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| The new year brought us some winter weather in the form of snow and rain in the past week. Some homes and businesses lost power, and downed trees blocked roads. Remember to always use extra caution during winter storms. The Connecticut Department has some driving tips that serve as a reminder on how to keep you and your family safe on the roads.
I hope all of you have the lights back on and that the kids and pets had some time to go outside and enjoy the flakes! I know our dog Piper had a blast in her "barka!" |
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| The nation will be honoring the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. this weekend. Please read below to find out where you can take part in a local event to learn more about his leadership in the civil rights movement.
With temperatures dropping, Operation Fuel may be able to help if you are struggling to pay your utility bills. Keep scrolling to learn how to apply for energy assistance.
Here are the sections and topics in this week's email:
- Paying Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
- Operation Fuel Application Period Now Open
- Minimum Wage Increase
- Work on Heroes Tunnel
- Access Health CT Enrollment Deadline
- Hamden Warming Center Open
- Derby Events Calendar
- Upcoming Events in Hamden
- Orange Events Calendar
- Upcoming Events in Woodbridge
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| Paying Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. |
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| As we approach the weekend, let’s take a moment to reflect on and celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. His leadership led to the success of the civil rights movement. His actions played a pivotal role in achieving strides toward racial equality.
Dr. King continues to inspire and affect racial progress today. His work paved the way for positive change, fostering a society that values justice, equality, and human rights.
This weekend serves as an opportunity for all of us to commemorate Dr. King’s legacy. We can recommit ourselves to unity and justice while contributing to the ongoing pursuit of civil rights.
You are welcome to join Hamden as the community honors Dr. King's memory with a birthday celebration on Sunday, January 14 at 4:00 P.M at Bible Gospel Center. The robust program will include passionate speakers, musical performances, and light fare. The theme is “Holding Onto Hope In Tough Times.” |
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| The Valley MLK Committee is inviting everyone to attend and celebrate Dr. King's life on Monday, January 15. The event will start at 10 A.M. at the Ansonia High School Auditorium. Committee members will update the community on its goal to build a prominent MLK mural in the city of Derby. |
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| Operation Fuel Application Period Now Open |
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| If you're struggling to pay utility bills, Operation Fuel may be able to help.
Operation Fuel's energy assistance program opened this week for the Winter/Spring season. The organization will accept application until March 1 or until funds run out.
Households with incomes that do not exceed 75% of the State Median Income Guidelines may qualify for assistance. These households include -- but are not limited to -- the elderly, disabled, working families, or individuals facing a financial crisis. |
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Eligible clients may apply for energy assistance (gas, electric, oil, or other deliverable fuel) ONCE per year and receive a grant of UP TO $500.
For utility assistance (electric & gas), clients must show they made at least four payments in the past 12 months, must owe a past due amount, and provide at least four weeks of income information.
Operation Fuel is accepting applications for water and energy bill assistance for:
Electric: Eversource, United Illuminating (UI), and Norwalk Public Utilities
Gas: Eversource, UI, Yankee Gas, Southern Connecticut Gas (SCG), and Connecticut Natural Gas (CNG)
Water: CT Water and The Metropolitan District (MDC) |
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| For more information and to apply for assistance, click HERE. |
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| The state's minimum wage of $15 increased to $15.69 on January 1, 2024, as part of Connecticut’s first-ever economic indicator adjustment.
This increase was made possible thanks to legislation passed in 2019, which implemented five incremental increases in the minimum wage between 2019 and 2023, followed by future adjustments that are tied to the percentage change in the federal employment cost index. |
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| Beginning on January 1, 2024, and occurring annually each January 1, the state’s minimum wage will be adjusted according to the U.S. Department of Labor’s calculation of the employment cost index for the 12-month period ending on June 30 of the preceding year. The law requires the Connecticut Department of Labor to review this percentage change and then announce any adjustments by October 15 of each year. The minimum wage adjustments become effective on the next January 1. |
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Drivers can expect some slowdowns the next time they drive through Heroes Tunnel on Route 15 in New Haven near the Woodbridge town line. Crews are repairing and replacing the lights in the tunnel to improve visibility as part of a nearly $2.5 million project.
