Special Education Update & Help for Firefighters

May 9, 2025


 
 

My colleagues and I are working tirelessly to improve upon our proposals concerning special education. Please keep scrolling to read my column which clarifies that we are committed to putting the needs of children and families first.

We passed a bill expanding the firefighters cancer relief program. Read below to learn how this legislation will make a difference for our first responders and their families.

Derby is making strides toward revitalizing a historic opera house. I'll take a closer look at how that dream is closer to becoming a reality.

A local establishment is on the brand new Pizza Capital Trail, a celebration of our state's top pizzerias! You have to read below to see which small business made the list.

Here are the sections and topics in this week's email:

  • Clarification on Special Ed
  • Firefighters Cancer Relief Program
  • New Deal to Help Revitalize Opera House
  • Baseball Champs Honored
  • Join Me at a Town Hall in Hamden
  • Woodbridge Volunteer Firefighters Honored
  • Derby Elks Lodge Turns 125!
  • Local Pizza Shop Recognized for Excellence
  • Derby Events Calendar
  • Upcoming Events in Hamden
  • Orange Events Calendar
  • Upcoming Events in Woodbridge
 

Clarification On Special Ed

I recently wrote a column in the Milford-Orange Times trying to clarify our work on special education legislation. As a member of the Select Committee on Special Education, I understand there has been confusion around our proposals. I want to make it clear that my colleagues and I have not agreed upon the final language, and we will work on it intensely over the next month.

Our goal is to create policy that increases transparency and accountability over the costs of special education and hopefully make the process simpler for families and schools, find ways to support our special education teachers, and ensure that taxpayer dollars are used properly. But most importantly, our goal is to set our children up for the best chance at success. I will continue to keep you updated as this work in progress continues to evolve.
Click here to read my entire column
 

Firefighters Cancer Relief Program

The House voted Wednesday to make important changes to the Firefighters Cancer Relief Program including:

  • the expansion of the types of cancers covered to include skin cancer
  • the authorization of workers’ compensation administrative law judges to handle appeals of any denial of benefits
 

New Deal to Help Revitalize Opera House

Derby is making progress toward the revitalization of the Sterling Opera House after signing a contract with a firm to renovate and reopen the facility. The $100,000 deal will allow Steinberg Hart to conduct a study including a review and assessment of the building. According to the contract, the study is expected to take about three months.

I helped secure a $100,000 grant in our 2023 state budget to evaluate needed repairs and renovations. I'm thrilled to see the Derby Board of Aldermen & Alderwomen moving forward with the plan! CLICK HERE to learn more.
 

Baseball Champs Honored

The community gathered for Opening Day to celebrate the accomplishments of the Beth-Wood Baseball 12U/70 District All Stars! Last year, the team won the New England Regional Championship and represented Connecticut at the 12U Cal Ripken Major/70 World Series in Branson, Missouri. They were the first Beth-Wood Baseball team advance to that World Series.

The players, coaching staff, and parents should all take great pride in not just the results, but the lessons of hard work, perseverance, and sportsmanship they acquired to reach this milestone. You all stand as a model for others to emulate! Congratulations!
 

Join Me at a Town Hall in Hamden

Join me and the entire Hamden Delegation to learn more and ask questions about our legislative priorities. The community town hall will take place on Friday, May 16 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Miller Memorial Library (2901 Dixwell Ave., Hamden). 

This forum provides an opportunity for residents to raise their concerns, share feedback, and ask questions. I look forward to see you there!
 

Woodbridge Volunteer Firefighters Honored

The Woodbridge Volunteer Fire Department recognized its amazing members at the annual Officers & Awards Dinner. Organizers acknowledged several firefighters for their amazing work helping others and for their many years of service. Congratulations!
 

Derby Elks Lodge Turns 125!

Derby Elks Lodge 571 celebrated its 125th anniversary last week at a fun gala. Thank you to the Derby Elks for all you do to support our community!
 

Local Pizza Shop Recognized for Excellence

The state of Connecticut created The Pizza Capital Trail, a celebration of Connecticut’s top 100 independent pizzerias. It turns out you don’t have to go too far to get an amazing slice as Roseland Apizza in Derby finished sixth on the list!

The full list of the top 100 pizzerias, along with the Connecticut Pizza Capital Trail map, will launch this fall, just in time for National Pizza Month in October. There will be a statewide bus tour that will spotlight stops across the trail.
Click here to see the top 20 pizzerias
 

Derby Events Calendar

Check out the events and community calendar in Derby below.
Derby Community Calendar
 

Upcoming Events in Hamden

Look at the fliers below to learn more about the upcoming events in Hamden.
More Hamden Events
 

Orange Events Calendar

Check out the flier and community calendar in Orange below.

You do not want to miss the plant sale at the High Plains Community Center Pavilion! It will be held on Saturday from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Orange Center Road.

You're invited to spend two hours on Monday, May 12, from 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. at High Plains Community Center with well known and respected Director Nancy Herman who will guide you through a series of improvisation scenarios and techniques. CLICK HERE to register!
Orange Community Calendar
 

Upcoming Events in Woodbridge

Check out the events and community calendar below.

You can create a beautiful, fresh flower arrangement to adorn a wine bottle in advance of Mother's Day. This hands on class at Townline Farm will teach you floral design basics, bow making, and help you create a beautiful gift for yourself or someone special. The class will be held on Saturday at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The cost is $65 per person. CLICK HERE to register.
Woodbridge Community Calendar