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As the kids return to school, now is a good time to remind everyone to slow down for school buses. Please read below to find out how much police could fine you for not following the law.
Those who have debt from college can apply for help through the state's Student Loan Reimbursement Program. Find out how you can apply for financial relief.
Woodbridge residents are eligible for a free energy audit of your home. Keep reading to learn how you can take advantage of this deal!
Here are the sections and topics in this week's email:
- School Bus Safety as Kids Return to School
- Children's Champion Award
- Labor Day Weekend Safety
- Apply Now For Student Loan Relief
- Free Energy Audit For Your Home
- One Year Since Deadly Floods
- New Woodbridge Police Chief
- Derby Fire Company Celebrates 75 Years!
- Apply For Small Business Grants
- Derby Events Calendar
- Upcoming Events in Hamden
- Orange Events Calendar
- Upcoming Events in Woodbridge
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| School Bus Safety as Kids Return to School |
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It's an exciting time of the year for our kids and educators who are back in the classroom! I hope every student had an amazing start to the new school year. Next week, students in Derby will follow suit and return to school.
This is also a time to remind drivers that the law requires you to slow down for school buses in your neighborhood. Here is the breakdown for any driver who fails to stop when a school bus is displaying its flashing red signal lights:
- First offense: $450 fine
- Following offenses: $500 - $1,000 fine, up to 30 days in jail, or both.
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| Children's Champion Award |
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| I was deeply honored to receive the CT Early Childhood Alliance's Children's Champion award this week in Hamden. This recognition means so much because it reflects the tireless efforts of advocates, educators, families, and legislators who are working together to build a stronger foundation for our youngest learners. |
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| Supporting Connecticut's early childhood community has been one of the most rewarding parts of my work. Through initiatives like the Early Start CT program, we are making real progress in ensuring every child has access to the care, support, and opportunities they need to thrive from the start. |
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| I am grateful to the Early Childhood Alliance for this award, and I remain committed to strengthening programs, policies, and investments that lift up children and families across the state. Together, we can create a brighter future for the next generation. |
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| I would like to wish everyone a happy and safe Labor Day Weekend! Law enforcement is reminding drivers to make safety a priority by not getting behind the wheel while impaired. You can expect to see an increased police presence across the state. If your plans include drinking, plan for a sober ride home. |
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The Connecticut Department of Transportation encourages these safe alternatives:
- Designate a sober driver. Even one alcoholic beverage can impair your ability to drive; don’t take the risk
- Use a taxi, a rideshare program, or public transportation. Plan by downloading apps and checking local transit schedules
- Be a good friend. If someone is about to drive impaired, take their keys and help them find a safe way home. They might be upset in the moment, but they’ll thank you later
- Report impaired drivers. If you see someone driving erratically, slow down, keep your distance, and call 911 when it’s safe to do so
For more information on the dangers of impaired driving, visit nhsta.gov.
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| Apply Now For Student Loan Relief |
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You can apply for help once again with Connecticut's Student Loan Reimbursement Program, providing up to $5,000 annually, with a four-year cap at $20,000, to eligible applicants who meet service and income requirements.
Recent changes have expanded eligibility for Connecticut’s student loan relief program, helping it reach more residents burdened by student debt.
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The following includes the program’s key eligibility requirements:
- Connecticut resident for at least five consecutive years
- Outstanding student loan balance and made a qualifying payment in 2024
- Graduated from a Connecticut college/university, or attended a program to earn a professional license/certificate
- Income limits: $125,000 for individuals and $175,000 for married applicants
- 50 hours of verified volunteer service since Jan. 1, 2024, at a qualifying nonprofit, municipal agency, or through military service
Applicants must create an account, complete the application, and upload all required documents to be considered. Click here to create an account and apply.
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| Free Energy Audit For Your Home |
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| Those who live in Woodbridge have an opportunity to schedule a free energy audit of your home before Sunday, August 31. Experts with HeatSmart will evaluate your home's energy performance, run a safety check of the current heating system, add weather stripping, seal air leaks, and much more. |
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| Technicians must complete the home audit by October 31. CLICK HERE to learn more. |
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| One Year Since Deadly Floods |
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| The Town of Oxford gathered last week to remember the victims of historic floods who died one year ago. Rushing water swept away Ethelyn Joiner and Audrey Rostkowski on August 18, 2024 despite valiant efforts to save them. Organizers unveiled two benches built in their memory. |
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| Additionally, the flash floods destroyed numerous homes, businesses, and roads. The severe rainfall resulted in evacuations, rescues, and more than two dozen road closures. My heart goes out to everyone affected by that devastating storm. |
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| New Woodbridge Police Chief |
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Congratulations to our new Woodbridge Police Chief Ronald Smith, Jr.! He promises to serve our community with integrity, transparency, and respect.
Smith has decades of experience in law enforcement including serving as Woodbridge's Deputy Chief of Police for the past four years. Prior to that, Smith worked at the Hamden Police Department. |
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| Derby Fire Company Celebrates 75 Years! |
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| East End Hose Company #3 of the Derby Fire Department celebrated its 75th anniversary. Thank you to all the firefighters for your service to the community! |
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| Apply For Small Business Grants |
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| The Women's Business Development Council invites women-owned and child care businesses to apply for grants. The Child Care Business Opportunity Fund provides grants of up to $25,000 to qualified licensed and aspiring child care businesses from start-ups to those ready to expand. Qualifying child care businesses can apply now through August 31. CLICK HERE for more information. |
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The Ignite Program is taking applications of up to $10,000 that support the growth of women-owned businesses in Connecticut. Here are some of the qualifications:
- The company must have been in business for two or more years
- Applicants must have revenues between $25K and $2 million
Applications are open through September 16. Learn more HERE.
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| Check out the events and community calendar in Derby below. |
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| Join the block party on Saturday, August 30 from 6 p.m. - 11 p.m. in front of the Derby Elks Club. You will enjoy food, music, and great company in the community! |
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| You have several opportunities to enjoy live music on the Derby Green in September. The next concert will be held on Tuesday, September 2 at 7 p.m. when The Bernadettes take the stage and play R&B, Funk, and Soul music. |
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| Connecticut Foodshare will give away free food to the community on Tuesday, September 9 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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| Check out the flyers and community calendar in Orange below. |
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| The Orange Community Farmers' Market is happening every Thursday including today and September 4 from 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. through September at the Pavilion of the High Plains Community Center. Products are grown in Connecticut, ranging from eggs, flowers, milk, meats, soaps, plants, in-season vegetables, and more. Each week there will be vendors showcasing fresh products. |
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| You're invited to Summerfest on Saturday, September 6 from 3 p.m. – 7 p.m. at High Plains Fairgrounds. This free family event will feature food trucks, live music, arts, crafts, face painting, a bounce house, and obstacle course. You can also try your hand in a cornhole tournament, which raises funds for the Rotary Club. |
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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. It promises to be a weekend filled with festivities, camaraderie, and pride. |
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| Upcoming Events in Woodbridge |
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Check out the event and community calendar below.
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Massaro Community Farm is hosting a free potluck supper and movie on Friday, August 29 from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. You're encouraged to bring a dish, a serving spoon, blankets, and lawn chairs.At dusk, attendees will watch a short film called "Turning Back the Climate Clock." The movie highlights the work farmers and researchers are doing around the planet to meet climate challenges. The rain date is Saturday, August 30.CLICK HERE to register.
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