Remembering 9/11 & Road Work on I-95 and CT-15

September 13, 2024


The state is asking the federal government to help foot the bill for the cleanup and recovery stemming from historic flooding in August. Please keep scrolling to learn more about the governor's formal request.

This week, we remembered the victims and fallen heroes from the attacks on September 11. I participated in a touching event in Derby that reaffirmed our commitments to unity and resilience.

Crews will be working on I-95 and Route 15 in two separate projects. Read below to find out where there could be delays and detours in the 114th district.

Here are the sections in this week's email:

  • Request for Funding After Historic Flooding
  • Remembering 9/11
  • Road Work on I-95 and Route 15
  • Getting Derby Students Ready for College
  • Financial Education Discussion
  • Apply for the Legislative Internship Program!
  • Derby Events Calendar
  • Upcoming Events in Hamden
  • Orange Events Calendar
  • Upcoming Events in Woodbridge
 
Request for Funding After Historic Flooding
Governor Ned Lamont submitted a formal request to President Joe Biden for a major disaster declaration to secure funding after last month’s historic flooding. If granted, homeowners, businesses, state, and local governments would receive federal funding for cleanup and repairs.

FEMA’s preliminary damage assessment determined the storm destroyed 19 homes, which is unprecedented in Connecticut. Here’s a closer look at the numbers:

  • 170 homes suffered major damage
  • 615 homes suffered minor damage
  • 77 businesses suffered major damage
  • 51 businesses received minor damage
Click here to learn more
 
Remembering 9/11
On Wednesday in Derby, I had the privilege to stand in honor and remembrance of all who were lost in the September 11th attacks. We will never forget the heroic police officers, firefighters, first responders, and everyday citizens who were the first to jump into action and risked everything to help others.
Courtesy: Anthony Mullin
I was riveted listening to keynote speaker Ralph Black, who served as the Chief of Operations for the New Haven Fire Department, recall his experience at Ground Zero. Black was there as a member of a team of firefighters from New Haven who were trained in Critical Incident Stress Debriefing. They offered peer-to-peer support to first responders who were courageously working through the immense debris pile.
May we always remember the sacrifice that was on display on September 11, 2001 and stand united in resilience and hope.
 
Road Work on I-95 and Route 15
The state is improving our highways in two separate projects. The first is on I-95 north and southbound where crews are preserving the pavement in several communities including Orange and Woodbridge. CLICK HERE for more details.
The second project is on Route 15 where you can expect to see new sign supports in Orange, Woodbridge, and Hamden. According to the Connecticut Department of Transportation, the upgrades are necessary because the existing signs are too old, damaged, or not up to code. The project is expected to be completed in July 2026.
Click here for lane closures & detour information
 
Getting Derby Students Ready for College
Derby High School invites students and parents to a series of college and career readiness presentations. Organizers will break down the financial aid process on Wednesday, September 18 at 6:00 P.M. They will also cover everything you need to know about college and career planning, from application tips to exploring career paths. CLICK HERE to learn more about that event as well as a College Fair and the PSATs scheduled in October.
 
Financial Education Discussion
Team Inc is inviting the public to attend a free class on financial education covering household budgeting, starting/growing your savings, and credit repair. The event will be held on Tuesday, September 17 from 5:30 P.M. – 7:00 P.M. at Team Inc. School in Ansonia. Experts from Newtown Savings Bank and Bedrock Credit America will debunk financial myths and answer your questions.

This event is for adults of all income levels and financial know-how. Organizers will provide free dinner and childcare for children up to 10 years old.

Reserve your spot now
 
Apply for the Legislative Internship Program!
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 processs, 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.

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.

How to apply
 
Derby Events Calendar
Check out the events below, and click the button at the bottom of this section to access the community calendar in Derby.
Please stop by the Derby Green on Friday, September 13 at 6:30 P.M. to see The Alehounds perform Celtic folk and rock!
The Ladies Guild at Our Lady Queen of the Apostles Parish is hosting a paint and sip fundraiser. The event will be held Tuesday, September 17 at 6:00 P.M. at 212 Elizabeth Street.

$35 per person for Ladies Guild members and $45 for non-members.

Volunteers at Walnut Hill Community Church will loading bags of free food to those in need on Wednesday, September 18 from 5:30 P.M. - 6:30 P.M. on the Valley campus.
Taylor, Rihanna, Ariana, Beyonce, Miley, or Gaga. Which queen of pop music will reign supreme? Find out at Derby Neck Library's first-ever Musical Bingo Night on Thursday, September 19 at 6:30 P.M.

Choose your favorite singer, then check off her songs as they come up on a shuffled playlist. The winner of this event will receive a $10 Spotify Premium gift card.

Derby Community Calendar
 
Upcoming Events in Hamden
Take a look at the fliers and other upcoming events below.
Check out "Kung Fu Panda 4" at Villano Park on Friday, September 13. This family-friendly movie will start at dusk (around 7:00 P.M.). There is free entry and free parking, but you're encouraged to bring blankets and chairs. Food trucks and vendors will be at the park.
The Sleeping Giant Park Association (SGPA) will host its 100th Annual Meeting of Members on Saturday, September 14 at 10:00 A.M. at 200 Mount Carmel Avenue. All are welcome to attend and learn about SGPA’s current projects, and programs, and plans for the organization's next 100 years. CLICK HERE for more.
More Hamden Events
 
Orange Events Calendar
Check out the events and community calendar in Orange below.
Grassy Hill Farm invites you to the grand opening of its first-ever sunflower field, dedicated to Joe Moncheski Sr. This special event will take place on Saturday, September 14 from 4:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M. and will be a joyous occasion filled with vibrant sunflowers, live music, delicious food, and games for all ages!
You are invited to play pickleball and enjoy a light brunch on Sunday, September 15 from 9:00 A.M. - 11:00 A.M. at the Pickle Spot.
Orange Community Calendar
 
Upcoming Events in Woodbridge
Check out the fliers and community calendar in Woodbridge below.
The JCC of Greater New Haven is hosting the 13th Murray Lender 5K Bagel Run on Sunday, September 15 at 9:30 A.M. The starting line is at 360 Amity Road. In addition to the 5K, there will be a kids costume race, a family dance party, a bagel breakfast, and much more.

The JCC is offering FREE babysitting services during all races.

Register Here!
Woodbridge Community Calendar