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Dear Neighbor,
Our streak of double-digit weekend weather is set to come to an end in a big way. Beginning Sunday at noon, an Extreme Hot Weather Protocol will go into effect at least through Wednesday! There are more details below.
This is a time to not only look out for yourself but also for our most vulnerable, who could be exposed to these conditions and need some assistance.
Travel scams, including fraudulent websites posing as legitimate services offering to assist with passport and visa documentation, are on the rise. I've included some information to help spot these scams.
There's also a note on CT Tourism, which boasts of what Connecticut has to offer its residents and visitors at this time of year, and much more.
The contents of this week's newsletter include:
- Around the 41st District
- In Effect Sunday: Extreme Hot Weather Protocol
- Major Public Acts for 2025 Session
- Beware: Travel Scams
- CT Tourism
- June 28th: Free Paddle and Nature Exploration Event @ Bluff Point
- Reminder: Groton Public Schools-Electric Boat STEM Summer Camp
- Reminder: CT State Library Offers Summer Reading List
- CT Department of Transportation News
- Veterans Resources & Updates
- Community Events And Notices
Do not hesitate to contact me with any thoughts or concerns you may have at Aundre.Bumgardner@cga.ct.gov or 1-800-842-8267.
Sincerely,
Aundré Bumgardner
State Representative
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Juneteenth is a day that calls us to remember our history, honor the resilience of Black Americans, and reflect on the long road toward justice and freedom. But it’s also a celebration of progress made, of culture and community, and of the generations that continue to push for equity and liberation.
For me, Juneteenth is a deeply personal reminder of the power of perseverance and the strength of our ancestors. As a community, it’s a time to recommit ourselves to building a future grounded in dignity, truth, and opportunity for all.
From the 2022 bill signing aboard the Amistad, where we officially made Juneteenth a state holiday, surrounded by so many incredible community members, along with current and former colleagues. |
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| The rain didn’t stop a peaceful rally in our community today. Grateful to stand with neighbors, organizers, and young people committed to justice and unity. No Kings. Just the power of the people. |
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I had the honor of attending Mystic Youth Pride at Union Baptist Church—a powerful, welcoming space celebrating LGBTQIA+ youth and families.
From creative activities to youth services and wellness resources, today’s event reminded us just how important it is to create affirming environments where young people can show up as their full selves.
To every parent, caregiver, educator, and advocate showing up for our LGBTQIA+ youth: thank you. You’re helping build a future rooted in love, dignity, and belonging.
Mystic shows once again that when we lead with compassion, we all rise. |
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Due to an anticipated stretch of high temperatures, the state is activating its Extreme Hot Weather Protocol, effective at noon on Sunday, June 22. The protocol will remain in effect through at least 8 p.m. on Wednesday, June 25.
This is the first time this year that the protocol is being activated. The current forecast predicts temperatures to exceed 90 degrees during this period, with a heat index that could range from 100 to 105 degrees.
The purpose of activating the protocol is to ensure that the most vulnerable populations receive protection from the hot conditions. While in effect, a system is established for state agencies, municipalities, and other partners to coordinate with United Way 2-1-1, ensuring that information regarding cooling centers is available statewide and providing a location for those in need of relief.
Cooling centers will be available throughout the state. Anyone in need of a place to get out of the heat can locate their nearest cooling center by calling 2-1-1 or viewing the list that will be published online at 211ct.org. |
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The Office of Legislative Research, along with the Office of Fiscal Analysis, has compiled brief descriptions of the most significant, far-reaching, and publicly debated acts adopted by the General Assembly in its 2025 regular session.
Please click on the image below to have a look. |
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As you make plans to travel this summer, it is important to stay alert, especially when it comes to scams targeting travelers like you.
There is a rise in fraudulent websites posing as legitimate services offering to assist travelers with passport and visa documentation. These sites charge users fees to access application forms, which are free through the official U.S. Department of State website. These sites aim to collect your private and personal information and charge unnecessary fees.
How to spot these scams:
- Be cautious of third-party sites with URLs that do not end in ".gov"
- Avoid advertisements that promote "fast results" or "shortcuts" for obtaining your passport or visas
Make sure you are planning ahead of your trip by researching official passport processing times directly through the U.S. Department of State, and give yourself plenty of time to obtain your documentation before your scheduled trip to avoid looking for a fast solution and becoming a victim of one of these scams. If you come across a suspicious website, report it to the Federal Trade Commission at: https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/
Keep you and your family safe while traveling this summer by staying informed and aware of any potential scams. Safe travels!
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Hot days, cool drinks, baseball, and barbecues are popular staples during the summer but Connecticut, from one end of the state to the other, offers so much more.
