out how you can nominate them for a grant of up to $2,500!
Here are the sections in this week's email:
- $40 Million for Special Education Funding
- Veterans’ Property Tax
- Composting Food Scraps in Orange
- Progress on Historic Opera House
- Nominate an Amazing Volunteer in the Valley
- Free Resources to File Your Taxes
- Dragons Dance Dominance!
- Derby Events Calendar
- Upcoming Events in Hamden
- Orange Events Calendar
- Upcoming Events in Woodbridge
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| $40 Million for Special Education Funding |
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| This week, the House and Senate approved a bill that allocates $40 million in funding for special education, providing immediate relief to more than 140 school districts across the state. These critical resources will help ensure that all our students receive the specialized services and support they need to thrive.
Governor Lamont has expressed concerns regarding this allocation and has suggested the possibility of a line-item veto in order to maintain fiscal guardrails. I will keep you posted on any developments regarding this. However, my colleagues and I have heard loud and clear from communities across Connecticut -- the rising cost of special education is placing an enormous strain on local budgets, and school districts need relief now as they develop their budgets. |
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| Special education remains a top legislative priority, and we will keep fighting for policies that lower costs, strengthen services, and provide more financial support for our children. Our ultimate goal is to create at sustainable, fully funded system that supports students, families, and educators for years to come. |
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| We took a significant step in supporting veterans by passing legislation this week that provides much-needed tax relief for those who are 100% permanently and totally disabled due to their military service. This bill recognizes the sacrifices made by these veterans and aims to ease their financial burden by reducing property tax obligations, allowing them to keep more of their hard-earned income for essential needs. |
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| By passing this measure, Connecticut reaffirms its commitment to honoring and supporting those who have given so much for our country, ensuring they receive the assistance and recognition they deserve. |
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| Composting Food Scraps in Orange |
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| I would like to raise awareness about the composting program at the Orange Transfer Station & Recycling Center. It provides an easy and eco-friendly way to reduce food waste. It’s easy to participate – just bring your food scraps and dispose them in one of the four green bins located between the hopper and Goodwill trailer.
You can also dump your food scraps directly into the bins or place them in a sealed plastic bag before tossing them in. By composting, you’re helping to divert waste from landfills, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and create nutrient-rich compost that benefits the environment. |
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Items to put in the bins:
- Fruits, vegetables
- Peels and pits
- Eggs and eggshells
- Dairy products
- Meat and poultry (bones)
- Seafood, including shells
- Coffee grounds and tea bags
- Baked goods
- Chips and snacks
- Rice and grains
- Pet food
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Items not accepted:
- Coffee pods and filters
- Plastic wrap
- Take out containers
- Plasticware
- Paper goods
- Metal or aluminum foil
- Jars or glass
- Pet waste
- Any product packaging
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| Every small action adds up – saving the Town of Orange money on trash disposal while improving sustainability. |
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| Progress on Historic Opera House |
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| Some exciting news to share – crews are making progress toward the restoration of the Sterling Opera House. The commission in charge of the project voted unanimously to hire the Steinberg Hart architecture firm due to its decades of experience restoring historical theatres.
The vision for the Sterling Opera House is to transform it into a vibrant, fully functional performing arts venue, bringing live entertainment, cultural events, and community programming to the heart of Derby. The plan includes partnering with a professional management company to oversee operations, ensuring the venue is efficiently run and capable of hosting a wide range of performances, from theater productions and concerts to comedy shows, and special events. |
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| In order to achieve that goal, the City of Derby will try to get federal and state grants as well as funds from individuals to fund the renovation. By restoring the Sterling Opera House to its former glory and equipping it for modern productions, we aim to revitalize the local arts scene, boost economic activity, and create a cultural hub that benefits both residents and visitors. |
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| Nominate an Amazing Volunteer in the Valley |
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| The Valley Community Foundation is encouraging you to help amazing volunteers in the Valley! You can nominate a volunteer or nonprofit that supports civic and community engagement efforts in Derby for up to $2,500 in community grants. |
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| The Valley Community Foundation requires applicants to have less than two full-time or less than four part-time staffers. CLICK HERE for eligibility criteria. |
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| You must complete an application online by Friday, March 7 at 5 p.m. |
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| Free Resources to File Your Taxes |
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There are several free resources available this year for anyone who needs to file state and federal taxes.
You can use the IRS Direct File Tool, which is a new option for anyone who lived and earned all their income in Connecticut last year.
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The federal government is also offering the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, which offers free tax preparation services to eligible taxpayers. Here are some of the eligibility details from VITA:
- Household income less than $68,000
- If self-employed, business expenses should be less than $35,000
- No income from a rental property
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You can schedule an appointment at TEAM, Inc. at 30 Elizabeth Street in Derby, Spring Glen Church at 1825 Whitney Avenue in Hamden, or many other locations.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to save money when filing your taxes! |
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| Congratulations to the Hamden High School Dance Team for winning the state championship for an incredible 18th consecutive year! |
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| Check out the events below, and click the button at the bottom of this section to access the community calendar in Derby. |
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| Stop by for Mardi Gras celebrations at the Derby Elks Lodge No. 571 on Saturday from 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. There will be plenty of food! |
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| Enjoy a nature walk with the community every Friday from 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. in the meadow at Kellogg Environmental Center. Registration is required. |
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| Take a look at the fliers and other upcoming events below. |
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| Upcoming Events in Hamden |
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| You're invited to join a free, winter tree identification hike on Sunday from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. at Sleeping Giant State Park. The event is short, informative hike designed to explore the variety of trees and shrubs in their winter condition. |
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| Check out the events and community calendar in Orange. |
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| Experts will provide a breakdown on how to keep your kids safe from online sex abuse on Monday at 7 p.m. at Case Memorial Library. Attendees will learn about commonly used grooming tactics, red flags, prevention methods, and steps to take if abuse has already occurred. You can join in person or via Zoom. CLICK HERE to sign up. |
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| Join a coach for pickleball Boot Camp at the PickleSPOT tonight, tomorrow, and Sunday! You will get six hours of play over three days! Members $199/Nonmembers $219. CLICK HERE to register. |
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| Check out the flyer and community calendar in Woodbridge below. |
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| Upcoming Events in Woodbridge |
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| Join the Woodbridge Town Library for a Jigsaw Puzzle Competition on Saturday from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Prizes will go to teams that finish a 1000-piece puzzle in first or second place. CLICK HERE to learn more and sign up! Registration is required. |
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