My colleagues and I in the House, Senate, and Governor's Office are working collaboratively to advance legislation that strengthens early childhood care across the state. Please keep scrolling to learn about our House priority bill that would support children and working families.
The state has granted $50,000 to the Orange Volunteer Fire Department. I'll break down how this investment will protect firefighters and improve safety across our community.
Residents are already seeing the first signs of spring as bears come out of their dens. One actually entered a garage in Hamden a few days ago. Read below for some helpful tips if you encounter a bear.
Here are the sections and topics in this week's email:
Affordable and Accessible Childcare Bills
Funding for Orange Volunteer Firefighters
Local Firefighter Inducted Into Hall of Fame
In the News
Tips for Living with Bears
Delays Expected on Route 15 for Bridge Work
Weigh in on Former Country Club Property
Derby Events Calendar
Upcoming Events in Hamden
Orange Events Calendar
Upcoming Events in Woodbridge
Affordable and Accessible Childcare Bills
The Connecticut legislature is working tirelessly to address our crisis in childcare and early education. On Wednesday, we heard from teachers, providers, parents, and advocates who outlined their unique needs and challenges.
The Governor’s Office, House, and Senate have unveiled major pieces of legislation that reflect our commitment to improve childcare access, affordability, and working conditions.
House Priority Bill 5003, which I co-sponsored, will make a huge difference for our children, parents, and providers. The measure would expedite funding for families, attract and retain childcare educators, and enhance both new and existing childcare facilities. As Chair of the Early Childhood Caucus and Vice Chair of the Committee on Children, I understand that we need to invest in our children and our childcare workers.
My colleagues and I are working to improve early childhood care and education for children and providers.
Governor Ned Lamont hosted a roundtable discussion this week and shared his proposal to shift $300 million each of the next two years into a fund specifically created for early childhood education.
The entire legislature is working collaboratively to ensure this priority is addressed before end of the session on June 4.
Funding for Orange Volunteer Firefighters
I am pleased to share the Orange Volunteer Fire Department is receiving $50,000 in state funding to purchase a new self-contained breathing apparatus. This gear is essential in emergency situations, allowing firefighters to safely enter smoke-filled or toxic environments where clean air is limited or unavailable. It gives them the protection they need to do their jobs effectively and get back home safely.
Thank you to Governor Ned Lamont and the State Bond Commission for making this critical investment in the safety of our first responders. Our community is safer when they have the tools they need in emergencies.
Local Firefighter Inducted Into Hall of Fame
Congratulations to Father Kevin Donovan for his induction into the State of Connecticut Firefighters Hall of Fame! He served on six different fire departments including as a firefighter and chaplain for the Orange Volunteer Fire Department. His dedication, support, and unwavering commitment make a lasting impact on our community. Thank you, Father Donovan, for your service!
It’s spring, and this is a reminder that bears are waking up and leaving their dens. Some full-grown males may emerge thirsty, skinny, and hungry – scouring for food. On Tuesday morning, a large bear went into a garage on Brooksvale Avenue in Hamden. This comes on the heels of a bear sighting in a yard at Sanford and Newton Roadsin Woodbridge last week. The state is encouraging everyone to learn how to reduce bear encounters.
Drivers can anticipate delays on Route 15 North over Fountain Street in Woodbridge and New Haven for bridge maintenance. There may be intermittent lane closures between Exits 58 and 59 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Monday through Friday to reconstruct the bridge parapet. The plan is to eventually switch to the southbound lanes and repeat the process. Engineers believe the project will take three months.
Weigh in on Former Country Club Property
The Town of Woodbridge invites you to take a survey to determine how to use the property for the Former Country Club of Woodbridge. Organizers held the second community open house for the Community Collaboration Woodbridge Master Plan last week. You can CLICK HERE for more information including the survey!
Derby Events Calendar
Check out the event below, and click the button at the bottom of this section to access the community calendar.
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.
Check out the fliers and community calendar in Orange below.
You’re invited to stop by Case Memorial Library for Dungeon and Dragons for Tweens and Teens! D&D is a cooperative, storytelling tabletop roleplaying game where you and other players take on the roles of different characters within a fantasy story.
The event will take place on Saturday from 2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.CLICK HERE to register.
Check out the event below and click the button under that to access the Woodbridge community calendar.
Volunteers are wanted for trail maintenance at Fitzgerald Tract on Sunday from 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. They will be asked to:
assemble an 8-foot boardwalk
install it over a wet part of the Blue Trail that leads to Beecher Road
finish the Red Trail relocation into the woods adjacent to the Community Gardens
Volunteers will meet at the large Fitzgerald parking area off Beecher Road. Please bring sturdy footwear and work gloves. Leather gloves are recommended. CLICK HERE to volunteer.