Connecticut is home to 110 state parks, 32 state forests, 29 state campgrounds, 117 state boat launches, and 4 coastal state beaches that provide a number of recreational opportunities, along with many other attractions and nationally ranked restaurants.
Two new trails guide visitors on some of the more unique experiences the state has to offer, including the Connecticut Oyster Trail and the Connecticut Christmas Movie Trail. Later this year, the state will officially launch the Connecticut Pizza Trail to celebrate its designation as the Pizza Capital of the United States.
The best way to explore tourism destinations and find activities to do in the state is by visiting the official Connecticut Tourism website HERE. |
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There's more.
Litchfield County was ranked as one of the best places to go in 2025 and Mystic Seaport Museum was the “#2 Best Open-Air Museum” for the second consecutive year.
Hungry?
Several CT chefs and restaurants have gained national recognition, including chef David Standridge of The Shipwright’s Daughter in Mystic capturing the world-renowned James Beard Award for best chef in the northeast, and several others named semifinalists, including Renee Touponce of Oyster Club and The Port of Call in Mystic who was nominated in the outstanding chef category, and Coracora in West Hartford nominated for outstanding restaurant.
Seasons change quickly. With all that it has to offer, summertime in Connecticut is one you don't want to miss. |
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Come on out!
Have some fun and learn how to paddle (kayaks and canoes will be available to borrow) with CT DEEP Boating, explore the beach and catch critters with Mystic Aquarium and Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center, and enjoy other family fun activities led by the CT Reserve, CT Sea Grant, the Town of Groton, CT DEEP Parks, and NESS. There will be something for everyone! Register for the event HERE.
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Groton Public Schools has officially accepted a generous $17,000 donation from Electric Boat to support the GPS Elementary Summer STEM Camp, which will serve approximately 180 students in grades K–5.
The 4-day camp will run half days from July 7–10, 2025, at Charles Barnum Elementary School, offering hands-on exploration in engineering, computer science, and team building.
The donation helps fund teachers, paraprofessionals, a nurse, a secretary, transportation, and supplies. Families contribute a small $25 registration fee, keeping the program affordable and accessible. |
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| This is a fantastic example of how public-private partnerships strengthen educational opportunities and prepare our young learners for the future. Please reach out to Ben Moon, Director of STEM & Magnet Programs, K-5 at bmoon@groton.k12.ct.us for more information. |
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| Our libraries have a lot of books, and through resource sharing, we have access to even more books! For the first time, the CT State Library is offering a Suggested Summer Reading List for all grade levels. |
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The Suggested Summer Reading list has been compiled around this year's theme, Level up at Your Library, an all-ages summer reading program. The suggested list is just that, suggested!
The list has been created with accessibility in mind and it's a guidance that matches the age breakdowns and number of titles as the Department of Education reading challenge lists.
Click here to access the list. |
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The CTDOT has announced a series of public meetings and pop-up events to gather input on the proposed fare increases on rail services in Connecticut, including Shoreline East.
The following fare increases are being proposed:
- Proposed 5% fare increase on Metro-North Railroad services in Connecticut (New Haven Line and the New Canaan, Danbury, and Waterbury Branch Lines), CTrail Hartford Line, and Shore Line East services, effective September 1, 2025.
- Proposed 5% fare increase on Metro-North Railroad services in Connecticut (New Haven Line and the New Canaan, Danbury, and Waterbury Branch Lines), CTrail Hartford Line, and Shore Line East services, effective July 1, 2026.
The public comment period will run from June 6 to July 6, 2025.
The public meetings will be conducted in person in Stamford and New Haven on June 23 and June 24, and virtually via Zoom on June 30 and July 1. During open house hours on June 23 and June 24, CTDOT staff will be available for informal questions and answers. For the in-person meetings, registration is encouraged; however, it is only required for those who wish to provide a comment during the meetings. Registration is required for the virtual public meetings.
In-Person Meetings:
Stamford Ferguson Public Library | 1 Public Library Plaza, Stamford, CT 06904
DATE
Monday, June 23, 2025
TIME
4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. (open house)
5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. (public meeting)
ACCESS VIA PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
Kennedy Mitchell Hall of Records | 200 Orange Street, New Haven, CT 06510
DATE
Tuesday, June 24, 2025
TIME
4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. (open house)
5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. (public meeting)
ACCESS VIA PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
Virtual Meetings:
DATE
Monday, June 30, 2025
TIME
7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
To register, click HERE.
DATE
Tuesday, July 1, 2025
TIME
12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
To register, click HERE.
CTDOT staff will also hold pop-ups at the following rail stations to receive public feedback in person:
- Wednesday, June 25, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at New London Union Station.
