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This week, we pause to remember the victims and fallen heroes of the attacks on September 11. We honor the lives lost, the bravery of first responders, and the resilience of families and communities forever changed.
As we reflect, the community will honor several local first responders who have dedicated their lives to our safety and protection in the 114th District. Please keep scrolling to learn how some of our bravest are making a difference.
A local farm is sharing its success story after it expanded production in Woodbridge. I'll let you know how the state played a role in the process.
Here are the sections and topics in this week's email:
- Remembering 9/11
- Local First Responders To Be Honored
- Important Reminder: Secure Your Load
- Early Childhood Leader To Retire
- Woodbridge Farm's Success Story
- Odyssey '25: A Greek Festival
- Amity Library Media Center Plan
- In The News
- Derby Events Calendar
- Upcoming Events in Hamden
- Orange Events Calendar
- Upcoming Events in Woodbridge
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| On September 11, we remember all the lives lost – including those who later passed away from illnesses caused by exposure to toxic chemicals – and the countless lives that were forever changed on this day 24 years ago. |
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The Derby Fire Department will host a memorial ceremony to honor the victims tonight at 6 p.m. on the Derby Green. May we never forget the people whose lives were stolen from us and the first responders, construction crews, service members, and everyday citizens who saved lives and helped our country rebuild.
Though we move further away from that fateful day each year, we will never forget those we lost and never stop the fight against terror. |
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| Local First Responders To Be Honored |
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| The community will pay tribute to several local first responders for their exceptional public service. They will be recognized as either Firefighter or Police Officer of the year from their respective towns at the Amity Chamber of Commerce Community Awards on September 25 at the Courtyard by Marriott in Orange. Some of the honorees include Orange Firefighter Eric Auscavitch, Orange Police Sergeant Vin Landisio, and Woodbridge Police Officer John Lalli. |
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Firefighter Eric Auscavitch has been an active member of the Orange Volunteer Fire Association since 2012, where he has consistently demonstrated leadership, dedication, and service to the community. He has served as Assistant Chief and now leads as Chairman of the Equipment Committee. |
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Orange Police Sergeant Vin Landisio has led the department's effort to reestablish Orange as a HEARTSafe community, ensuring the highest survivability for sudden cardiac arrest. His leadership and experience improve safety for everyone in our community.
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Woodbridge Police Officer John Lalli has consistently demonstrated a high level of professionalism and commitment since joining the force in 2019. His exceptional investigative skills and unwavering dedication to traffic safety have set a standard within the department.
Congratulations to all three of these outstanding first responders! |
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| Important Reminder: Secure Your Load |
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| Courtesy: Madison Police Department |
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One person died in a crash on I-95 in Westbrook after plywood boards fell from a tractor-trailer, causing a chain reaction crash. It happened last Friday when several vehicles lost control due to the plywood that spilled onto the highway.
This is a reminder that unsecured loads are dangerous, illegal, and preventable. Please make sure your loads are tied down securely. |
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| Early Childhood Leader To Retire |
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| Governor Ned Lamont announced that Connecticut Office of Early Childhood Commissioner Beth Bye will be retiring from state service on October 1. While I have only served as the Chair of the Early Childhood Caucus for a short time, working and learning from Beth was one of the highlights. Thank you, Beth, for all you have done for children and families across Connecticut! |
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| Woodbridge Farm's Success Story |
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| Off Center Farm in Woodbridge is thriving after receiving some financial help from the state. The Department of Agriculture provided the farm with approximately $2,400 in microgrants to expand its business. |
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Off Center Farm used the funds to build a drying area for herbs and flowers (pictured to the left) and bought a 60 liter Alembic Distillation Kit (pictured below) to distill lavender, eucalyptus, and other botanicals that grow on the property year round.
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The investment has paid off, enabling Off Center Farm to at least double its plant drying capacity and essential oil production, opening the door to future expansion. The farm now has the ability to sell its products throughout the winter months.
This is a perfect example of how our state can help businesses build momentum and strengthen the economic viability of agriculture in Connecticut! |
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| Odyssey '25: A Greek Festival |
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| It was wonderful to attend the 43rd Annual Odyssey Festival, a celebration of Greek food, music, and culture at Saint Barbara Greek Orthodox Church. The festival is a beloved tradition that brings the community together, offering everything from authentic homemade dishes like baklava to lively music and traditional dancing. |
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| The Odyssey Festival provides a meaningful opportunity to experience and honor Greek heritage. I was thrilled to bump into State Senator James Maroney at the party as we both enjoyed the hospitality and warmth of the St. Barbara Church community. See you next year! |
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| Amity Library Media Center Plan |
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Amity High School is moving forward with its planned renovation, including a state-of-the-art library media center thanks in part to $1.35 million in state funding.
The school released renderings of the facility, which is designed to inspire learning, collaboration, and innovation for students. CLICK HERE to learn more. |
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| Check out the events and community calendar in Derby below. |
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| You have several opportunities to enjoy live music on the Derby Green in September. The next concert will be held tomorrow, on Friday, September 12 at 6:30 p.m. when Pane E Cioccolato performs some authentic Italian music. |
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| You are invited to learn about the historic transportation route known as the Old Woodbury Path, which connected Derby Landing and Woodbury. Two researchers will review the colorful history of the trail, its effect on early commerce, and its eventual demise. The event will be held on Saturday, September 13 at 11 a.m. at Derby Public Library. CLICK HERE to register. |
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| You're invited to join the Derby 350th Anniversary Pub Crawl on Saturday, September 20 from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. for an evening of fun, friends, and fantastic local pubs. Once you register, you will receive a commemorative t-shirt at the event and have access to a bus that will make continuous stops at all participating locations. Click on the image above to sign up! |
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| Connecticut Foodshare will give away free food to the community on Tuesday, September 23 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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| You're invited to participate in a week-long celebration bringing Hamden’s history to life through art, access to historic documents, music, and storytelling. Hamden Through Time will take place from Monday, September 15 through Saturday, September 20. CLICK HERE for the full schedule of events. |
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| Check out the flyers and community calendar in Orange below. |
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The Orange Volunteer Fire Association will host the 2025 Connecticut State Firefighters Association Convention and Parade, in conjunction with its 100th Anniversary Celebration. The event will take place from September 12-14, with the parade on Sunday, September 14 starting at 12:00 p.m.
There will be:
- 50 fire departments
- More than 100 fire apparatus & ambulances
- Four marching bands
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| The community is invited to visit the Orange Country Fair on Saturday, September 20 and Sunday, September 21 at the fairgrounds at 525 Orange Center Road. There will be tractor & truck pulls, a classic car show, live music, food, the Midway, and much more. CLICK HERE for more information including parking. |
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| Upcoming Events in Woodbridge |
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Check out the event and community calendar below.
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The JCC is hosting the 14th Murray Lender 5K Bagel Run, a kids costume race, and a two mile family fitness walk/run on Sunday, September 14. The starting line is at 360 Amity Road at the JCC Campus near the day camps' entrance. The course will take you through beautiful residential neighborhoods. CLICK HERE for the full schedule and to register for a race.
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