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Families are reeling after historic flooding in the Valley and other parts of Western Connecticut. The state is launching a grant program to help small businesses recover. Please read below to see how to apply and how you can donate to those in need.
Most students are settling into their new classrooms, and next week students in Derby will return to school as well. As we approach Labor Day Weekend, I would like to remind everyone that most town and city buildings will be closed on Monday. In addition, please be careful on the roads. Keep scrolling for some tips on how to stay safe this holiday weekend.
The state is taking steps to combat a rise in credit, debit, and EBT card skimming scams. I will dig deeper into how you can avoid becoming a victim.
We are seeing many invasive pests including the spotted lanternfly in our neighborhoods. What should you do if you spot one? I'll break it down below.
Here are the sections in this week's email:
- Help for Businesses Damaged in Flooding
- Have a Happy & Safe Labor Day Weekend
- Battle Against Credit & Debit Card Skimming
- Women's Equality Day
- Volunteer Firefighters Wanted in Orange
- Apply for the Legislative Internship Program!
- What To Do If You See a Spotted Lanternfly
- Derby Events Calendar
- Upcoming Events in Hamden
- Orange Events Calendar
- Upcoming Events in Woodbridge
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| Help for Businesses Damaged in Flooding |
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On Monday, I joined Governor Ned Lamont and colleagues from across the Valley in Seymour to get a first-hand look at the damage from last week’s storm. While pictures give us an idea of the devastation, seeing it in person encapsulates what is necessary for a full cleanup and rebuild. It could take weeks or months for some businesses, roads, and neighborhoods to recover from the historic flooding.
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As a result, our state government is providing a lifeline to small businesses that continue to suffer in the aftermath of the flooding. Governor Lamont is allocating $5 million in state funding to launch a micro-grant program so those businesses can rebuild and recover from the damage.
Under this program, state grants of up to $25,000 will be available for small businesses and nonprofit organizations in Fairfield County, Litchfield County, and New Haven County that have fewer than 100 employees and experienced damage from the floods. Grants can be used to cover various expenses to help in the recovery, including those associated with cleanup efforts, replenishing lost inventory, and replacing equipment.
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The creek that did this damage (including ripping out a gas line from a building) is at least 20-30 feet below this point.
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The Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) will administer the program on behalf of the Women's Business Development Council (WBDC), a nonprofit organization based in Fairfield County that works to support business growth and job creation statewide.
I am grateful for Fran Pastore and the WBDC for lending support in this urgent time of need. Starting Tuesday, September 3, businesses can apply for a grant of up to $25,000, which they can use immediately. Applicants will be required to provide detailed descriptions of how their businesses were impacted and include photos, receipts, invoices, and estimates where applicable.
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If you have the means, please consider helping the families that were affected by the floods. The Orange Community Services Department is encouraging folks to donate goods to the Seymour Oxford Food Bank. The wish list there includes:
- Juice
- Canned Fruit
- Beef Stew
- Progresso Soup
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| Have a Happy & Safe Labor Day Weekend |
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I want to take a moment to wish everyone a very happy and safe Labor Day Weekend! This is a time to relax, enjoy with family and friends, and reflect on the hard work and dedication that we all put into our daily lives. I hope you can take this long weekend to recharge and come back refreshed.
Keep in mind that many town buildings will be closed on Monday, September 2.
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Connecticut State Police remind everyone to driver safely and sober. There will be extra patrols to take impaired drivers off the roads over Labor Day Weekend. The Connecticut Department of Transportation offers these alternatives:
- Designate a sober driver. Plan for a sober ride home before you go out. Even if you’ve had only one alcoholic beverage, don’t risk it.
- Use a rideshare program or public transportation. Plan ahead, download the apps, and be aware of the transit schedules in your area.
- Be a good friend. If you see someone about to get behind the wheel impaired, take their keys away and find them a safe way home. They may be mad at you, but they will thank you later.
- Call 911 to report drunk drivers. If someone witnesses a vehicle operating erratically, slow down and keep your distance. Call 911 to report the issue when it is safe to do so.
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| Battle Against Credit & Debit Card Skimming |
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The state is taking action after a spike in credit, debit, and EBT card skimming scams throughout the country. According to an analysis conducted earlier this year, the number of debit cards compromised in skimming crimes nearly doubled in 2023, impacting more than 315,000 cards and 3,500 financial institutions.
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Connecticut is working to educate consumers and frontline workers on the signs of potential fraud. Make sure you protect yourself when making a purchase. Before using a credit, debit, or EBT card, you should:
- Use the safest payment method available. Tapping your digital wallet or a contactless card can be safer than inserting or swiping your card. If that's not an option, inserting the card's chip is safer than swiping.