- Thursday, June 26, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Hartford Union Station.
For more information on how to attend the public meetings and information on proposed changes, click HERE.
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Temporary Signalization on Route 215 in Groton
A temporary signal was implemented on Route 215 in Groton on Monday, June 9th. It will be de-energized in November 2025. Project No. 0058-0338 consists of replacing the culvert headwalls and relining the existing culvert pipe under Route 215 at Anderson Marsh and Beebe Cove.
LANE CLOSURE/DETOUR INFO
There will be continuous single-lane closure on Route 215 from June 9 to November 2025. Traffic control signing, temporary pavement markings, and the temporary signal will guide motorists through the work zone in an alternating one-way manner.
Motorists should be aware that modifications or extensions to this schedule may become necessary due to weather delays or other unforeseen conditions. Motorists are advised to maintain a safe speed when driving in this area.
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Culvert Replacement on Route 215 in Groton
A culvert replacement at Anderson Marsh and Beebe Cove will be performed on Route 215 in Groton. Minor construction and utility work have already commenced.
This project is scheduled to typically occur on Mondays through Fridays with anticipated completion on November 22, 2025.
The project will address the deterioration of the existing headwalls and the separation of the culvert sections spanning Anderson Marsh and Beebe Cove on Route 215 in Groton, Connecticut. The project is scheduled to be completed on November 22, 2025.
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| This project is to be completed on Friday, August 22, 2026. At applicable locations, pedestrian control features, such as countdown pedestrian indications, accessible pushbuttons, and sidewalk ramps, will be upgraded to improve accessibility and pedestrian safety. |
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As the State Representative for Groton, Mystic, and Stonington, home to a strong military community and the U.S. Naval Submarine Base, I am committed to ensuring Veterans, active-duty service members, and military families have access to the latest updates, resources, and opportunities.
Below are important events, legislative updates, and benefit programs that may be of interest to our district’s Veterans. |
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Upcoming Events for VeteransWreaths Across America – Start Sponsoring Now!Every year, we strive to place a wreath on all requested graves at the Connecticut Veterans Cemetery and Col. Gates Cemetery. You can sponsor early to help us reach our goal. Sponsor Here2025 Municipal Veteran Representative Training – June 13, 2025A vital event for all Municipal VetReps who assist Veterans in accessing services.
Legislative & Policy Updates
2025 Connecticut General Assembly Session Opened January 8Veterans can track bills related to military benefits, tax relief, and more using the General Assembly’s Bill Tracking Tool: Track Bills HereHow to Get a Copy of Your DD 214
- Your DD 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) is critical for accessing VA benefits. Here’s how to obtain a copy:
- Check with your Town Clerk – Many Veterans file their DD 214 with their local town clerk.
- Contact CT Veterans Affairs – They have an archive of 130,000 DD 214s. Email oaa.dva@ct.gov for assistance.
- Submit a Request to the National Archives – The fastest way is online: Request Here
- If Needed for Burial or Military Honors – Funeral directors have priority retrieval access.
Applying for a Discharge UpgradeVeterans with less than honorable discharges due to PTSD, TBI, Military Sexual Trauma (MST), or sexual orientation (Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell) may be eligible for an upgrade. Learn more and apply online: Discharge Upgrade InstructionsMunicipal Veterans Representative ProgramEach town must appoint a Veterans Representative to help Veterans access services. Find your local VetRep here: Locate Your Rep2025 Veterans Benefits Guide Available for DownloadThe latest edition of the VA’s "Veterans Benefits for Veterans, Dependents, Survivors, and Caregivers" is now available: Download Here
Stay Connected & Get Involved
I encourage all Veterans, military families, and community members to stay informed and engaged. You can sign up for the Connecticut DVA Newsletter to receive future updates: Subscribe Here.For those looking to connect with fellow Veterans, share stories, and access important resources, consider attending a Veterans Coffeehouse near you. These gatherings provide a welcoming space for Veterans to socialize and receive information about benefits and services:
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- Groton – 2nd & 4th Friday of the month, 9 AM – 11 AM
- Groton Public Library – 52 Newtown Road
- Mystic – 1st & 3rd Thursday of the month, 9 AM – 11 AM
- Mystic Congregational Church – 43 East Main Street
- Pawcatuck – 2nd & 4th Thursday of the month, 9 AM – 11 AM
- Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center – 27 Chase Street
For more locations and information, contact:
Gina King, Director, Senior Volunteer Services
gking@tvcca.org | 860-425-6617
If you have any issues, concerns, or ideas related to Veteran services, military families, or legislative priorities, please feel free to reach out to my office. Your service and sacrifices deserve to be honored with the best support possible.
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