Drivers on the northbound side will be diverted onto the highspeed lane of the southbound Barrel. Those on the southbound lanes will be diverted onto the highspeed lane on the northbound Barrel.
Work will take place between 6:00 P.M. and 6:00 A.M. each evening. The Connecticut Department of Transportation expects the project to be completed in May. |
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| Access Health CT Enrollment Deadline |
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You are still eligible to enroll, renew coverage, and explore the various policy options with Access Health CT (AHCT), Connecticut’s official health insurance marketplace. Open enrollment ends on January 15.
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If you are interested and have questions about the program, there are several ways to receive free assistance:
- Online: Visit accesshealthct.com. You can learn more about the different plans and find free help online using the "live chat" feature.
- By phone: Call 1-855-805-4325. Help is available Monday - Friday,
8:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. Customers who are deaf or hearing impaired may use TTY at 1- 855-789-2428 or call with a relay operator.
- Work with a Broker: To find a Certified Broker or Enrollment Specialist, visit accesshealthct.com/get-help/
If you or your family need quality, affordable healthcare please don't miss this opportunity. Click here to learn more. |
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| Hamden Warming Center Open |
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| The Town of Hamden, in partnership with Columbus House, Inc., opened an overnight winter warming center for those experiencing homelessness in our community.
Hamden’s Warming Center is open every day through March 31st from 7 P.M. - 7 A.M. at the Keefe Community Center Gym at 11 Pine Street. |
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| The warming center does not provide any beds. The facility will offer a clean, safe, indoor overnight space to protect those in need from harsh weather conditions for those who would likely otherwise spend their nights outdoors. Hamden Police will provide walk-throughs on a nightly basis. |
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| Check out the events below and click the button under that to access the Woodbridge community calendar. |
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| A first introduction to story time featuring songs, rhymes, and interactive play to foster developmental and early literacy skills from 1:00 P.M. - 1:30 P.M. on Wednesday, January 17 at Derby Public Library. Ages: Birth to 18 Months. Older siblings are welcomed, but do not need to be registered. |
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| Need a night off from cooking? On January 19th, go down to Panera and order dinner! Your order will benefit all the kids of Bradley School! Field trips, author visits, field day, and other activities throughout the year are sponsored by the Bradley School PTA. Stop in and help out! |
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| I am happy to support my Derby colleague Rep. Klarides-Ditria's pet food drive on Sunday, January 28. Please stop by the Seymour Stop & Shop as volunteers collect much-needed food and pet supplies to benefit Coco’s Animal Rescue Efforts of Seymour!
Every donation is welcome, but organizers could specifically use:
- Purina ONE Kitten dry
- Purina ONE Kitten wet
- Iams sensitive stomach and skin adult dry
- Purina ONE adult wet PATE only
- Fancy Feast adult wet PATE any flavor
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| Upcoming Events in Hamden |
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| Take a look at the flier, and make sure to check out the button at the bottom of this section to learn about other events taking place in Hamden. |
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For $15 dollars you get to enjoy:
- 7:00 P.M. Tango class - open level
- 8:00 P.M. - 11:30 P.M. Milonga
- DJ: Mariana Fresno
- Tango Argentino "Carmencita"
- Snacks, drinks, and wine
The event is taking place at Your Community Yoga Center on Putnam Avenue. CLICK HERE to register. |
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| Check out the flier and community calendar in Orange below. |
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| Stop by Mission BBQ on Saturday from 11:00 A.M. - 1:00 P.M. to have cocoa with a cop. Join Orange Police officers for a chat and some hot chocolate! |
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| Upcoming Events in Woodbridge |
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| Check out the event below and click the button under that to access the Woodbridge community calendar. |
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| Drawing on the discoveries of modern science as well as the wisdom of the world’s cultures, Journey of the Universe tells a compelling story of evolution and our role in the web of life. CLICK HERE to register for the event at the Woodbridge Town Library Meeting Room. |
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