- Cover the pad when typing in your PIN.
- Check for a gas pump security tape.
- Pay at the cash register.
- Use credit cards instead of debit cards.
- Visually inspect the card reading device to see if something looks off or abnormal, such as sticky keys, an added bulk, or mismatched colors.
- Give the device a wiggle before using it to make sure it is intact.
- Inspect the card slot before inserting a card to see if it appears to be different or heavier than usual, or if any components seem loose or altered.
I encourage you to report suspected skimming devices or fraudulent purchases to store managers and law enforcement and file a complaint with the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection through ct.gov/DCP.
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American women won the right to vote with the ratification of the 19th Amendment on this week104 years ago. It brought us closer to living up to our nation’s most fundamental values of dignity, fairness, freedom, and equality.
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On Women's Equality Day, we recognized the courage of generations of visionaries who fought tirelessly for the sacred cause of women’s suffrage and all those who continue to work toward a more equitable future for women and girls in America.
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| Volunteer Firefighters Wanted in Orange |
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The Orange Volunteer Fire Department is looking for volunteers who are at least 18 years old. The department is looking for front line responders, dispatchers, as well as accountants, marketers, IT professionals, fundraising coordinators, and more. Volunteering is such rewarding work. CLICK HERE if you’re interested in serving in Orange.
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| Apply for the Legislative Internship Program! |
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If your college student is interested in getting a hands-on experience with our state government, then please encourage them to apply now for the 2025 Legislative Internship Program! It allows students to get college credit while meeting face-to-face with legislators, learning about the legislative process, taking part in a mock session in the House of Representatives, and so much more.
As the Co-Chair of the Internship Committee, it is my responsibility to ensure that students receive an unforgettable experience in Hartford. I will work diligently with anyone who's interested in taking part in the program.
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Here are some of the requirements:
- 18 years of age or older by start of program
- Enrolled in a Connecticut college or university
- Registered for a campus-based course to receive credit for the internship
- Minimum 20 credits completed by program start
- Minimum 2.7 cumulative GPA
The application deadline is Friday, November 1. CLICK HERE to learn more about the internship program.
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| What To Do If You See a Spotted Lanternfly |
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| The DEEP Wildlife Division is informing the public that if you spot a spotted lanternfly, report it, and kill it immediately. This relatively new plant pest to Connecticut represents a significant threat to our environment, including residential areas and agricultural interests, particularly forests, orchards, vineyards, and nurseries. |
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As spotted lanternfly nymphs and adults feed on the sap from trees and vines, the entire plant can weaken because it cannot photosynthesize as effectively. Spotted lanternflies also impact agricultural crops, often causing reduced yields and generally weakening the plants, if not completely destroying them.
If you think you have observed spotted lanternflies, do not attempt to move any wood or other potentially infested material from the site. Instead, report the sightings and kill the bug. |
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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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| Derby Neck Library is helping kids get ready for the start of the new school year with a kids’ book sale on Wednesday, September 4. You can bring any donations of gently used and new books or games/puzzles to the library anytime between now and September 1.
The library is also hosting a Back-to-School Supplies Raffle for youth and their families who participate before and during the book sale. CLICK HERE to learn more. |
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| Please stop by the Derby Green on Friday, September 6 at 6:30 P.M. for jazz quintet Chris Coogan! |
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| Upcoming Events in Hamden |
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| Take a look at the fliers and other upcoming events below. |
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| Check out the event and community calendar in Orange below. |
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| Make sure to check out the 42nd annual Odyssey Greek Festival for a weekend of everything Greek. St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church on Racebook Road invites you to a four-day party from Friday, August 30 through Monday, September 2. The Byzantine-style church will have food (the loukoumades are my favorite), dancing, music, a marketplace, and so much more.
CLICK HERE for more information on times and events. |
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| Fall is almost here, but the farms of Orange are still going strong! Visit the Farmers' Market on Thursdays under the pavilion at HPCC, or any of our local farms for amazing produce, flowers, milk, eggs, meats, and more! (Grassy Hill Farm, Fieldview Farm, Treat Farm, Shamrock Farm, Sunflower Farm, and Cedar Hill Farm just to name a few!)
Treat Farm is already reserving spots for its famous Corn Maze! Learn more here: https://www.treat.farm. |
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| Upcoming Events in Woodbridge |
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| Check out the fliers and community calendar in Woodbridge below. |
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| Townline Farm is opening its corn maze starting Friday, August 30. You will have some cow hoof prints to help you through because the map is only a suggestion. The maze will be open on weekends through Halloween weekend, which is Sunday, November 3. |
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