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We are seeing the results of our strong budgets! Connecticut has received another credit rating increase thanks to our sound fiscal management. I'll break down why this is such a big deal for taxpayers and the state's economy moving forward.
The state is offering an affordable pathway for students to apply to ten local colleges and universities. I'll dip deeper into the eligibility requirements for this free application!
Police in Woodbridge are reporting a spike in mail thefts leading to check fraud. Please read below for some tips to avoid becoming a victim.
Here are the sections and topics in this week's email:
- CT Earns Another Credit Rating Boost
- Free Application To Colleges & Universities
- Check Fraud Due To Mail Thefts
- Hamden Home Heating Assistance Available
- Derby Educator Honored
- Sleeping Giant Visitor Center Under Construction
- Derby Events Calendar
- Upcoming Events in Hamden
- Orange Events Calendar
- Upcoming Events in Woodbridge
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| CT Earns Another Credit Rating Boost |
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Thanks to sound fiscal management, Connecticut has earned another credit rating boost, this time from Moody's and Fitch. The two agencies attribute our strong budgets, aggressive pension liability payments, steady revenue growth, and long-term planning as key reasons for their decisions. These upgrades mark the seventh and eighth credit rating increases during the Lamont administration, a clear sign Connecticut is on the right track.
Moody’s raised Connecticut by one step to Aa2, and Fitch followed by lifting the state to AA from AA-. Both are the third-highest levels. |
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The boosts are more than symbolic because they:
- Lower borrowing costs for the state
- Create immediate and long-term savings for taxpayers
- Make Connecticut bonds even more attractive for investors
This means we can continue paying down pension debt while freeing up resources for critical investments in other core government services like education, housing, health care, social services, and much more.
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| Free Application To Colleges & Universities |
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Connecticut high school students are encouraged to take advantage of the Connecticut Automatic Admission Program (CAAP), which guarantees automatic college admission to students with strong grades.
Seniors with a 3.0 weighted GPA or 2.75 unweighted GPA can apply to 10 participating public and private colleges with just one free application—no essays, fees, or recommendation letters required. |
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Participating colleges and universities include:
- Southern Connecticut State University
- Central Connecticut State University
- Eastern Connecticut State University
- Western Connecticut State University
- University of New Haven
- University of Bridgeport
- Albertus Magnus College
- Goodwin University
- Mitchell College
- University of Hartford
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| Check Fraud Due To Mail Thefts |
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Woodbridge Police are warning everyone about a rash of mail thefts. Thieves are stealing business and personal checks from mailboxes and standalone U.S.P.S. mailboxes, including the one outside Town Hall and then fraudulently changing and cashing those checks for large sums of money.
The Woodbridge Police Department is working with the U.S. Postal Inspector’s Office to investigate and address these crimes. |
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Woodbridge Police recommend you do the following to avoid becoming a victim:
- Do not leave outgoing mail (with red flag raised), in your mailbox.
- Mail your business and personal checks inside of a Post Office.
- When writing a check, use ink. Fill out the sections of the check completely.
- Frequently monitor your banking activity to detect any fraudulent transactions.
- Report any suspicious activity, suspicious person, or suspicious motor vehicle.
If you are a victim or want more information, do not hesitate to contact the Woodbridge Police Department at (203) 387-2511.
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| Hamden Home Heating Assistance Available |
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| Hamden's Heating Oil Assistance program is available right now. It aims to help low-income households cover related costs over the winter. Eligible residents may apply once a year to receive 100 gallons of heating oil. This assistance is available to Hamden residents that meet program guidelines. |
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| The state recognized a member of the Derby Board of Education for his dedication to helping students, educators, and the school district. The Connecticut Association of Boards of Education named Kenneth Marcucio a "Master Board of Education Member." He completed at least 40 credits in board-related professional development activities. Marcucio is only one of five board of ed members across the state to be honored for the 2024-2025 school year. |
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| Marcucio has dedicated his career to Derby Public Schools. He has served on the Derby Board of Education for the past 20 years. Before that, he was a high school teacher for 36 years and the Athletic Director for 25 years. Congratulations on this prestigious award, Kenneth! |
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Sleeping Giant Visitor Center
Under Construction |
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| Crews have officially started building a visitor center at Sleeping Giant State Park. This long-awaited project will serve as a hub for park visitors, a place to learn about the Giant’s ecology, history, and recreation opportunities, as well as a space for park programs and community events. |
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| Courtesy: Mick Martucci |
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| Once the building is complete, the Sleeping Giant Park Association will furnish the interior with exhibits and interpretive materials to share the incredible stories of the Giant, from geology and wildlife to cultural history and recreation. |
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| Check out the events and community calendar in Derby below. |
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| You have a couple more opportunities to enjoy live music on the Derby Green. The next concert will be held tomorrow, on Friday, September 26 at 6:30 p.m. when The Barons perform Motown - R&B. The following week Old School will perform on Friday, October 3 at 6:30 p.m. |
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| You're invited to join the Derby Historical Society on a bus tour of the Valley on Sunday, September 28 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Tickets are limited and must be prepaid and reserved by contacting the Derby Historical Society at (203) 735-1908 or info@derbyhistorical.org. |
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| Can you make the best Haunted House at Derby Public Library? You're invited to drop by the Derby Public Library's Children Room on, Wednesday, October 1 or Thursday, October 2 to pick up a blank haunted house! Participants will have a week to return their decorated houses! Pick them up while supplies last! |
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| Connecticut Foodshare will give away free food to the community on Tuesday, October 7 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. |
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| Upcoming Events in Hamden |
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| Look at the flyers below to learn more about the upcoming events in Hamden. |
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| Your kids can paint a Super Mario character canvas or create their own character on Saturday, September 27 at 3 p.m. in the Friends Room at Miller Memorial Library. Acrylic paints will be used, so please dress accordingly. This program is intended for ages 6 and up. CLICK HERE to sign up. Supplies are limited. |
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| Check out the flyers and community calendar in Orange below. |
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You can enjoy fall vibes, local finds, signature drinks, and live music at Stappa Vineyard's Fall Market on Saturday, September 27.
Doors open: 11 a.m.
Market: 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Stay & Sip: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Live music: 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. |
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| Macci Farm is open this weekend for apple picking. You're invited to stop by from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Saturday, September 27 and Sunday, September 28 at 1018 Willard Road in Orange. |
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| Upcoming Events in Woodbridge |
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Check out the event and community calendar below.
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Runners are encouraged to register for the 43rd Annual 5K Road Race and Children's Fun Run on Saturday, October 4. The race will begin around 10:30 a.m. at Woodbridge Town Library at 10 Newton Road. It costs approximately $33 to register for the 5K.
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The 5th Annual Woodbridge Like Me Day will also be held October 4, immediately following the Road Race, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. New this year: the Chalk Art Festival! Help transform Meetinghouse Lane into a bright and joyful outdoor gallery.
Reserve your own **4x4 sidewalk square** and let your imagination shine, or drop by the open **Scribble Space** (no sign-up needed!) to add your creativity on the spot. All ages and skill levels welcome!
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