Now that we're in the thick of summer, this newsletter will shift to a bi-monthly schedule. You can still expect updates and insights, just a bit less frequently. Also, we're moving to Thursdays, so keep an eye out a day earlier!
Speaking of summer, we're dealing with more dangerously hot weather this week. Please read below to learn how you and your loved ones can stay cool.
Crews are currently improving a couple of roads in Derby and Orange. I'll let you know where drivers can expect delays.
The governor touted a fabulous, new housing pilot program that supports families. I'll let you know why this initiative is such a game changer.
Here are the sections and topics in this week's email:
Beating the Heat & Humidity
Expect Delays for Road Work
Housing Program Supports Families
Little League Champs!
Dealership Celebrates Incredible Milestone
In The News
Derby Events Calendar
Upcoming Events in Hamden
Orange Events Calendar
Upcoming Events in Woodbridge
Beating the Heat & Humidity
The governor has activated the hot weather protocol through Friday night due to hot and humid conditions. Temperatures have hit the 90s with the heat index near or about 100 degrees.
Cooling centers are open and available throughout the state. Call 2-1-1 or visit 211ct.org if you do not have air conditioning or a cool place to stay. State agencies, municipalities, and other partners coordinate with the United Way 2-1-1 to make sure that information regarding cooling centers is available statewide.
Expect Delays for Road Work
Lane closures on 2.2 mile stretch of Route 114 in Orange
Drivers can expect delays on Route 114 in Orange and Route 34 in Derby for road work. Crews are currently milling and resurfacing both roads.
There are lane closures on:
Route 114 from Derby Turnpike to US-1
Route 34 from Camptown Street in Derby to Stevenson Dam in Oxford
Lane closures on 6.4 mile stretch of Route 34 in Derby, Seymour, and Oxford
Crews will shut down lanes on Monday through Friday from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. through October 30. CLICK HERE for more information.
Housing Program Supports Families
I was honored to help promote an exciting, new pilot program aimed at improving homes and neighborhoods. The state is investing $900,000, through the Urban Investment Initiative, to construct and retrofit at least 30 homes in the Newhallville neighborhood in New Haven.
The funding provides homeowners with access to critical resources that would otherwise be out of reach. It allows them to make long-overdue repairs, such as removing dangerous mold and asbestos, while improving energy efficiency. These upgrades will lower utility bills and lead to healthier living conditions.
This is about sustainability, respect, security, stability, and dignity.
This initiative is about more than housing improvements. It's about making our communities more affordable, greener, and healthier. As Chair of the Early Childhood Caucus, I'm especially proud of how this effort will make homes safer for our children and help set them on a path of long-term success.
I want to thank Governor Ned Lamont and the Department of Housing for recognizing the urgent need for this work. I'm deeply grateful to everyone at M=Power 2.0 as they are on the ground supporting families in need.
The goal is to expand this pilot program to other cities like Hartford and Waterbury because every family in Connecticut deserves a safe and healthy home.
Little League Champs!
Congratulations to Derby/Ansonia All-Stars and the 12 and Under Orange Little League All-Stars for amazing seasons!
Derby/Ansonia won the state championship last week in the Senior League division. The team will head to Bangor, Maine for the New England Regional Championship! Good luck, Rough Riders!!
Meanwhile, the 12 and Under Orange Little League All-Stars won the District 4 Championship in Connecticut! The boys displayed incredible heart, discipline, and composure as they defeated North Haven 7-1 to claim the title. Their amazing run ended at Sectionals this week.
We are proud of both teams for their effort, teamwork, and determination. Thank you to the families, volunteers, and fans who packed the stands and brought the energy and support during the entire season.
Dealership Celebrates Incredible Milestone
I was proud to join the festivities at Crest Lincoln of Woodbridge as the dealership celebrated a big milestone! Dick Fitzpatrick and his team have been selling top-notch vehicles in town for more than 30 years!
It was an honor to present a citation congratulating Fitzpatrick and his team. They are known for their philanthropy and community engagement, which they showcased by having artists display their work, musicians perform bluegrass, and a brewery sample their drinks.
I would like to thank everyone who made this phenomenal event possible!
Check out the events and community calendar in Derby below.
Connecticut Foodshare will give away free food to the community on Tuesday, July 29 from 2:15 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. at St. Mary’s Church on Elizabeth Street. Make sure to bring a bag so you can bring food home.
Look at the flyers below to learn more about the upcoming events in Hamden.
Join the fun at Hamden's first Summer Concert at 7 p.m. on Friday, July 18. Stix Bones & the B.O.N.E. Squad will put on a contemporary jazz performance in Hamden Town Center Park.
Bring a blanket and chairs, and as always, free admission and free parking!
Check out the flyers and community calendar in Orange below.
Treat Farm will open for the summer on Friday, July 18. You will be able to buy all kinds of local produce at 361 Old Tavern Road. Treat Farm will also have a stand at the Orange Farmer's Market every Thursday.
Children are invited to attend multilingual story time in English, Spanish and Portuguese on Saturday, July 19 from 10:30 a.m. - 11 a.m. at Woodbridge Town Library. Children of all ages are welcome.
